Occupation · SOC 17-2199.11
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 wage
$117,750
$62,840–$183,510
Projected growth
+2.1%
Slower than average
Annual openings
330
per year
Employed (US)
150,750
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
920 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingScienceMonitoringActive LearningTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessPersuasionInstructingCoordinationLearning StrategiesSystems AnalysisService OrientationQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringOperations AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesTroubleshootingTechnology DesignProgrammingOperation and ControlRepairingManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceInstallation
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMathematicsMechanicalPhysicsComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingPublic Safety and SecurityAdministrativeEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsPersonnel and Human ResourcesLaw and GovernmentProduction and ProcessingGeographyCommunications and MediaChemistryTransportationPsychologyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyBiologyTherapy and CounselingFine ArtsMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionPhilosophy and Theology
Technology & tools
Ansys FluentAurora HelioScopeAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk AutoCAD LTAutodesk RevitBashC++Computer aided design and drafting CADD softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksData acquisition softwareData visualization softwareDatabase softwareDebugging softwareETAPEnergy-10Finite element method FEM softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGlobal positioning system GPS softwareGoogle Workspace softwareHOMER Micropower Optimization ModelIMSI TurboCADJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft WordNational Instruments Compact FieldPoint SystemNational Instruments LabVIEWOptical Physics Technologies SUN_CHARTOracle HyperionPV OpticsPVsystPython
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentWorking with ComputersIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersThinking CreativelyResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsSelling or Influencing OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicControlling Machines and Processes
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Site audit data — collect and document structural, electrical, and environmental measurements under engineer supervision on residential solar project sites.CAD software basics — produce simple electrical single-line diagrams for PV systems following established templates and mentor review.Solar energy fundamentals — apply physics and engineering principles to interpret system specifications within a team-based commercial design environment.Panel schedules — assemble preliminary connection diagrams using CAD tools under direct guidance for entry-level residential installations.Simulation software — execute pre-configured solar PV generation models and record output results for senior-engineer analysis.Technical documentation — read and summarize engineering drawings, codes, and product datasheets relevant to solar energy system components.Design specifications — identify key functional requirements from project briefs and compile supporting data under structured supervision.Installation support — shadow and assist field installation teams during commissioning activities on residential PV projects.Mathematical calculations — apply basic load and energy yield calculations to verify preliminary sizing estimates with guidance.Engineering standards — recognize applicable electrical and building codes relevant to solar system design in a supervised project context.
developing
Engineering site audits — conduct complete structural and electrical assessments for residential and small commercial solar projects with minimal oversight.PV system design — develop system component selections and layout configurations for standard residential installations using CAD and simulation tools.Solar thermal systems — design basic solar thermal configurations, specifying components and integration points for commercial building applications.Electrical diagrams — create accurate single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and connection drawings for PV systems using CAD software with routine peer review.Performance simulation — run and interpret computer simulations of PV generation systems to compare design alternatives and improve energy output estimates.Technical writing — produce engineering reports, design narratives, and specification documents for recurring project types with limited revision cycles.Installation guidance — provide on-site technical direction to installation crews during start-up and testing phases of familiar project types.Specification review — evaluate supplier and subcontractor specifications against design requirements and recommend standard engineering adjustments.Design planning — draft solar energy system development and monitoring plans aligned with project schedules and client objectives.Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with architects, contractors, and utility representatives to resolve routine design integration issues.
proficient
Complex site audits — lead comprehensive engineering audits of large commercial or industrial sites, synthesizing structural, electrical, and shading data into actionable design inputs.Full-scope PV system design — independently design complete photovoltaic systems including array layout, inverter selection, and grid interconnection for commercial and industrial clients.Solar thermal integration — engineer solar thermal systems with advanced controls and storage, coordinating with mechanical teams on complex building retrofits.Advanced CAD documentation — produce fully code-compliant electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and interconnection drawings for multimegawatt projects.Optimization simulation — perform advanced computer modeling of PV generation performance across multiple scenarios, delivering data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.Engineering change management — critically review fabrication and installation specifications, identifying and justifying design changes to meet solar performance objectives.Commissioning leadership — direct installation teams through system commissioning, performance testing, and handover for non-routine or technically complex solar installations.Functional requirements development — author detailed design specifications and functional requirements for novel solar energy system components or configurations.Problem resolution — apply systems-level critical thinking to diagnose underperformance issues and implement corrective engineering solutions in the field.Stakeholder communication — present complex technical findings and design rationale clearly to clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary project teams.
advanced
Organizational design strategy — establish and govern solar energy system design standards, methodologies, and quality frameworks across an engineering organization.Portfolio-level planning — create enterprise-wide plans for solar energy development programs, including evaluation metrics, monitoring protocols, and multi-year roadmaps.Technology leadership — evaluate emerging PV and solar thermal technologies, directing R&D investments to advance organizational capability and competitive differentiation.Engineering talent development — mentor and coach engineers across all experience levels, building technical competency in simulation, CAD design, and site engineering.Cross-organizational coordination — lead integrated project delivery teams spanning engineering, procurement, construction, and finance for utility-scale solar initiatives.Policy and standards influence — represent the organization in industry working groups, shaping engineering standards, grid interconnection rules, and permitting frameworks.Risk and performance governance — establish performance monitoring frameworks and risk mitigation strategies for large solar asset portfolios across diverse regulatory environments.Strategic client relationships — engage executive-level clients and utility partners to define solar energy program objectives, translating vision into viable engineering scope.Innovation pipeline — direct the development of proprietary design tools, simulation platforms, and specification libraries that elevate firm-wide engineering productivity.Executive decision-making — provide authoritative technical judgment to leadership on make-or-buy decisions, partnership strategies, and capital investment in solar infrastructure.
Also known as
30 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Applications EngineerConsulting EngineerEngineerPhotovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer)Power Systems EngineerProject EngineerRenewable Energy SpecialistResearch EngineerSolar Applications Development EngineerSolar Array EngineerSolar Design EngineerSolar DesignerSolar Development EngineerSolar Energy AdvisorSolar Energy ContractorSolar Energy EngineerSolar Energy Systems DesignerSolar Energy Systems EngineerSolar EngineerSolar Mechanical EngineerSolar Performance EngineerSolar Process EngineerSolar Professional Engineer (Solar PE)Solar Project EngineerSolar PV Designer (Solar Photovoltaic Designer)Solar PV Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Engineer)Solar PV Product Development Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Product Development Engineer)Solar PV Systems Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Systems Engineer)Solar Systems DesignerUtility Scale Engineer