Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Also Called: Solar Engineer

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$62,130

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Solar Energy Systems Engineers do

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

  • Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
  • Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
  • Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing • Construction • Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

Tools

  • Semiconductor process systems
  • Spectrometers
  • Power meters
  • Solar radiation surface observing apparatus
  • Laboratory mechanical convection ovens

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Data visualization software
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk Revit
Trimble SketchUp Pro

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Writing

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service

Education

  • 73% Bachelor's degree
  • 9% Post-baccalaureate certificate
  • 5% Less than high school diploma

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Solar Thermal Installers & Technicians

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technologists & Technicians

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologists & Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Solar Energy Systems Engineers Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

  • Air Force Institute of Technology-Graduate School of Engineering & Management

    Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

Apprenticeships

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Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Solar Energy Systems Engineers across the country typically make.

$29.87 / hour
$62,130 /year

Entry Level

$53.83 / hour
$111,970 /year

Median Level

$85.10 / hour
$177,020 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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