Will AI replace Solar Photovoltaic Installers?

AI can do 9% of the work Solar Photovoltaic Installers do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 6 of them. Robots can technically handle 10 physical tasks. 10 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next6 · 9% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Compile or maintain records of system operation, performance, and maintenance.3% of time
  • Determine connection interfaces for additional subpanels or for connecting photovoltaic (PV) systems with utility services or other power generation sources.1% of time
  • Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.1% of time
  • Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.1% of time
  • Identify methods for laying out, orienting, and mounting modules or arrays to ensure efficient installation, electrical configuration, or system maintenance.1% of time
  • Install required labels on solar system components and hardware.1% of time

Robots can technically do this10 · 47% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Assemble solar modules, panels, or support structures, as specified.Robots: purpose built settings18% of time
  • Install module array interconnect wiring, implementing measures to disable arrays during installation.Robots: purpose built settings10% of time
  • Check electrical installation for proper wiring, polarity, grounding, or integrity of terminations.Robots: purpose built settings5% of time
  • Activate photovoltaic (PV) systems to verify system functionality and conformity to performance expectations.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Identify installation locations with proper orientation, area, solar access, or structural integrity for photovoltaic (PV) arrays.Robots: almost anywhere3% of time
  • Test operating voltages to ensure operation within acceptable limits for power conditioning equipment, such as inverters and controllers.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Visually inspect and test photovoltaic (PV) modules or systems.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Install active solar systems, including solar collectors, concentrators, pumps, or fans.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Measure and analyze system performance and operating parameters to assess operating condition of systems or equipment.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Demonstrate system functionality and performance, including start-up, shut-down, normal operation, and emergency or bypass operations.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person10 · 44% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Install photovoltaic (PV) systems in accordance with codes and standards, using drawings, schematics, and instructions.20% of time
  • Apply weather sealing to array, building, or support mechanisms.5% of time
  • Perform routine photovoltaic (PV) system maintenance on modules, arrays, batteries, power conditioning equipment, safety systems, structural systems, weather sealing, or balance of systems equipment.4% of time
  • Identify and resolve any deficiencies in photovoltaic (PV) system installation or materials.4% of time
  • Identify electrical, environmental, and safety hazards associated with photovoltaic (PV) installations.3% of time
  • Program, adjust, or configure inverters and controls for desired set points and operating modes.3% of time
  • Determine materials, equipment, and installation sequences necessary to maximize installation efficiency.3% of time
  • Determine appropriate sizes, ratings, and locations for all system overcurrent devices, disconnect devices, grounding equipment, and surge suppression equipment.1% of time
  • Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.1% of time
  • Select mechanical designs, installation equipment, or installation plans that conform to environmental, architectural, structural, site, and code requirements.1% of time

Your week is not the average

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What this means

Little of this work suits AI. The bigger change here is robots: today's robots can technically do 48% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 6 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 10 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 10 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Tile and Stone Setters8%Glaziers10%Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters10%Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators7%Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians6%Carpenters5%

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