Solar Engineer

Solar Engineers are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems. They work closely with architects and construction workers to ensure the smooth implementation of solar panels. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce its carbon footprint and battle climate change, the demand for solar energy has increased exponentially. This has, in turn, sharply increased the demand for Solar Engineers. This career path often begins with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, but online courses can provide the foundational knowledge and skills to enter this career or to further your career in the field.

Education and Training

Many Solar Engineers have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. The Bachelor's may be in Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Civil Engineering. Some Solar Engineers have a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or a related field. Other Solar Engineers may start out in the Electrical Field and work their way up into the Solar Engineering field. In addition to a Bachelor's Degree, Solar Engineers will need to obtain a professional license. Required licenses may vary depending on regional and state regulations.

Skills

Solar Engineers will need a depth of knowledge in mathematics, particularly geometry and physics. They will need to understand electrical principles in order to design and implement solar systems. Solar Engineers will also need computer and software skills, as well as some project management experience. Some of the specific skills that Solar Engineers should possess include the ability to conduct site assessments, the ability to design and simulate solar energy systems, and an ability to size and specify solar equipment.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Solar Engineers work with architects and engineers to select optimal locations for solar installations. They will also visit building sites to ensure that the installation is safe and effective. Additionally, Solar Engineers will analyze building energy consumption, calculate system efficiency, collect data from the utility grid, and prepare reports. Environmental impact assessments may also be a part of the Solar Engineer's day.

Industry Outlook

The demand for Solar Engineers is expected to grow as the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce its carbon footprint. Solar panels are becoming more affordable and efficient, and governments are increasingly offering incentives for the installation of solar energy systems. This means that Solar Engineers with experience and expertise in the field may be in high demand.

Personal Growth

Solar Engineers can advance their careers by becoming licensed professional engineers. They can also earn certifications in solar energy design and installation. Solar Engineers with experience and expertise may also be able to move into management positions.

Self-Guided Projects

Individuals interested in becoming Solar Engineers can complete self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects may include building a small-scale solar energy system, volunteering with a local solar energy organization, or taking online courses in solar energy design and installation.

Online Courses

Learners and students may complete online courses to better prepare themselves for this role. These courses can provide the foundational knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to enter this career or bolster their learning in the field. Examples of online courses include those in solar energy and electrical system design, financial modeling for renewable energy, introduction to solar cells, solar energy systems overview, and solar energy: photovoltaic (PV) systems, along with other ways to learn about this topic.

Are Online Courses Enough

While online courses can provide valuable knowledge, skills, and foundational learning, most roles require supplemental learning through an academic program and on-the-job training. Online courses can help prepare you to break into the field or bolster your knowledge base, but are not sufficient to replace a Bachelor's Degree program from an accredited university.