A mechanical mind with a penchant for heights. An engineering proficiency with high levels of energy. These are just some of the qualities that define the successful solar technician. It’s a challenging, interesting, demanding job that has become incredibly valuable in the modern world, particularly in loadshed South Africa. As companies, estates and homes invest in solar solutions for reliable and sustainable power, those with the right skills in solar, electricity and engineering become the country’s most valuable assets. But other than heights and engineering, what else does someone interested in solar need to succeed?

Abe Cambridge, CEO and founder of The Sun Exchange, says: “You need to understand the fundamentals of solar PV systems, their components, mounting methods and system architectures. Office-based solar technicians should also be able to conduct desktop-based surveys using tools like Google Earth and the Helioscope for calculating the sizing of systems and the configuration of solar arrays.”