Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.

Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.

Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.

Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.

Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.

Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.

Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.

Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.

Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.

Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.

Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.

Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.

Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.

Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.

Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.

Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.

Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.

Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.

Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.

Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.

Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.