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.
Also called: Consulting Engineer · Engineer · Photovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer) · Power Systems Engineer · Project Engineer · Research Engineer
Median pay (national)
$117,750
$62,840–$183,510 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
150,750
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+2.1%
~9,300 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for solar energy systems engineers shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $183,510 versus $62,840 at the bottom 10% — 2.9x. The median of $117,750 leaves roughly 56% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 9,300 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $167,270, +42% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $58,710 — a 185% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Aurora HelioScope, Autodesk AutoCAD, ETAP, Microsoft Excel as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Science
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Learning Strategies
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
- Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
- Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
- Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
- Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
- Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
- Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
- Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
- Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
Tools & technology
- Aurora HelioScope
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ETAP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- PVsyst
- Python
- SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools
- Autodesk Revit
- Bash
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Google Workspace software
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
- Administration and Management