Who is a Solar Equipment Fitter?
A Solar Equipment Fitter is an artisan or a worker skilled in solar photovoltaic or closely related field. Solar photovoltaic commonly abbreviated as (PV) is a technology that converts solar radiation (sunlight) into direct current electricity.

Equipment or appliances used to convert solar light into electricity are referred to as solar panels among other equipment. Solar equipment fitters dismantles, fits, installs, services and repairs equipment and appliances used to harness and convert solar energy for electrical or other uses among other duties.

Other related career option(s)

1. Solar photovoltaic installer
2. Fitter, cooker/solar
3. Fitter, solar equipment/electrical
4. Fitter, water heater/solar
5. Installer, solar equipment/electrical

What is the work environment?
Solar equipment fitters work mostly outdoor installing and servicing various solar panels installations.

Some important skills to have
To work effectively, solar equipment fitters need to have some important skills and qualities such as;

1. Communication skills to communicate effectively with clients & colleagues
2. Interpersonal skills to relate well with workmates and customers
3. Detail oriented as these artisans must be able to follow installation guidelines failure of which systems may not work
4. Physical stamina as these artisans may occasionally stand on their feet for long hours carrying solar panels and other equipment
5. Technical skills as the work may require use of complex mechanical and electrical systems
6. Unafraid of heights as these artisans may work on higher levels such as rooftops and on ladders installing solar equipment
7. Safety awareness to avoid or minimize accidents associated with solar equipment and installation procedures such as falling from ladders or rooftops
8. Among others

What are some career opportunities?
Solar equipment fitters can find work in various places such as; solar power companies, renewable energy companies, solar equipment & distribution companies, plumbing & solar water heating contractors, solar water pump companies, electrical & wiring installation contractors, other businesses, as well as government departments among other areas.

Solar equipment fitters can also use their creativity and start their own profit making ventures (self-employment).

Becoming a Solar Equipment Fitter: Artisan level

Admission requirements
To pursue a career as solar equipment fitter right from secondary school, a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), mean grade D- (minus) and below is required.

Training & Study options
With a KCSE mean grade D- (minus) and below, you can proceed to a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and enroll for an appropriate artisan course. Artisan courses are also offered within Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) within your region.

So what course(s) can you pursue in TVET colleges?

1. Trade Test in Solar Photovoltaic
2. Or other similar/ related courses

Education Progression
After a successful completion of an artisan course, you can advance your education upward (in a relevant field) up to university level if that’s your goal. How is this possible?

1. Get an artisan certificate
2. Advance to craft certificate, (in a relevant field)
3. Advance to diploma certificate, (in a relevant field)
4. Advance to degree certificate, (in a relevant field)

How to Join TVET College.
There are two ways you can follow to join training institution(s) in pursuit of your career of choice. The majority way is applying through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (Kuccps). This is a state owned agency that admits/ places government sponsored students to TVET colleges and universities. One of the advantages of applying through Kuccps is that, upon successful placement, you will pay subsidized fee as a government sponsored student.

To be placed through Kuccps you must have attained a certain pass mark required for various education levels such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and artisan courses. For an artisan course, you need a KCSE mean grade E. For more details on placement criteria, visit Kuccps website. The second approach is applying directly to training institution of your choice. Students who opt to apply this way do not get government fee subsidy and are therefore self-sponsored.

How to fund your post-secondary education.
If you are a needy student, upon application, you can get education loan from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), a state owned institution that gives education loans to students joining technical colleges and universities. You can also access education bursaries from your local Member of Parliament (MP) or the County Government among other sources.

Always remember this!
Information provided on this website is for career awareness only, and not for any other purpose.

We know career life will take a significant part of your life journey, and your career choice will greatly influence how that journey unfolds. Therefore, before you make any career choice, before you commit yourself to any career or study option, be sure of what you are doing. It is advisable to seek professional advice from career advisors to navigate this very important process.

Need more information? We can provide you with additional career and education related information to meet your individual needs.