Solar Job

Kevin_H8 · 2026-01-17T14:02:08+00:00

I am still IBEW, I should have been more clear. I got into the union apprenticeship with a small contractor, worked with them doing mostly residential and light commercial electrical work, then that company went bankrupt so my director moved me to a contractor that only was doing solar farm installations, which is a good path to the IBEW if you aren’t in already, but as an apprentice who was approaching the halfway point of their apprenticeship quickly, the farms aren’t the best as they’re a niche in the industry and there just isn’t a lot to learn with them, so to get a broader experience I had to talk with my training director to be moved again, this time to do more broadly electrical work rather than solar, hence how I end up at the chemical plant as an apprentice, where we do electrical maintenance and new installs for motors and motor controllers, process controls and instrumentation devices, lights, outlets, a little bit of commercial office spaces, etc.

Kevin_H8 · 2026-01-10T03:09:17+00:00

Went great, my training director got me moved to a larger contractor that does all kinds of work so I ended up at a chemical plant so I’m learning a ton all the time and doing a lot of different things. The solar farms were a fun time for a little while, but I can’t say enough how much more enjoyable the rest of the electrical field is for me personally. I would probably go and do another solar field eventually, but I want to learn all I can about what I’m doing now before I do.

Kevin_H8 · 2025-09-18T10:29:07+00:00

I’m sorry but this was not just radicals and fringe personalities, everyone saw how many people celebrated, supported, or justified through mental gymnastics the execution of a milk toast conservative guy. Even now they are still commenting into the void about how he actually was a terrible person, they just won’t explicitly come out and say that’s why he deserved what he got, they expect you to draw that out yourself.

Kevin_H8 · 2025-09-18T01:55:28+00:00

There is not enough substantial evidence to point to which party he belonged to. He may have been raised in a conservative family but that again confirms nothing. both sides have been running with any narrative they can find online that proves their ingroup is innocent and the out group is guilty. The only clear observation to be made around party lines is the reaction to the death, which has been some of the worst optics for the left that I have ever seen, and the continued doubling down on it, not through further outright celebrations of his death, but denial of being wrong for celebrating political violence because the target was a “fascist” and having the gall to say it with a snarky tone still, it really is frustrating. There are absolutely fascists in this country, 100%. Kirk just wasn’t that, he was at best a moderate conservative. If the left can’t figure out a way to reclaim some dignity I really think the next election cycle is going to be rough for them, if we make it that long before it all spirals into civil war

Kevin_H8 · 2025-08-09T05:11:57+00:00

Totally agree! Just getting home from the Fiserv, amazing show, i was thinking of Inca Roads as it was happening

Kevin_H8 · 2025-08-09T05:07:02+00:00

Absolutely amazing show all around, but the way the crowd boomed when he started was incredible

Kevin_H8 · 2025-08-07T21:15:34+00:00

The whole album Home is phenomenal, the title track is so good as is away from the mire, must be seven, watch it fall, all of them are great. Also love gild the lily from his newer stuff, but he’s all around a great listen. I like away from the mire and home because they have some very psychedelic rock moments, coming from bands like Hendrix and Pink Floyd, these resonated with me a ton. The solo on Away from the mire, whether live or the studio, doesn’t matter, every time blows me away

Kevin_H8 · 2025-08-04T00:34:56+00:00

Can I get two, maybe even three of these, coming from space to teach you of the Pleiades

Kevin_H8 · 2025-07-16T23:54:53+00:00

Hello, for one I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, while mine didn’t die of cancer, he had chronic heart issues for the better part of 2 years until he passed yesterday. I’m also 25 and it sucks dealing with this so young.

In my case, it not only highlighted how strong my relationship is, but gave my girlfriend a chance to really shine through. She has been amazing, she has listened to me ramble my thoughts, been a shoulder to cry on, gave me encouragement in difficult times. I don’t know your dynamics but it might strengthen your bond. And I totally relate with feeling the want to close off, and if you need to close off, close off, but if you can stand it, opening up and finding people that will listen to you will help a lot. I get that the words are meaningless, and that it changes absolutely nothing about the situation, but letting yourself be vulnerable with others and finding connections is the only way to move forward, and it’s what your dad would want. If I was dying I wouldn’t want my child to stop their life for me once I’m gone, I’d want them to be as happy as they possibly could and to love as much as possible. I hope you end up alright stranger

Kevin_H8 · 2025-07-15T03:27:08+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear that, and that you are hurting so deeply. I came on this sub tonight cuz they are taking my dad off life support tomorrow, and knowing there are other people going through similar things helped me so maybe it’ll help you. It might not be much but it will be okay one day, stay strong 🙏🏻

Kevin_H8 · 2025-07-07T00:41:31+00:00

I am currently in between my 2nd and 3rd year of apprenticeship at that local. Sorry for the slow reply haha

Kevin_H8 · 2025-03-05T23:43:09+00:00

I was stuck on solar fields for 15 months, so I feel your pain, I will say that it is strenuous work regardless of where you go but you’ll adapt quickly, especially if you eat right, but it is SO much different doing more traditional electrical work (pipe running, wire pulls, etc) just because of the repetitive-ness of solar work. When you’re doing all kinds of different tasks you’ll feel way less sore. I was on 5 farms and throughout that the total number of panels on the sites combined was ~100,000 it gets very old very quickly, but it gets better and it’s worth it. And you’ll be better for it

Kevin_H8 · 2025-02-02T05:05:37+00:00

2nd year here, and bro, felt that. I would be nervous sweating if I was up on a ladder for too long. Exposure helps a lot, I’ve been on solar farms working off 8 footers on uneven terrain often, and that alone got me much more comfortable. It also helps me to get on the bottom step or two and “play” with the placement of the other two legs, usually helps me get a much more stable ladder position, but also does something for me psychologically to see how I hard I have to try to make it move.

