FAQ
TL;DR: Solar PV fitting is roof‑based, travel-heavy work; pay varies and one installer wrote, "For 500 PLN per kW I would not do that." [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16635908]
Why it matters: If you’re weighing a PV career, you need realistic pay, safety, and workload expectations to decide if it fits you.
Quick Facts
- Pay examples: Approx. 500 PLN/kW was considered too low by one installer. [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16635908]
- Safety first: Employers must provide ropes and fall protection; refuse work if they don’t. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
- Typical work pattern: Mostly roof installs; private ground mounts are rare; frequent travel/delegations. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
- Physical reality: Carrying panels via stairs or scaffolding is the most tedious part. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
- Gear baseline: "Climbing equipment is essential." [Elektroda, Lisciasty, post #16635840]
What does a solar panel fitter actually do day to day?
Expect roof work, mounting rails and panels, routing and securing DC cabling, drilling/forging runs, and staging panels. Many crews also program inverters and apply firmware updates. Travel for delegated jobs is common. One installer said, "The installation consists of Lego blocks," highlighting repeatable assembly with care. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
Do I need to be okay with heights to do this job?
Yes. You work on roofs frequently. A veteran’s guidance was simple: if heights don’t bother you, this path is reasonable. Comfort on ladders, scaffolding, and sloped surfaces matters for both speed and safety. If heights are an issue, consider ground-mount crews or electrical roles off the roof. [Elektroda, osiniak75, post #16634965]
Are ropes and fall protection provided—or do I bring my own?
Employers should provide fall-arrest gear and enforce its use. If a company declines to supply ropes, anchors, and PPE, walk away. That’s a safety red flag and a liability risk. "If the employer does not provide ropes and security, then you are refused to work." [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
Is this work physically hard?
It’s demanding but manageable with the right methods. The grind is carrying panels and racking up ladders or scaffolding. Good lifting plans and team coordination reduce strain. One installer put it plainly: "Climbing equipment is essential." Prioritize safe handling and rest rotations in hot weather. [Elektroda, Lisciasty, post #16635840]
How is pay structured—per kW, per day, or monthly?
Models vary by company. Some offers quote per‑kW install pricing; one comment said "500 PLN per kW" and rejected it as too low. Others pay day rates or monthly salaries. Clarify scope (roof type, access, inverter setup) before accepting per‑kW terms. [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16635908]
What were entry wages like in earlier years?
One installer reported a 2015 take‑home starting from 1,300 PLN. View this historically, not as today’s market rate. Confirm current local pay, travel allowances, and overtime rules in your contract. If a firm undercuts safety or compensation, decline the offer. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
What panel sizes and loads should I expect to handle?
Expect modules around 250 W in some legacy or budget jobs, with higher wattage on newer sites. Plan for repeated lifts, safe grips, and wind‑aware handling on roofs. Use team carries and staging platforms to prevent drops and back injuries. [Elektroda, Jan_Werbinski, post #16635908]
Do installers travel a lot?
Yes. Many teams work in delegations, moving from site to site for residential roofs. Ground mounts for private clients appear less often. Ask about travel per diem, vehicles, and overnight policies before you sign. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
What tools and gear will I use as a beginner?
Fall‑arrest kit (harness, ropes, anchors), ladders or scaffolding, cordless drills, torque tools, and cable management tools. You may also interact with inverter software for setup and updates. Ensure the employer provides compliant PPE and training. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
I’ve never worked on a roof—should I even try this job?
If you’re not afraid of heights and commit to safety training, it’s viable. Start under experienced supervision on access and tie‑off basics. Move to more complex roof work as your confidence grows. Decline any job that cuts corners on safety. [Elektroda, osiniak75, post #16634965]
What employer red flags should I watch for?
Walk away if ropes and security aren’t provided. Be cautious with firms showing high staff turnover, excessive control, or restrictive loyalty demands after basic training. Prioritize documented safety procedures and fair contracts. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
How do I lift and stage panels on a roof safely?
- Secure fall protection and anchors before moving any materials.
- Stage panels via ladders or scaffolding with two‑person carries and rest points.
- Land panels near the array, then wire and program the inverter after mounting.
"Bringing panels onto roofs is the most boring and persistent"—plan time for it. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
Are ground-mounted systems common for residential clients?
They occur but are relatively rare compared with roof installs in private projects. Expect most of your residential work to be roof‑based, with ground frames appearing occasionally. Confirm access and terrain before quoting labor. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
What part of the job do installers often enjoy?
Programming and commissioning inverters, including software updates, often feels like the most pleasant phase after the physical mounting. It’s a good skill to develop early. [Elektroda, nitros66, post #17182539]
Who tends to thrive as a solar panel fitter?
People comfortable with heights, steady with tools, and disciplined about PPE. One fitter called the work demanding but not terrible and said earnings were very good at a solid company. Fitters who relocate sometimes change roles for personal reasons. [Elektroda, Marcel Sikoraa, post #18782528]
