Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Consulting Engineer, Distributed Energy Systems Consultant, Research Engineer, Solar Engineer
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:
- Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
- Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
- 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
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Business
- customer service
Skills
Basic Skills
- reading work related information
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
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
Abilities
Verbal
- read and understand what is written
- listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
- use rules to solve problems
- come up with lots of ideas
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:
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Achievement/Effort
- Cooperation
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
usually needed
usually needed
Job Outlook
Below Average
New job opportunities are less 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.