Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Solar Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

A Solar Engineer is a specialized engineering professional at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. This role is the technical backbone of solar energy projects, responsible for everything from initial site assessment and system design to overseeing construction and ensuring optimal performance. They blend principles of electrical, structural, and civil engineering with deep knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) technology and industry regulations. More than just a designer, a Solar Engineer is a problem-solver, an innovator, and a crucial player in translating the promise of clean energy into tangible, efficient, and reliable power-generating assets for residential, commercial, and utility-scale clients.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electrical Engineering Graduate or Intern
CAD Technician or Designer (with an engineering focus)
Junior Project Engineer in a related construction or energy field

Advancement To:

Senior Solar Engineer or Lead Engineer
Project Manager (Solar/Renewable Energy)
Director of Engineering or VP of Engineering

Lateral Moves:

Energy Storage Engineer
Renewable Energy Consultant
Applications Engineer for a solar equipment manufacturer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and prepare comprehensive solar photovoltaic (PV) system designs for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects, including system layouts, array configurations, and equipment specifications.
Create complete sets of engineering and construction drawings using AutoCAD, including site plans, single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and detailed wiring schematics.
Conduct thorough site assessments to evaluate project feasibility, identifying potential structural, electrical, and geographical constraints and opportunities for system optimization.
Perform accurate and detailed energy production simulations and performance modeling using industry-standard software like PVSyst, Helioscope, and Aurora Solar to forecast system output.
Execute precise shading analysis of project sites using tools such as the Solmetric SunEye to mitigate production losses and inform optimal array placement.
Select and specify major system components, including PV modules, inverters, racking systems, and monitoring equipment, ensuring compatibility and compliance with project requirements.
Ensure all designs adhere to relevant codes and standards, including the National Electrical Code (NEC), local building codes, and utility interconnection requirements.
Perform detailed electrical calculations, including voltage drop, wire and conduit sizing, and overcurrent protection, to ensure system safety and efficiency.
Support the project permitting process by preparing technical documentation, drawings, and calculations required for submission to local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
Manage the utility interconnection application process, serving as the technical liaison between the project team and the utility company.
Review and analyze structural load calculations to confirm the integrity of roof- or ground-mounted racking systems under various environmental conditions.
Provide direct technical support and engineering guidance to construction and installation crews throughout the project lifecycle, resolving any on-site design challenges.
Prepare detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) and support the procurement team with technical specifications for equipment purchasing.
Analyze post-installation system performance data to verify that the system is operating as designed and troubleshoot any discrepancies or underperformance issues.
Collaborate closely with project managers, sales teams, and clients to align engineering designs with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
Conduct due diligence and technical reviews of new solar technologies, products, and manufacturing partners to inform company standards and improve design efficiency.
Develop and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including as-built drawings, commissioning reports, and operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals.
Create and refine standardized design templates, calculation tools, and engineering processes to improve team efficiency and quality control.
Mentor and provide technical training to junior engineers and designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
Assist in the preparation of technical proposals and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), providing engineering input on project scope and cost estimates.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to system performance and equipment reliability.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying opportunities to leverage performance data for future design improvements.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs from asset management and O&M into actionable engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team, particularly on projects related to performance monitoring platforms.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

PV System Design Software: High proficiency in industry-standard solar design and simulation tools such as PVSyst, Helioscope, and/or Aurora Solar.
CAD Software: Expertise in creating detailed engineering drawing sets using AutoCAD.
National Electrical Code (NEC): Deep understanding and practical application of the NEC, particularly Articles 690 and 705, and other relevant building codes.
Electrical Engineering Principles: Strong foundation in electrical engineering concepts, including AC/DC power, circuit analysis, and power systems.
Structural Analysis: Familiarity with structural design principles, including wind and snow load calculations, as they apply to solar racking and mounting.
Utility Interconnection Standards: Knowledge of the processes, technical requirements, and standards for interconnecting PV systems with electric utilities.
Data Analysis: Ability to analyze system performance data to diagnose issues and verify production estimates.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to identify technical challenges, analyze complex variables, and develop effective, practical solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of design, calculation, and documentation to ensure safety, compliance, and quality.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, clients, contractors, and utility representatives.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in an engineering discipline from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) in a relevant engineering field.
Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly desirable.
NABCEP PV Installation Professional or PV Design Specialist certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
Civil or Structural Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in solar PV system design, with a portfolio of completed residential, commercial, or utility-scale projects.

Preferred:

Direct experience managing the engineering aspects of projects from conception through to commissioning. Experience with integrated energy storage systems (BESS) is a significant advantage.