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Level 1 Apprentice

Role Overview

The apprentice is at the beginning of their solar career. Every great technician started here.

The job at Level 1 is simple: show up, be safe, pay attention, and document everything. Technical skills come quickly to someone who shows up ready and asks good questions.

Core Responsibilities

  • Assist lead technician on all site visits
  • Follow all safety procedures without exception
  • Complete photo documentation as directed
  • Maintain PPE at all times on site
  • Take field notes — every site, every day
  • Ask questions whenever something is unclear

Level 1 Learning Objectives

Safety (Master First)

  • [ ] PPE — can name and use all required equipment
  • [ ] Ladder safety — demonstrate correct setup and use
  • [ ] Lockout/Tagout — understand the concept and what it means for PV systems
  • [ ] DC voltage awareness — understands that panels are always live in daylight
  • [ ] Stop-work authority — knows when and how to use it

Documentation

  • [ ] Can execute the full arrival photo sequence independently
  • [ ] Photo quality meets standards (in focus, correct framing, appropriate lighting)
  • [ ] Field notes are complete and legible

Basic System Knowledge

  • [ ] Can identify: solar panel, inverter, optimizer, disconnect, AC panel
  • [ ] Understands that PV systems produce DC and inverters convert to AC
  • [ ] Can describe what SolarEdge optimizers do in simple terms
  • [ ] Knows the difference between a string inverter and a microinverter

Operational

  • [ ] Arrives on time and reports check-ins per communication SOP
  • [ ] Cleans up work area before departing
  • [ ] Submits field photos within 24 hours
Week Focus
1 Shadow lead tech, focus on safety observation
2 Take over photo documentation sequence
3 Begin identifying system components independently
4 Read SolarEdge Architecture and discuss with lead

Portal Reading List — Level 1

  1. Site Arrival SOP
  2. PPE Standards
  3. Roof Access Procedures
  4. Lockout / Tagout
  5. Photo Documentation Standards
  6. SolarEdge Architecture

When You're Ready to Advance

A Level 1 apprentice is ready to progress to Level 2 when:

  • Lead tech confirms consistent independent execution of all Level 1 objectives
  • Photo documentation quality is consistently high without reminders
  • Safety awareness is demonstrated — never requires reminders on PPE or procedures
  • Shows curiosity about systems — asks technical questions, reads portal content independently