Electrical Engineer
The Job of a Solar Electrical Engineer, a comprehensive guide
Electrical engineers in the solar industry are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining solar energy systems. They use their expertise to design and implement solar power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
Overview of the Solar Electrical Engineer Job
Electrical engineers have a granular understanding of photovoltaic technology and work to research, design, and test new technologies to improve the performance of electrical systems. Solar is the cheapest form of energy we have access to today, but electrical engineers strive to further reduce costs and improve performance
Solar Electrical Engineer Salary
Electrical Engineers earn a median salary of $103,320 per the BLS. The top 10% of earners receive more than $166,970 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $65,480. Like most engineering positions, as you develop expertise in a specific technology or industry, you can continue to earn more given your experience.
Common Solar Electrical Engineer Job Descriptions
Electrical Engineers work in manufacturing in in design of solar photovoltaic systems and have multiple responsibilities including:
Designing Solar Energy Systems: Develop solar energy systems based on client requirements. This includes building and improving products, using CAD software to conduct performance analysis to improve systems, and testing new materials and technologies for their electrical properties.
Developing Electrical Plans: Electrical engineers are responsible for developing detailed electrical plans, including wiring diagrams, component specifications, and system interconnection details from ideation through to manufacturing. They may work with Systems Engineers to design large-scale projects.
Testing and Commissioning: Responsible for testing and commissioning solar energy systems. This involves verifying the performance of the system, ensuring that it meets design specifications, and identifying any defects or issues.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Electrical engineers are responsible for identifying and resolving issues in solar energy systems. They are also responsible for performing routine maintenance and will support field teams when there are any defects in the panel
Solar Electrical Engineer Job and Skill Requirements
To obtain a job as an electrical engineer at solar manufacturer, you will typically need most of the following requirements:
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Some employers may require a master's degree in electrical engineering
5+ years experience in system development or manufacturing
EIT or PE license in either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
Highly proficient with common tools used in electrical engineering, such as oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and high voltage equipment in both field and lab settings
Knowledge of tools and processes for FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and Fault Tree Analysis.
Experience designing a PV system including the array layouts, equipment layouts, and utility interconnection
Knowledge of how to build PV one-line and three-line diagrams
Experience with battery storage systems
Familiarity with CDEGS software, IEEE 80 and 81 and resistance testing.
Strong familiarity with photovoltaic equipment, materials, and manufacturers
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office for communication, analysis, and produced reports or bill of materials for projects
What's the day-to-day as a Solar Electrical Engineer?
Electrical engineers will be responsible for creating new products and systems to power the energy grid. Day-to-day will depend on the stage and needs of a project, but will include activities like:
Create new concepts and models in CAD software
Define the test equipment and tools needed to test new products
Create circuits and modules and PCB/PCA manufacturing to create prototypes of scalable systems
Evaluate system designs and put together reports on requirements and specifications
Create design documentation and reports on new projects
Conduct FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) or RCA (Root Cause Analysis) to determine probability of defects and mitigation strategies
Partner with Project Developers and System Engineers to design the overall solar system
Perform data analysis of field installations to ensure products and systems are performing in line with specifications
Job Outlook for Solar Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow slower than the overall labor marketplace, but solar opportunities are expected to increase faster. The United States currently has shortage of electrical engineers, so labor demand will remain high over the next decade, especially in the solar industry.
Career Opportunities for Solar Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers can progress to more senior roles within their organization such as Senior Electrical Engineers, Technical Directors, or Director of Engineers. For more hands-on solar experience, you may be able to transition into Project Manager or Developer roles as you gain knowledge of topics like permitting, installation and maintenance, and more.
How to Become a Solar Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers should leverage their professional network and college career hubs to find jobs within the industry. Alumni of your electrical or mechanical engineering program are fantastic resources to learn more about the jobs available to you. To stay on top of the latest general electrical engineering jobs, subscribe to job alerts on job boards like Indeed.
WorkInSolar’s job board is focused on primarily skilled labor, manufacturing, and installation roles in the solar industry, so if you’ve decided solar is your dream career, check out the job board here.
How to keep learning more
Electrical engineers are critical for continuous improvements to solar photovoltaic cells over time that will further accelerate our energy infrastructure overhaul. Stay up to date on the latest solar trends by subscribing to Work In Solar’s blog here.
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