Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Power Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, Solar Design Engineer, Solar Designer
What they 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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- product and service development
- design
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
- physics
Business
- management
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
- thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
- measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Abilities
Verbal
- communicate by writing
- read and understand what is written
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- use rules to solve problems
Math
- choose the right type of math to solve a problem
- add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Persistence
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
- Data visualization software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk Revit
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Education
Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Energy Engineers
- Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Solar Sales Representatives & Assessors
- Solar Thermal Installers & Technicians
- Wind Energy Engineers
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about solar energy systems engineers.