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Engineering

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

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.

Median salary

$117,750

Typical range

$63k – $184k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Solar Energy Systems Engineers

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Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Solar Energy Systems Engineers Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Solar Energy Systems Engineers

    Entry / Junior

    $62,840

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Solar Energy Systems Engineers

    Established

    $117,750

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Solar Energy Systems Engineers

    Senior

    $150,630

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
  • •Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
  • •Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
  • •Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
  • •Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Fields of study

Any field

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