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Occupation AtlasSolar Energy Systems Engineers

O*NET · 17-2199.11

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 Applications Engineer · Consulting Engineer · Engineer · Photovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer) · Power Systems Engineer · Project Engineer · PV System Designer · Renewable Energy Specialist
28 more

Research Engineer · Solar Applications Development Engineer · Solar Array Engineer · Solar Design Engineer · Solar Designer · Solar Development Engineer · Solar Energy Advisor · Solar Energy Contractor · Solar Energy Engineer · Solar Energy Systems Designer · Solar Energy Systems Engineer · Solar Engineer · Solar Mechanical Engineer · Solar PE · Solar Performance Engineer · Solar Process Engineer · Solar Professional Engineer (Solar PE) · Solar Project Engineer · Solar PV Designer · Solar PV Designer (Solar Photovoltaic Designer) · Solar PV Engineer · Solar PV Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Engineer) · Solar PV Product Development Engineer · Solar PV Product Development Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Product Development Engineer) · Solar PV Systems Engineer · Solar PV Systems Engineer (Solar Photovoltaic Systems Engineer) · Solar Systems Designer · Utility Scale Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.97
  • I Investigative5.02
  • C Conventional3.96
  • E Enterprising3.05
  • A Artistic2.11
  • S Social1.90

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma4%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent7%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate11%
  • Some College Courses7%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree56%
  • First Professional Degree4%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (25%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Speakingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active Listeningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Mathematicsbasic3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Sciencebasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Coordination3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Systems Evaluation3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Quality Control Analysis2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Systems Analysis2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Negotiation2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Monitoring2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Analysis2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Troubleshooting2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Technology Design2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Operation and Control2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Programming2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Financial Resources2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Maintenance2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

11 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.4.5
  2. Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.4.4
  3. Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.4.4
  4. Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.4.3
  5. Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.4.2
  6. Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.4.1
  7. Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.3.9
  8. Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.3.8
  9. Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.3.7
  10. Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.3.6
  11. Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.3.2
Show the other 2
  1. Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.2.9
  2. Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.1.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Design4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Building and Construction3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Mathematics3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Physics3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Administration and Management3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • English Language3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Sales and Marketing2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Economics and Accounting2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Administrative2.53.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Public Safety and Security2.52.9
  • Education and Training2.43.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Telecommunications2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.6
  • Production and Processing2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Geography2.02.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Chemistry1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Communications and Media1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Transportation1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Psychology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Fluency of Ideas3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Inductive Reasoning3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Expression3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.64.1
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Category Flexibility3.53.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Originality3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Near Vision3.43.8
  • Speech Clarity3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Far Vision3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number Facility3.03.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Speed of Closure2.62.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.52.8
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Manual Dexterity2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Multilimb Coordination2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Finger Dexterity2.02.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Extent Flexibility1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Glare Sensitivity1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Stamina1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength1.80.9
  • Gross Body Coordination1.80.9
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive Strength1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Night Vision1.50.6
  • Peripheral Vision1.50.6
  • Rate Control1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.50.5
  • Response Orientation1.50.6
  • Sound Localization1.50.6
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Working with Computers4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Processing Information3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Thinking Creatively3.03.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.62.9
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.42.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.3
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.3
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.2
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9

Technology

57 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (11)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • Pythonhot
  • Aurora HelioScope
  • ETAP
  • PVsyst
  • SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools

Hot (17; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bash
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Google Workspace software
  • JavaScript
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • R
  • Salesforce software
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
Other tools (29)
  • Ansys Fluent
  • Autodesk AutoCAD LT
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Data acquisition software
  • Data visualization software
  • Database software
  • Debugging software
  • Energy-10
  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • HOMER Micropower Optimization Model
  • IMSI TurboCAD
  • National Instruments Compact FieldPoint System
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Optical Physics Technologies SUN_CHART
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • PV Optics
  • Python Tools for Visual Studio (PTVS)
  • Regional Energy Deployment System ReEDS
  • RETScreen
  • Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine SMARTS
  • Simulation software
  • Software development tools
  • Solar Advisor Model
  • Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment SWERA
  • SOLAR-2
  • SolTrace
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
  2. Solar Energy Installation Managers
  3. Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
  4. Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
  5. Wind Energy Engineers
  6. Electrical Engineers
  7. Wind Energy Development Managers
  8. Energy Auditors
  9. Mechanical Engineers
  10. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.