Will “Thermal Technician” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

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Job Description

Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-4099.02

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Thermal Technician”

Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.
Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.
Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.
Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.
Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.
Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.
Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.
Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.
Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.
Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.
Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.
Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.
Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.
Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.
Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.
Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.
Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.
Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.
Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.
Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.
Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.

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