Job Description:

• 1) Designs solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of energy requirements of structure, local climatological conditions, solar technology, and thermodynamics: Estimates energy requirements of new or existing structures, based on analysis of utility bills of structure, calculations of thermal efficiency of structure, and prevailing climatological conditions.

• 2) Determines type of solar system, such as water, glycol, or silicone, which functions most efficiently under prevailing climatological conditions.

• 3) Calculates on-site heat generating capacity of different solar panels to determine optimum size and type of panels which meet structure's energy requirements.

• 4) Arranges location of solar system components, such as panel, pumps, and storage tanks, to minimize length and number of direction changes in pipes and reconstruction of existing structures.

• 5) Studies engineering tables to determine size of pipes and pumps required to maintain specified flow rate through solar panels.

• 6) Specifies types of electrical controls, such as differential thermostat, temperature sensors, and solenoid valves, compatible with other system components, using knowledge of control systems.

• 7) Completes parts list, specifying components of system.

• 8) Draws wiring, piping, and other diagrams, using drafting tools.

• 9) May inspect structures to compile data used in solar system design, such as structure's angle of alignment with sun and temperature of incoming cold water.

• 10) May inspect construction of system to ensure adherence to design specifications.