Are you looking for a job, but would like to know a detailed list of your future responsibilities before you respond to the advertisement? For us, it is obvious that you want to know what the work of a photovoltaic installer looks like before you send us your application! Therefore, for people looking for a job in photovoltaics or considering changing industries, we have prepared this post. Thanks to it, you will learn what the work of a photovoltaic fitter in our company looks like and you will learn about the scope of duties of an installer at individual stages of construction: from logistics, through piling and earthworks, assembly of structures, assembly of modules and electrics, to cleaning work. We hope you will find information here that will help you better understand the work of an installer at Ecotec.
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No problem! We present a video on what the work of a photovoltaic installer looks like. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IdYabK8K-I
Stage I – You will unload materials on the construction site
The first stage of the fitter’s work is logistics, i.e. preparatory work. Trucks bring us materials, including posts for making foundations, steel profiles of structures, photovoltaic panels, inverters, cable rolls and many other elements. We then unload these deliveries with heavy equipment, and machine operators and helpers transport the goods further to designated locations on the construction site. So you will start your work by assisting and helping with unloading pallets (rails, posts and other structural elements), and if necessary, you will help the operator attach and unfasten the fasteners to make the unloading go more smoothly.
Stage II – You will support the operation of the staking machine
The next stage of work is piling, i.e. hammering the posts into places designated according to the design. The work has its own rhythm: we take successive posts from the pallet and lay them out in parallel lines, just like the rows of panels will run. During this time, the operator operates the machine and controls its operation, and helpers, including fitters, give the machine posts that it drives into the ground to the appropriate depth. Finally, the fitters paint the upper part of the post with anti-corrosion paint, which has partially lost its anti-corrosion coating during piling. 
Stage III – You will support the excavator operator’s work
While some workers are piling, another part of the team starts earthworks and excavations. Thanks to the excavations, trenches are created for electric cables, through which the electricity generated by photovoltaic panels will flow. Excavations are carried out using excavators weighing from 6 to even 20 tons, depending on the size of the farm. Installers assist with work and assist excavator operators in areas that are inaccessible to the machine.
Stage IV – You will put the structure under the modules
When the posts are already driven into the ground on the first fragments, we start assembling the structure for the photovoltaic panels. We use previously laid out materials for this. The fitters screw all the components together according to the instructions using impact wrenches and screwdrivers. We start the installation by screwing the slants mounted to the posts. Rails are mounted on the slants, then screwed together with connectors. All elements are connected with screws of various sizes. If the design requires it, after installation, we protect all screw connections against rust by painting it with zinc paint. Finally, use a torque wrench to check whether the strength of the tightened bolts is in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
Stage V – You will install photovoltaic panels
When we are sure that the structure we have prepared is ready, we divide into teams of several people and start installing modules, i.e. photovoltaic panels. We take the modules one by one from the previously unpacked pallet and hand them over to the designated fitter, who places them on the structure at equal intervals. The modules are attached to the structure with clamps tightened with screwdrivers. At this stage, some fitters stand on ladders or platforms and attach the clamps given to them. Finally, we check the strength of the tightened bolts with a torque wrench, just like when erecting the structure.
Stage VI – You will help with electrical work
The last stage of construction is electrical work and is mainly carried out by authorized employees with experience and electrical work. Electrical fitters connect the modules into electrical circuits and attach the cables to the components and cable routes with cable ties. They then connect circuits to inverters, which are devices that convert the direct current (DC) generated by the modules into alternating current (AC). Inverters are boxes that are usually mounted at the end of the module aisle. Finally, we connect the inverters to transformer stations using cables run underground, in trenches. From there, the electricity generated by the panels is sent to the power grid. If you do not have an electrical license, you will mainly assist at this stage.
Stage VII – You will tidy up your workplace
Recycling is very important to us. That is why you will help us segregate waste collected during cleaning works on the construction site. You will also help clean the construction site from waste left over from previous assembly works.
… And that’s all stages of the fitter’s work!
Now you know that the work of a photovoltaic installer consists of several important stages, and each of them involves a different scope of your duties. What else you should know is that your daily duties will depend on at what stage of construction you join a given order. You will not go through all the stages of construction on every trip, but it is worth knowing all of them before you contact us.
How about it – will you join our team?
You have just learned how we build our solar farms around the world! We invite you to join our team of fitters, electricians, operators and engineers who share a great passion for renewable energy! Join our mission and apply for the position of fitter or electrician to provide the world with quiet energy straight from the Sun! Don’t delay – apply for a job where you know what awaits you!