Solar engineers: What do they do and how to train to become one

With the adoption of solar energy generation growing around the world, it’s a time of great opportunity in the solar engineering sector. In the US alone, the solar industry will need to quadruple the size of its workforce by 2035 to meet President Biden's clean energy target.

Solar engineering offers fulfilling work and high earning potential in an industry that is changing rapidly. So, could it be your next challenge?

What does a solar engineer do, and what kind of training do you need to enter the career path?

What is solar engineering?

Solar engineers can be involved in different types of engineering throughout the supply chain, including materials, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and software engineering. They can work on the processing of raw materials, manufacturing of solar equipment, the design and construction of solar power installations, or the maintenance of solar energy systems.

Solar power installations can range from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels and heating systems on private homes to large utility-scale power plants.

Solar engineers that work on the design and/or construction of solar projects produce and analyze designs for simulation and testing. They coordinate the layout of panels, inverters, and electrical components to optimize the amount of electricity they can produce. They can also work on solar heating and hot water systems for residential or commercial buildings.

Solar engineers create diagrams and other documentation for solar projects, review project plans, and ensure safety procedures are in place for installation and maintenance. Engineers can use computer-aided design (CAD) software to assist them in project optimization.

The rapid growth of the solar industry, which installed record high capacity in 2020, has seen a shortage of qualified solar engineers. As a result, workers with various backgrounds in engineering have been able to move into the solar industry. 

But, what training do engineers need to be able to work on solar projects?

Training to become a solar engineer

Most solar engineers have an educational background in chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Skills in using CAD programs and mechanical drawing are also valuable.

Engineers can obtain a bachelor’s degree in electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering. Many engineers also choose to gain a master’s degree to enhance their knowledge and earning potential. Plus, some colleges and universities offer degrees with a focus on solar energy.

Degree programs often include an element of hands-on experience. In addition, some solar companies and industry associations offer internships for practical training.

Solar engineering courses

There are many universities and colleges around the world that offer specialized courses for solar engineering. Some examples include:

Australia

• BA (Hons) Engineering (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy) at the University of New South Wales

• BA (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Newcastle

• Master of Energy Systems at the University of Melbourne

Europe

• MSc Solar Energy: Engineering and Economics (S3E) at the Université Savoie Mont Blanc in France

• MSc Solar Energy Engineering at the University of Freiburg in Germany

• MSc Renewable Energy Systems at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in Germany

• MSc Solar Energy Engineering at Dalarna University in Sweden

UK

• MSc Solar Cell Technology at the University of Sheffield

• PgCert/PgDip/MSc in Solar Energy Systems at Robert Gordon University

• MSc Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy at Swansea University

US

• MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the Oregon Institute of Technology

• MEng in Energy Systems Engineering at the University of Michigan

• Certificate in Renewable Energy Management at North Carolina State University

Courses that specifically concentrate on solar energy include technology development, quality control, system design, life cycle analysis and solar cell interconnection, as well as policy and legislation. It is possible to convert from studying other engineering courses to focus on solar engineering.

In addition to university and college courses, there are training courses and workshops available through industry associations such as Solar Energy International and Solar Power Europe to help people explore opportunities in the industry. In the US, the Solar Training Network, funded by the Department of Energy, is a resource to connect people looking for jobs in the solar industry with training providers and employers.

Job roles in the industry

As we have seen, there are many types of solar engineering roles. Some of the jobs for engineers in the solar industry include:

• Project/design engineer

• Technical lead

• Electrical service engineer

• Field engineer

• Operations and maintenance manager

Such roles include managing the development or acquisition of solar projects, providing engineering input throughout a project, starting with the initial assessment stage and through to technical and economic feasibility studies. Engineering jobs also monitor the construction stage and, in some roles, the ongoing operation of the energy system.

Engineers are also responsible for carrying out due diligence and liaising with external technical contractors. They conduct site visits and review all of the technical documentation for a project, including the reports, specifications, calculations, proposals and contracts.

Solar engineer vs solar energy technician

It is important to differentiate between the role of a solar engineer and a solar technician. While a solar engineer works on the design and simulation of solar projects at the planning stage, a solar technician installs the solar energy system at the site.

While an engineer must usually have at least a bachelor’s degree, a solar technician does not necessarily need to have a higher education qualification. There are courses available for electricians to train to become solar installers. Solar technicians must be certified in their local area to be permitted to install energy systems.

Find your next job in solar engineering

You can find engineering jobs in the industry through solar associations, employment agencies, alumni networks, as well as solar companies directly.

If you’d like to find out more about working in the solar industry, check out our open positions. We’re always looking for bright talent to help us making renewables the world first source of energy.

We would be happy to provide you with information to help you start your career in solar engineering.