Solar design engineer
Design solar technology solutions for businesses and homeowners. You’ll play a key role in helping customers reduce their carbon emissions.
Also known as: solar pv technical design engineer, solar pv design engineer
About the job
A day in the life – Solar design engineer
What it's like
As a solar design engineer, you'll use your technical skills to create efficient solar energy systems. You'll play a key part in making renewable energy more accessible and reliable.
You'll focus on designing solar power systems for homes, businesses and large-scale projects. You'll work with cutting-edge technology and see your designs come to life, knowing they're helping to reduce carbon emissions. It's rewarding to solve real-world problems and see the positive impact of your work.
You might design rooftop solar panels for a school, plan a solar farm for a community or upgrade existing systems to boost performance. You could work for renewable energy companies, engineering consultancies and construction firms. Some people specialise in residential systems, while others focus on commercial or industrial projects.
Your tasks might include:
creating detailed solar panel layouts using computer-aided design (CAD) software
calculating energy output and system efficiency for different locations
assessing sites to check suitability for solar installations
preparing technical reports and proposals for clients
working with installers to ensure designs are practical and safe
staying up to date with new solar technologies and regulations
Green job
In this job, you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Solar Energy UK – a trade association representing the solar industry
Meet Mandeep – a Modern Apprentice working on solar farms in Scotland
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (ISE) – for more information on engineering careers
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Solar design engineer'
Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Engineering and manufacturing -
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- working with technology
- working with numbers
- verbal communication
- innovative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- analysing
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Chemistry
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Skills for Work: Construction Craft
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Practical Electronics
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Graphic Communication
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To work as a solar design engineer, you must have a high standard of technical skills and knowledge. Employers value qualifications in areas such as electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.
University
A degree is often essential for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Renewable Energy
Use the My World of Work course search to find an undergraduate course.
Many employers will also consider you without a degree – as long as you have enough work experience, skills and knowledge.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. Check out this GA in Engineering: Design and Manufacture.
As well as relevant experience, it’s useful to have experience in project management.
A driving licence is important for getting to customer locations.
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