Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (10%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (90%)

• Design active direct or indirect, passive direct or indirect, or pool solar systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assess collector sites to ensure structural integrity of potential mounting surfaces or the best orientation and tilt for solar collectors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Test operation or functionality of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and control systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply weather seal, such as pipe flashings and sealants, to roof penetrations and structural devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install solar collector mounting devices on tile, asphalt, shingle, or built-up gravel roofs, using appropriate materials and penetration methods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install copper or plastic plumbing using pipes, fittings, pipe cutters, acetylene torches, solder, wire brushes, sand cloths, flux, plastic pipe cleaners, or plastic glue.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Identify plumbing, electrical, environmental, or safety hazards associated with solar thermal installations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Demonstrate start-up, shut-down, maintenance, diagnostic, and safety procedures to thermal system owners.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install circulating pumps using pipe, fittings, soldering equipment, electrical supplies, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install flat-plat, evacuated glass, or concentrating solar collectors on mounting devices, using brackets or struts.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install solar thermal system controllers and sensors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fill water tanks and check tanks, pipes, and fittings for leaks.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Determine locations for installing solar subsystem components, including piping, water heaters, valves, and ancillary equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform routine maintenance or repairs to restore solar thermal systems to baseline operating conditions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install heat exchangers and heat exchanger fluids according to installation manuals and schematics.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply operation or identification tags or labels to system components, as required.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Connect water heaters and storage tanks to power and water sources.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut, miter, and glue piping insulation to insulate plumbing pipes and fittings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install plumbing, such as dip tubes, port fittings, drain tank valves, pressure temperature relief valves, or tanks, according to manufacturer specifications and building codes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install monitoring system components, such as flow meters, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges, according to system design and manufacturer specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply ultraviolet radiation protection to prevent degradation of plumbing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about solar thermal installers and technicians and AI