What Do Solar Energy Systems Engineer Do?
Occupation Description 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.
List of Solar Energy Systems Engineer Job Duties
- Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
- Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
- Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.
- Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
- Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
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What a Solar Energy Systems Engineer Should Know
Solar Energy Systems Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Solar Energy Systems Engineer
- Solar Array Engineer
- Solar Energy Systems Designer
- Solar Designer
- Solar Project Engineer
- Renewable Energy Leader
Job Demand for Solar Energy Systems Engineers
In the United States, there were 132,500 jobs for Solar Energy Systems Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Solar Energy Systems Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Solar Energy Systems Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Solar Energy Systems Engineers Salary
The salary for Solar Energy Systems Engineers ranges between about $50,750 and $155,650 a year.
Solar Energy Systems Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Solar Energy Systems Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $115,710 |
| Alaska | $114,040 |
| Arizona | $94,450 |
| Arkansas | $71,510 |
| California | $107,700 |
| Colorado | $111,610 |
| Connecticut | $100,230 |
| District of Columbia | $132,530 |
| Florida | $82,970 |
| Georgia | $93,580 |
| Hawaii | $96,940 |
| Idaho | $110,270 |
| Illinois | $87,220 |
| Indiana | $73,340 |
| Iowa | $78,230 |
| Kansas | $82,060 |
| Kentucky | $79,690 |
| Louisiana | $90,580 |
| Maine | $85,800 |
| Maryland | $118,420 |
| Massachusetts | $109,220 |
| Michigan | $90,420 |
| Minnesota | $101,620 |
| Mississippi | $79,630 |
| Missouri | $86,850 |
| Montana | $79,590 |
| Nebraska | $82,760 |
| Nevada | $94,950 |
| New Hampshire | $99,070 |
| New Jersey | $114,990 |
| New Mexico | $114,790 |
| New York | $95,270 |
| North Carolina | $83,900 |
| North Dakota | $83,270 |
| Ohio | $93,370 |
| Oklahoma | $83,080 |
| Oregon | $90,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,550 |
| Rhode Island | $95,790 |
| South Carolina | $100,750 |
| South Dakota | $84,320 |
| Tennessee | $82,030 |
| Texas | $113,370 |
| Utah | $89,810 |
| Vermont | $81,960 |
| Virginia | $118,390 |
| Washington | $104,890 |
| West Virginia | $91,420 |
| Wisconsin | $86,600 |
| Wyoming | $97,040 |
What Tools & Technology do Solar Energy Systems Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Solar Energy Systems Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data visualization software
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- R
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
How do I Become a Solar Energy Systems Engineer?
Are there Solar Energy Systems Engineers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Solar Energy Systems Engineers Work
Solar Energy Systems Engineers work in the following industries:
References:
Image Credit: luis gomes via CC0 License
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