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Energy can be harnessed directly from the sun, even in cloudy weather. Creating solar energy by utilising photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity would lower emissions from electricity generation and decrease long term energy costs. As the solar industry expands in Trinidad and Tobago there will be a need for construction workers to build power plants and various solar generations occupations to generate electricity.
Generally, the Solar Photovoltaic Installers role covers a range of activities; attaching the panels to the roofs of houses and other buildings, work with hand and power tools at heights, and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring. Additionally, they provide maintenance and repair work to the panels. The solar photovoltaic installers follow work procedures, health and safety requirements and product specifications to prevent damage to equipment, the environment and injury or fatalities.
At the senior level, the role covers the knowledge and understanding of applicable regulations, standards, equipment and systems, physical sciences, engineering principles and efficiency as well as environmental safety. Essential competencies include communicating effectively with employees, estimating jobs, along with supervising and managing the solar installation team.
At this level the supervised worker prepares the work area, tools and equipment for basic maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) arrays and systems.
He or she must also be able to follow health, safety and environmental procedures, respond to hazards and emergencies in the workplace and maintain an effective work environment.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for maintenance of PV systems.
Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as perform basic cleaning activities.
Perform manual handling and lifting.
Maintain safe access and egress during maintenance of PV systems.
Identify drawing requirements.
Contribute to the protection of the environment.
Written and Verbal Communication
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethic
More than 1-year experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Craftsman Certificate
- Photovoltaic (PV) Technician (Electrical/Mechanical/Structural)
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare the work area as well as tools, equipment and materials for maintenance of PV systems.
Store materials, tools and equipment after use as well as perform basic cleaning activities.
Perform manual handling and lifting.
Maintain safe access and egress during maintenance of PV systems.
Identify drawing requirements.
Contribute to the protection of the environment.
Employability Skills:
Written and Verbal Communication
Work in teams
Basic troubleshooting skills
Organized and able to follow instructions
Detail-oriented
Customer relations
Good Work Ethic
Qualification and Experience:
More than 1-year experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Craftsman Certificate
Articulation:
Photovoltaic (PV) Technician (Electrical/Mechanical/Structural)
At this level the skilled worker is responsible for installing, testing and commissioning PV modules, inverters and Balance of Systems (BOS) components in residential and commercial solar projects whilst ensuring that the system works.
He or she must also be able to complete technical reports and other documentation as well as maintain an effective work environment by following health and safety requirements when performing tasks.
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine PV system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring and basic math’s
Work with power tools, hand tools, electrical test equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of PV components
Work at heights
Read drawings and follow instructions for PV installation
Select and install PV Arrays, inverter battery components, electrical and mechanical Balance of Systems (BOS) in accordance with international standards
Test and commission PV system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Electrical Installation
Certified PV Technician Training
Installation Supervisor (Electrical/Mechanical/Structural)
Inspector
Technical and Core Skills:
Understand, maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Complete technical reports as well as other documentation in line with project specifications and company procedures.
Carry out site assessment to determine PV system requirements
Possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring and basic math’s
Work with power tools, hand tools, electrical test equipment
Prepare installation site prior to installation of PV components
Work at heights
Read drawings and follow instructions for PV installation
Select and install PV Arrays, inverter battery components, electrical and mechanical Balance of Systems (BOS) in accordance with international standards
Test and commission PV system to ensure operating system performance meet requirements
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Work in teams
Troubleshooting skills
Critical Thinking
Time management skills
Customer Relations
Computer Literacy
Adaptability
Good Work Ethic
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Diploma in Electrical Installation
Certified PV Technician Training
Articulation:
Installation Supervisor (Electrical/Mechanical/Structural)
Inspector
At this level he/she performs a broad range of functions that include conducting site assessment, supervising the installation, testing and commissioning of PV system carried out by the work crew. Similarly, he/she examines and inspects work progress, quality of work, estimates projects, monitors team performance against work plans and schedules as well as verifies the safety of the work area and ensures that specifications are met.
He/she is responsible for treating with conflicts, coaching, mentoring and training of workers to follow guidelines for health, safety and environment as well as operational aspects.
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Responsible for safety of the site, work crews and site visitors
Review work schedules, maintenance schedules
Training and safety of all technicians and contractors
Establish site goals and adhere to site objectives
Conduct site assessment which includes load evaluation, estimated energy production of the site, identifying suitable location for placement of all PV system components
Supervises the installation, testing and commissioning of PV system and ensuring proper functioning of the system as per design
Assess the feasibility of solar installation, by conducting energy audits and supervising site inspections.
Support design of solar systems
Monitor the project costs incurred and possible risks
Review the installation work completed and check for compliance with installation plan according to policies, standards, and regulations
Identify non routine and complex work and implement required safe guards
Plan and Coordinate Logistics of Resources
Read and interpret specifications
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Deal with Conflicts
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethic
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation
Work at heights
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
At least 5 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Degree in Electrical Engineering
Advance training in PV systems, installation and designs
Operations Manager
Maintenance Manager
Technical and Core Skills:
Maintain and apply health, safety and environmental regulations, legislation and procedures in the workplace.
Identify potential hazards and take appropriate action to minimise the risks posed. It also includes identifying and dealing with emergency situations.
Establish and maintain productive work relationships and communicate work related information.
Prepare advance technical reports.
Responsible for safety of the site, work crews and site visitors
Review work schedules, maintenance schedules
Training and safety of all technicians and contractors
Establish site goals and adhere to site objectives
Conduct site assessment which includes load evaluation, estimated energy production of the site, identifying suitable location for placement of all PV system components
Supervises the installation, testing and commissioning of PV system and ensuring proper functioning of the system as per design
Assess the feasibility of solar installation, by conducting energy audits and supervising site inspections.
