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This article dives into why rooftop solar installers must develop project management skills to compete in today’s competitive rooftop solar market.
Rooftop solar is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Australian renewable energy industry. From residential homes to large commercial installations, solar projects are being installed all over Australia. This growth has been driven by climate change concerns, cheaper power bills through behind the meter solar installations, and government subsidies for rooftop solar.
Small scale solar now accounts for 20 GWs of Australia’s energy generation, more than a quarter of Australia’s total renewable energy generation. There are no signs that the growth of rooftop solar will stop – in fact, some estimates show that rooftop solar will triple over the next three decades.
While this is fantastic news for rooftop solar installers, it means that there’s more pressure on rooftop solar installers to work quicker and manage multiple, more complex projects. A rooftop solar installer’s job no longer just involves putting up panels and connecting them to the grid. Today, that’s only part of the picture. Increased regulations, the co-location of battery energy storage systems, and the growing competition make the business of rooftop solar complicated. It’s no longer just about the technology but also about the coordination and planning required to ensure a smooth project.
A project is a one-time job with a clear goal, like building a house, launching a new app, or planning a wedding. It has a start, an end, and a plan to get things done. Unlike daily work, a project is temporary—it finishes when the goal is met.
Project management is the art of making sure the project runs smoothly. It’s about planning, organising, and leading a team to get things done on time, within budget, and without chaos. A project manager keeps everything on track, solves problems, and makes sure everyone knows what they need to do.
A project is a lot like a road trip. You have a destination (project goal), a map (project plan), and a budget. You decide who’s coming (project team), what to pack (resources), and how long it’ll take. Project management is making sure you don’t run out of petrol, get lost, or blow all your money on snacks before you reach the finish line.
You can read more about project basics here.
As rooftop solar installations become more sophisticated, effective project management has become essential. Without strong project management skills, installers risk delays, budget overruns, and ultimately, unsatisfied customers.
Below are some of the key project management skills relevant to rooftop solar installers. These also apply to all renewable energy projects.
Every rooftop solar installation has a timeline. Deadlines for project completion are tight, and delays can lead to financial losses. Whether the job involves a single rooftop or a large commercial project, the installer must keep the project on track. Project management skills can assist with:
Solar projects can be expensive. Installing panels, wiring, and inverters can involve large upfront costs. If installers do not manage these expenses, the project can quickly spiral out of control. A project manager needs to set a budget, monitor costs, and find ways to stay within the budget.
Installers with strong project management skills can do this by identifying risks, preventing unnecessary spending, avoiding past mistakes, and ensuring a healthy profit margin.
Solar projects require input from various parties—suppliers, engineers, electricians, architects, and the customer. Communication and collaboration are key. A project manager acts as the central point of contact, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
No project goes perfectly. Issues such as delays, wet weather or hail, or unforeseen complications can arise. A skilled project manager can anticipate these risks and create backup plans. With a proactive approach, rooftop solar installers can tackle problems before they escalate, keeping the project moving forward.
A project management certification doesn’t just teach technical skills – it also teaches soft skills. These are vital in dealing with suppliers and customers. Soft skills can improve customer satisfaction. Here are some of the skills rooftop solar installers can develop through a project management certification:
Rooftop solar installation is a growing industry. With this growth comes the need for skilled project managers. Installers who master project management can avoid common pitfalls like delays, cost overruns, and poor communication. By developing these skills, installers can increase their profits, improve their business operations and improve customer satisfaction.
Rooftop solar installers who learn to manage residential projects quicker may also find themselves moving onto more profitable commercial and industrial projects.
For those looking to sharpen their project management abilities, consider pursuing an online project management certification. A project management certification – such as PMP, CAMP, Prince2 or Agile – is a much quicker alternative to undertaking a university degree. A project management course can provide the tools and knowledge needed to succeed as a rooftop solar installer.
Want to grow your business with project management? Join our free Project Management Community here.
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