Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $122,930/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$66,810$189,950

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +2.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 9,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningMathematicsJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringActive Learning

Top knowledge areas

Engineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMathematicsMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsPhysicsAdministration and Management

Core tasks

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Solar Energy Systems Engineers?

The median pay for Solar Energy Systems Engineers is $122,930 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Solar Energy Systems Engineers?

Employment for Solar Energy Systems Engineers is projected to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Solar Energy Systems Engineers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Solar Energy Systems Engineers?

About 9,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.