Sun Works install renewable energy systems to both businesses and homes around Jersey. Specifically Photovoltaic (PV) & Battery systems. Sun Works are Jersey agents for Tesla Energy and install the Powerwall battery. Sun Works also install solar panel systems and electric vehicle charging equipment in an effort to have Jersey generating more of its own energy and protecting the environment. Some aspects include; Technical design and installation of technical design and installation of solar roof panels; plan work sequence for following day/week, organise sta and any additional labour; meet with prospect customers and undertake site surveys; attend site meetings with architects, engineers, builders; create system designs via computer software and produce quotations; contact suppliers source best price for materials and place material orders; arrange logistics and delivery of materials to site; visit call outs, maintenance.
What do you think are the three most important skills to succeed in your career area?
Enthusiasm for the product and service (Renewable Energy/Solar) with a sense of direction and mission.
Ability to communicate appropriately with everyone from labourers to seasoned architects and multi-millionaire clients.
Full technical understanding of solar and storage technology with a desire to track appropriate new innovations.
Was this something you planned to do or did you change direction at any point in the past? If so, what was that and was it easy to do?
Change of direction having successfully qualified in the area of music technology and production. When I trained in this eld in between 2004 & 2008 the industry was going under a big changes. Even in London there were very limited jobs in that area and was working various jobs to stay afloat and support my lifestyle. I returned to Jersey and re-trained as an electrician in my mid-twenties and spent a number of years working as an electrician before qualifying as a Solar PV installer. We formed Sun Works in 2013.
What do you love most about working in your career area?
Job is diverse offering both practical onsite and office based roles. Having the opportunity to in influence the development of renewable energy in Jersey. Working in an ever changing technology area and being challenged. Switching on new systems for customers, Seeing the look on a client’s face when their roof producing electricity for the first time.
Are there any negative aspects of working in your career area that people considering it should be aware of? Managing pressures of other people. Most pressure in work comes from others passing on their pressure to you. Learning to prioritise and deal with this is key to running a service based business and keeping cool. Solar installers may be outside in all weathers, rain or shine Solar installation is physical work and you will get tired but the more you work and the more you like it the stronger you get. Running a business requires you be around all the time. Even when you finish work the emails keep coming in.
What training / qualifications did you undertake for your current role or are you currently undertaking?
To work on the electrical side of things you’re require electrical training. City & Guilds qualifications as Level 3 C&G Electrician, C&G Solar Installer and Electric Vehicle Charger Equipment installation. Specific manufacturer training in solar, battery technology & EV charging. Certification in Health and Safety – Please note it is not essential to qualify as an electrician to be a successful solar installer. There are many other roles within a Solar Energy business both practical and office based.
Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of this career?
Solar installer work is not dependant on being an electrician. There are roles and many successful people in the industry who do not go through the electrical side. The most important this as a solar installer is ability to work through problems that occur, be good on the tools and working at heights. This may come from basic construction qualifications where you learn how
to use tools, be aware of health and safety onsite. Enthusiasm for the job and overcoming challenges or di cult tasks will help
drive you forward. Challenge yourself because the things you avoided yesterday become part of your normal working day the next.
