Solar engineering is a high-paying job field that allows you to help make the planet a better place. Solar energy engineering jobs are expected to continue to grow in demand as more people see the value of renewable energy in reducing the impacts of climate change.
There are actually several different types of solar engineers who work together on solar energy projects. This comprehensive career guide covers the different types of solar engineers and answers questions including what do solar engineers do and how to become a solar engineer.
Career Path Overview for Solar Engineer
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree; Licensure as a Professional Engineer
Recommended Degree Program
BS in SBM Renewable Energy , A.A.S. in Renewable Energy
Average Salary (2021)
Workers Employed in U.S. (2020)
Projected Job Openings by 2030
Projected Growth Rate
8% (as fast as average)
Other Job Titles
Solar Power Engineer, Material Engineer
Related Careers
If this field is new to you, you may be wondering what is solar engineering? Solar engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining ways to utilize solar power, usually through the use of solar panels. Sun power is the most ubiquitous energy source available on this planet, so solar engineering is an important field that is expected to continue to grow. It’s one of many climate change careers that help protect the planet .
Solar panel engineers design solar panels and solar energy systems. Engineers work in many aspects of the solar energy field, including building, designing, and installing solar panels and working to improve solar technology through data collection, lab work, and field experiments. Some engineers also work on repairing solar panels and performing routine maintenance.
Solar engineer teams usually consist of many different types of engineers:
What does a solar engineer do in an entry-level position? A junior solar engineer job may involve installing, maintaining, and repairing solar panels under the supervision of a more experienced engineer. Junior solar engineers should be proficient in computer-aided design (CAD) software and have a strong understanding of solar energy. They should be able to work with a team of engineers and other solar energy professionals .
Advanced solar engineers may help to develop and implement large solar energy projects such as one for a large corporation or a city. They often manage teams of engineers and oversee solar energy systems. Senior solar engineers also work with executives, consultants, and other professionals to execute, manage, and audit projects. Some advanced solar engineers may even go into teaching and lead solar engineer training programs.
Explore more high-paying environmental careers where you can make a difference at work.
Solar engineers spend some of their work time in offices and some in the field. Others may work in laboratories or factories. A solar engineer’s job description varies greatly depending on the job and the employer.
The job may require travel to different sites and physical labor such as carrying heavy equipment and climbing onto rooftops. Regardless of the work environment, most solar engineers work full time and may work irregular hours due to travel or responding to power outages and other issues. This includes responding to natural disasters .
The states that employ the most material engineers, a common type of solar engineer, are:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have data specifically on the average solar engineer salary, but they do have overall data on material engineers. This is relevant since many solar engineers are material engineers. The median pay for material engineers in 2021 was $98,300. This is significantly higher than the national median income for the same year across all occupations, which was $44,225.
Top 5 States for Geoscientist Salary in U.S.
Average Annual Salary
Average Hourly Rate
