Solar Designer
Let your curiosity and passion for making things guide your path to a rewarding career in solar energy
Job Details
Typical Tasks
- Work with customers to understand their goals and needs for their solar project
- Perform calculations to figure out the correct size and best possible layout for the solar panels
- Plan the solar project, including all electrical and mechanical specifications as well as add-ons like battery storage
- Give technical support to installation teams and other coworkers
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and schematics for your customer’s solar project
Typical Skills
- Strong math or engineering background
- Strong attention to detail
- Computer skills, including applications like email, word processing, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and computer-aided design (CAD)
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
Typical Experience or Education
- Most employers will require a four-year degree in engineering or a related field
- Knowledge of solar products, safety standards, and how to connect solar panels to the electrical grid (can typically be trained “on the job”)
- Some companies may want to see previous experience as a Solar Installer
Professional Development Opportunities
Some Solar Designers may choose to advance their skills with professional certifications, such as:
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Design Specialist Certification
: Become a certified solar designer and show your customers that you have the expertise and ability to complete solar projects safely and effectively. - NYS Education Department Office of the Professions State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying & Geology—Professional Engineer License : Typically, solar designers will get this license after earning a 4-year degree in Engineering or a related field.
Solar Designers Do Interesting and Helpful Work
See why Penn Martin, Solar Energy Consultant, decided to specialize in solar.
See how you can grow your career and earn more money when you start as a Solar Designer.
Solar Designer
Wage Range:
$63,000–$163,000
Median Hourly Wage:
$50.31/hr
Solar Project Developer
Wage Range:
$63,000–$218,000
Median Hourly Wage:
$61.84/hr
Solar Energy Consultant
Wage Range:
Varies by type of work, size of projects, and other factors
How to Start Your Career
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Free Online Courses
Explore Courses Free Online CoursesTake a free online beginner course. Start by exploring NYSERDA's directory of free courses.
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Apply for Internships
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Virtual Career Center
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SUNY Programs
SUNY Colleges SUNY Programs (opens in new window)Check your local State University of New York community college for programs that can help you specialize in energy-efficient building systems.
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CUNY Programs
CUNY Colleges CUNY Programs (opens in new window)Check your local City University of New York college for programs that can help you specialize in energy-efficient building systems.