3 Beginner Solar Installer Checklist Items

There are 3 solar beginner checklist items that ALL solar installers must have in place especially for a small solar starter installer. Proper training to increase your efficiency, proper tools to help you get the job done fast, and a reliable team member to support you during the installation.

When I started my solar installation business at Kimroy Bailey Renewables I wished I had a checklist of things that should be in place to start off on the right foot. I wrote this article and created the Step by Step Solar course to help small solar installers to launch on the right foot. There are 3 basic solar beginner checklist items a small solar installer should have in place, these are proper training, proper tools and a small team.

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Solar Beginner Checklist #1: Proper Training for the Solar Installer

When we created our online course Step By Step Solar Installation, we wanted to offer structured solar training videos all in one spot. The value of the Step By Step Solar Installation training course is straightforward- we’ve removed the costly trial-and-error process and fast-track the fun part of confidently installing a profitable solar energy system.  Training allows you to save on costs and time, improves your efficiency and your reputation.

Training in areas such as safety standards, solar system sizing and layout, customer consultation and site visits can set you apart in the marketplace. For example, did you know that wearing metallic objects on your body, such as rings or chains when installing or maintaining storage batteries is strictly prohibited? What’s the danger you may ask? One single spark from the battery terminal connecting to said jewellery is like a taking a welding rod and applying it directly your jewellery.

Solar Beginner Checklist #2: Proper Solar Tools to quickly install s complete solar panel system

When I just started solar panel installation without the proper tools a 3-day installation quickly became a 1-week job. This resulted in more expenses paid to the labor team and twice as much travelling, so the costs of not having proper solar tools quickly started adding up. In our Step By Step Solar Installation course, we teach you about the tools and equipment that will make your installation process so much easier! These are tools that you will use regularly on most if not all solar job site. For example, knowing how to interpret the data from an equipment like the Hydrometer, which is used to test the state of your batteries, is a helpful skill to be trained in. Power Drills are essential when dealing with tough concrete roofs, while safety harnesses are essential when doing rooftop installations.

It is also important to note that as a solar beginner some of your customers may be building a new home which may not be connected to the utility grid you will be required to rent a generator to expedite the installation. Without a portable generator, you will not have electricity for corded drills, saws and other power equipment. As subtle as this may seem can you consider the headache of installing solar panels on a concrete surface without power drills. And let’s say you are proactive and you have battery powered drills. It is highly unlikely that you will have enough battery power to get through the entire solar installation without recharging a backup battery for your drill as you work.

Solar Beginner Checklist #3: Having a Team Mate or Team Mates

While proper power is important you will need a team to use these tools and help you mobilize your solar components. Can you imagine lugging a 6ft, 45 lb solar solar panel up a ladder to the roof by yourself! We emphasize in our Step by Step Solar Installation course the necessity of working in pairs. You may think we are stressing companionship but actually having a teammate is for your mutual safety and efficiency. A well-trained team member is as important as a good lead solar installer. Training your staff ensures you do not have to micromanage every step of the way or have to redo a poor job because you gave your teammate some independence. The easiest way to take the training off your hand is to enroll yourself and your team members in the Step by Step Solar installation training course accredited by the Trott Bailey University and become a globally certified solar installer.

Solar Beginner Checklist Conclusion

While these are not the only areas to be considered when starting your solar installation business this will be the heartbeat of successfully growing your solar installation enterprise. This is pretty intuitive and straightforward. You need to be mobile as you move from job sites, transport equipment, delegate tasks to team members.