Photovoltaics, or “PV” for short, are the rapidly expanding methods of converting solar energy – essentially energy from the sun – into electricity using semiconducting materials. The process has huge implications when it comes to renewable energy, and because of that, jobs are being created all over the state. Today, there are nearly 174,000 solar workers in the U.S. Learn more about the photovoltaics field and how it relates to solar energy.
Career Examples
- Mechanical assembler
- Residential PV system designer
- PV technician
- Solar site assessor
- Semiconductor processor
- Glazier
- Machine setter
- Electrical installer, repairer, and assembler
- Industrial production manager
Salary Information
The median national salary for an electrical and electronics engineering technician is $51,060.
Keys to Succeeding
- Basic understanding of machinery
- Customer-service skills
- Detail-oriented and can follow instructions
- Mechanical skills
- Physical strength (can lift up to 40 pounds, the weight of a single panel)
- Understanding of basic engineering concepts
