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.

What They Do

Solar energy systems engineers evaluate buildings and properties to design efficient solar power solutions. They analyze factors like roof structure, sun exposure patterns, local weather data, and a building's energy consumption to create customized solar installations. Their work involves detailed calculations to determine the optimal placement and angle of solar panels, sizing battery storage systems, and ensuring designs meet both energy goals and building codes.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Engineering-Related Fields(doctoral)George Washington University, DC

Engineering(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Stanford University, CA

Systems Engineering(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Engineering(masters)University of California-San Diego, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Chemical Engineering(doctoral)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(bachelors)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Engineering(masters)University of California-Los Angeles, CA

Systems Engineering(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Stanford University, CA

Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Wayne State University, MI

Engineering-Related Fields(masters)Washington State University, WA

Engineering-Related Fields(masters)George Washington University, DC

Systems Engineering(masters)Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Systems Engineering(masters)Boston University, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of Southern California, CA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

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