Support design of solar systems
Monitor the project costs incurred and possible risks
Review the installation work completed and check for compliance with installation plan according to policies, standards, and regulations
Identify non routine and complex work and implement required safe guards
Plan and Coordinate Logistics of Resources
Read and interpret specifications
Monitor team performance against work plans and make the necessary adjustments to the plan
Deal with Conflicts
Employability Skills:
Written and Oral Communication
Application of numbers/ computation
Work in teams
Critical Thinking
Time management and multi-tasking skills
Customer Focus
Computer Literate
Organizational and planning skills
Analytical skills
Good Work Ethic
Supervisory Skills
Leadership Skills
Report writing Skills
Incident Investigation
Work at heights
Qualification and Experience:
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
At least 5 years’ experience working in a similar field
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Degree in Electrical Engineering
Advance training in PV systems, installation and designs
Articulation:
Operations Manager
Maintenance Manager
At this level he/she is responsible for managing and directing the operations of PV system installation, operations and maintenance.
He/she is responsible for developmental and approval of operational and maintenance procedures, review engineering specifications and drawings for compliance with project design intent.
He/she is also responsible for leading departmental team and contractors to ensure safe and effective work flow and schedule adherence.
Additionally, he/she reviews the quality documents generated from the field to ensure they conform to cost, quality and schedule specifications.
Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar systems.
Monitor system performance
Ensure building integrity is assessed to support solar power system
Ensure preparation of land and drainage for PV array ground mount system
Confirms that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Reviews and approve operational procedures.
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment.
Ability to design solar PV systems at all scales
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Manages the departmental team to achieve performance of quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards
Responsible for recruitment, performance evaluation and promotion processes
Develop and implement training and development plans
Coordinate and interface effectively with departmental team and contractors to ensure smooth work flow and schedule adherence
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skills in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of PV Technicians, Civil Engineers and Supervisors
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for Commercial and Large Scale PV Systems
At least 10 years’ work experience
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Engineering Degree
- Project Manager
Technical and Core Skills:
Direct work crews installing residential or commercial solar systems.
Monitor system performance
Ensure building integrity is assessed to support solar power system
Ensure preparation of land and drainage for PV array ground mount system
Confirms that safety policies and procedures are being thoroughly followed.
Reviews and approve operational procedures.
Facilitates and sustain an effective team environment.
Ability to design solar PV systems at all scales
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Ensure implementation; management and compliance with all Safety Management policies
Manages the departmental team to achieve performance of quality, productivity, reliability, efficiency and commitment to standards
Responsible for recruitment, performance evaluation and promotion processes
Develop and implement training and development plans
Coordinate and interface effectively with departmental team and contractors to ensure smooth work flow and schedule adherence
Competent in reading and understanding specifications, drawings, and all other discipline related project and engineering documentation.
Prepare relevant reports and ensure proper records are maintained and prepare and provide estimates to clients.
Employability Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Understanding company quality procedures
Manage others to achieve results
Team leadership
Motivational skills
Use of Project Management Software
Skills in programme/project planning and implementation
Problem solving and analysis skills
Decision making skills
Negotiating skills
Time/cost Management
Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Qualification and Experience:
Proven ability to lead and direct a team of PV Technicians, Civil Engineers and Supervisors
Supervisory Management Certificate from an Accredited/recognised training institution
Sound understanding of industry standards, and relevant legal requirements for Commercial and Large Scale PV Systems
At least 10 years’ work experience
Acceptable combination of academic qualifications for example Engineering Degree
Articulation:
Project Manager
At this level he/she is responsible for managing all aspects within designing, implementation of PV systems projects. He or she monitors the operating costs, mitigates the risk of harm by effective work planning and environmental impact.
He/she prepares budgeting jobs and approves inspection documents, drawings and project closed out documents.
Estimate resources: materials, labour, equipment
Estimate construction project cost
Plan layout of construction, installation or repairs
Create project plan and schedule
Manage the implementation of the project
Assess location for installation of technology
Analyse cost and benefits of design and projects
Develop technical specification and drawings
Confirms compliance with all contractual agreements.
Confirms compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiate the recruitment process.
Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Ensure that quality procedures and policies are being followed.
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Degree in Engineering or equivalent combine with 10 years’ experience (3 of which must be in a Management position) or
BA Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a Management position)
Experience in Managing large scale PV projects
Technical and Core Skills:
Estimate resources: materials, labour, equipment
Estimate construction project cost
Plan layout of construction, installation or repairs
Create project plan and schedule
Manage the implementation of the project
Assess location for installation of technology
Analyse cost and benefits of design and projects
Develop technical specification and drawings
Confirms compliance with all contractual agreements.
Confirms compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Determine optimum manpower requirement and initiate the recruitment process.
Must be able to identify client requirements and find solutions to the most challenging problems.
Ensures all work is carried out to the approved drawings and specifications, and that correct work practices are engaged at all times.
Ensures efficient scheduling, planning, labour management and timely lodgment of claims.
Determines departmental and strategic priorities, and objectives.
Ensure that quality procedures and policies are being followed.
Employability Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership abilities
Problem solving and analytical skills
Time Management skills
Project Management skills
Team oriented
People focused
Customer focused
Outcome focused
Flexible
Innovative
Detail oriented
Problem solving and analysis
Strategic orientation
Qualification and Experience:
Degree in Engineering or equivalent combine with 10 years’ experience (3 of which must be in a Management position) or
BA Management and Technician’s Diploma with 15 years’ experience (5 of which must be in a Management position)
Experience in Managing large scale PV projects