Materials Scientist
The Job of a Solar Materials Scientist, a comprehensive guide
A Materials Scientist in the solar industry is responsible for researching, developing, and testing new materials used in the production of solar panels. They are responsible for ensuring that the materials used in the solar panels are efficient, durable, and cost-effective.
Overview of the Solar Materials Science Job
Materials scientists have driven dramatic improvements in the efficiency and cost-reduction of solar panels to date and are continuing to test and develop new processes and materials.
Solar Materials Scientist Salary
Materials Scientists earn a median salary of $80,670 per the BLS. The top 10% of earners receive more than $139,200 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $49,050. Materials Scientists who have done significant research on PV systems can earn significantly more than the median salary in the industry.
Common Solar Materials Scientist Job Descriptions
Primary responsibilities of a materials scientist include:
Conducting research: Research new materials that can be used in solar panels, such as silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide and more
Developing new materials: Once new materials have been identified, Materials Scientists work on developing them into usable products that meet the necessary performance standards.
Testing materials: Test new materials to ensure that they are efficient, durable, and cost-effective. This will include performing experiments in the field after testing in a laboratory setting.
Collaborating with other scientists: Partner with other scientists, such as electrical engineers and physicists, to ensure that the materials they develop meet the necessary requirements for solar panels and can be produced and implemented at scale.
Documenting research: Document research findings and maintain detailed records of their work.
Solar Materials Scientist Job and Skill Requirements
Materials scientists typically have a Master’s degree or a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, or Chemistry. This is a highly specialized role where you will need to demonstrate deep expertise in the field and knowledge of thin film materials and how semiconducting materials and devices are produced in the field
What's the day-to-day as a Solar Materials Scientist?
The day-to-day will vary across the key responsibilities outlined above. Generally there will be various projects you are researching or in the process of testing. You will need to keep stakeholders informed on progress through update meetings and document all of your findings. You will spend time in the laboratory, but also out in the field when experiments are being tested at scale.
Job Outlook for Solar Materials Scientists
Materials scientists are highly specialized roles that go into various industries pushing the development and commercialization of technologies. Demand is expected to increase in line with the overall labor market.
Career Opportunities for Solar Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists are at the forefront of their fields and typically remain in the role for their careers. There is the opportunity to start a company that is borne out research conducted in academia or from an idea that you believe is attainable.
How to Become a Solar Materials Scientist
The best way to find a job in solar as a materials scientist is to network through your collegiate/graduate program. Because these are highly specialized roles, there is a finite set of opportunities in the market. There are also a limited number of employers that are actively researching and commercializing new solar technologies, so do your research and see what career options they have available.
How to keep learning more
Materials scientists have driven massive improvements in the efficiency of solar panels from when they were first discovered in the mid 20th century at Bell Labs to the current solar energy transformation that is underway today. Subscribe to our blog to stay in the loop on the latest developments of the solar labor market.
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