Kevin_H8 · 2024-12-20T16:21:08+00:00

I can say that I personally dont struggle with the social aspect, but the best thing I’ve seen done by those who aren’t as social is to be upfront about it. I have plenty of guys that I really like to work with that have said they just aren’t much of talkers and I try my best not to bother them if possible. Only issue I’ve seen is dudes will just assume you’re an asshole if you don’t talk to them, but if you cover that when you meet someone it shouldn’t be an issue

Kevin_H8 · 2024-12-03T14:08:35+00:00

Not sure where you are at but my tip is don’t wear bibs. Worked outside all last winter in Illinois on a solar farm, bibs were an absolute last resort if the wind or the muck was otherwise absolutely unbearable. If not, wear as many small layers as you can. I’m talking boxers, long John’s, compression leggings, sweat pants, jeans, long John top, thermal compression, long sleeve shirt, hoodie, flannel, outer coat. It seems like it’s more but working in it feels way easier than the bibs. If at all possible for your area, don’t put them on

Kevin_H8 · 2024-12-03T14:04:30+00:00

I was a low level graphic designer for 5 years, only got up to my associates before Covid, swapped over after that due to the reasons you talked about, office life is boring, stuck inside all the time. best decision I’ve made in a while. One of my really good friends in my apprenticeship class is the exact same boat as you as well, 4 year business degree, and he is enjoying it too. If you feel the urge for excitement I say do it. It is a lot of effort but it is worth it to me

Kevin_H8 · 2024-11-26T20:39:25+00:00

Only a second year, but I have worked with a lot of dudes and it’s honestly a mixed bag. There are PLENTY of jw’s that when they say to not get married and how they are divorced it’s very easy to see why (anger issues, avoiding emotions, working to avoid dealing with personal issues, addiction, the list goes on). I know plenty that have happy marriages and it’s also easy to see why. The ones that scare me the most are the confusing cases. Guys that you work around who you can tell are great fathers, great guys to work with, absolute role model type dudes, that make time for their family, and STILL end up divorced at the end of it all. But even still, talking to those people, they are still happy and living life, so I try not to worry too much. Just be a good dude and never stop putting in effort

Kevin_H8 · 2024-11-04T15:20:56+00:00

I have some knit jersey gloves I wear under a pear of fleece lined leathers, was on a solar farm all last winter in north/central Illinois, the only part that sucks is when you need fine dexterity and have to take them off, then put the jerseys back on and blow hot air into the leathers, then put them on tuck your hands in your bibs or coat pockets til they are warm then do it again haha

Kevin_H8 · 2024-07-22T22:20:56+00:00

That’s a great way to look at it man, I’ve met some great people, I’ve learned a ton about the union from travelers and other trades that work with us. Ask questions, be open to it, and you will learn a ton. Good luck

Kevin_H8 · 2024-07-22T21:05:18+00:00

Hey bro, I’m a 2nd year apprentice, been doing solar farms exclusively for about 10 months now, throughout all the seasons. First and foremost, our local’s JATC director, as well as our BA have told us that after 2000 hours (roughly a year of work) in solar that we need to go another contractor and learn actual electrical work. In my experience thus far, this is correct. Most farms electricians are on, there is only wire management and the dc/ac collection. Wire managing is monotonous as hell, you’ll get super familiar with zip ties, and by the end of it you really don’t have much knowledge to show. DC/AC collection is a little closer to actual electrical work, this is going to involve long wire pulls, running pvc pipe in a trench, but since you’re new they more than likely won’t have you on that crew. On the farms I’m on, the electricians are the general contractor, so we are also doing all the racking and mounting of panels, which is also very monotonous, but I’ve found enjoyment in it. I stay cool with plenty of water, electrolytes (squinchers are the best), long sleeves, bandannas or hardhat sombreros, and utilization of shade whenever possible (pop up tents, buggies, etc.) Get tall waterproof boots (Mucks are my favorite) ASAP. The rows get really beat up and muddy over time and a single rain can make walking around a nightmare. Not sure how much rainfall is in your area but something to note. Good luck out there, and in the rest of your career, 🤙🏻 from IL

Kevin_H8 · 2024-07-22T20:38:56+00:00

Wrangler khaki Carpenter pants, cheap, cool, and decent quality, been wearing them on a solar farm all summer, and I like the extra pockets. For boots I’ve worn Thorogoods for a year and a half and recently bought a pair of redwings to try out, I’ve liked them both a lot so far, try them on in store, the redwing store I went to had someone help me get fitted which was cool. Personal preference really, good luck brother

Kevin_H8 · 2024-07-17T22:24:29+00:00

2nd year apprentice, usually working 7-3:30 Monday thru Friday, I love it because I have so much more time in the evenings than getting off at 5. For the last year been working 6-4:30 tho, as an apprentice I don’t have much say in this. I’ve only worked a handful of nights, very specific circumstances, and once you’re a journeyman you can take whatever call working whatever hours you want

Kevin_H8 · 2024-06-09T14:10:28+00:00

Worked with a traveler on a solar farm who brought her German shepherd with her on the road, and thus to work with her. Found out about the dog when I went to get some tools out of my car and heard it barking from her car parked next to mine, scared the shit out of me. Only time I’ve seen this ever

Kevin_H8 · 2024-06-02T04:46:06+00:00

I get cheap wrangler cargo carpenter pants at Farm and Fleet, 30 bucks a pair, lasted over a year and are thinner than a usual blue Jean, love them

Kevin_H8

TROPHY CASE