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Step 1
Learn as much as you can about the different types of solar hot water heaters. New solar hot water heaters are much more reliable that their predecessors. They can last up to thirty years with proper maintenance. The job of solar hot water heater installers is to properly locate the system for maximum heat gain, mount the hardware on the roof and install the piping and tanks. Solar hot water heater installers need to be licensed plumbers in most parts of the country. In addition, they should have have completed training specific to the type and model of solar hot water heater system they are installing.
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Step 2
Seek out courses that will prepare you for a career as a plumber and solar hot water heater installer, including plumber training courses. There are solar hot water heater installation courses available at a few community colleges around the country and from some of the manufacturers and distributors of solar hot water heaters. These are usually geared to training persons who are already licensed plumbers. See the resources section for a list of colleges offering solar technology programs and a list of solar water heater companies offering courses.
Many of these same community colleges have trainig programs to prepare you to become an apprentice plumber. In most states plumber apprentices must work several months to several years under a licensed plumber as an assistant before becoming a journeyman. Solar hot water heater companies will often hire graduates from an accredited plumbing program, and having completed courses in solar technology is a big plus. -
Step 3
Be physically fit, ready to work as an apprentice and willing to spend as much time as you can learning about the industry and new technology. Persons wishing to get a job as a solar hot water heater installer should be able to lift over fifty pounds and not be afraid of heights. Check the institutions listed in the resource section below for solar hot water heater and solar technology programs and inquire at your local community college since many are adding courses in alternative energy technology this fall in response to the growing demand for solar and wind related jobs. Enroll in courses that will prepare you to become an apprentice plumber along with your solar energy curriculum. After completing your course work, try to get on with a plumbing company that does a lot of solar hot water heater installation work and be prepared to work as an apprentice until you can become a journeyman plumber. Be dependable, hard working and try to keep your customers happy by doing quality work, showing up on time, and completing the project neatly and to all applicable codes.
Comments
starlet67 said
on 5/27/2009 Good info!