Solar Designer
The Job of a Solar Designer, a comprehensive guide
Solar Designers are responsible for designing solar energy systems across residential, commercial, and utility projects, specializing in a category. They use their expertise in engineering, technology, and design to create efficient and sustainable solar systems that meet the needs and wants of their clients.
Overview of the Solar Designer Job
Solar Designers create the site plan for solar projects and partner closely with stakeholders to build, install, and operate the solar energy energy system.
Solar Designer Salary
Solar Designers salary will depend on residential vs. commercial/utility focus of the role. Residential designers have an average salary of ~$60,000 while commercial/utility roles have an average of ~$95,000 per the IREC.
Common Solar Designer Job Descriptions
The key responsibilities of a Solar Designer include the following:
Analyzing site conditions, energy usage, and client needs to determine appropriate solar energy system requirements.
Developing and designing CAD models and documents for solar energy systems.
Creating detailed electrical three-line diagrams with selection of major components and equipment layouts
Collaborating with other professionals in the solar industry, including engineers, architects, and construction teams to ensure seamless design through to installation and operation of the solar energy system.
Assisting in the creation of or reviewing energy production models, project schedules, cost estimation, bill of materials, budgets, scope of work, standards and quotes from suppliers.
Presenting designs to customers for feedback and incorporating feedback into updated designs
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in solar technology to continually improve designs and processes.
Communicating with clients or internal teams to provide updates on the design and installation process and answer any questions they may have
Solar Designer Job and Skill Requirements
To get a job as a Solar Designer working on system design, you will typically see the following requirements:
Associate's, Bachelor degree, or technical certification in engineering or design
Experience in solar panel design, engineering, or installation
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software / SolidWorks
Knowledge of sales software like Aurora Solar
Knowledge of local permitting codes and state & federal regulations
Familiar with NEC and knowledge of electrical calculations
Strong communication and collaboration skills as the role interfaces with customers
Strong analysis and problem-solving skills to adapt specifications and designs according to site limitations and customer feedback
Comfortable with Microsoft Excel / Google sheets to create organized sheets and models for bill of materials and cost estimates
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Designer?
The day-to-day of a design will vary between residential or commercial/utility designers. Residential designers are typically working on multiple projects at once at various stages in the project from site analysis through to any final changes after permitting feedback and before installation begins. Commercial/utility designers will work on no more than few projects and collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Depending on stage of projects, a day will likely include:
Analyzing site conditions and creating initial proposals for the solar panel installation
Developing CAD models and documents
Communicating with clients to answer any questions from submitted designs for review
Holding internal team meetings to review proposals from the project developer, sales teams, or technicians
Calculating and updating bill of materials, costs projections, and energy estimates
Partnering with teams or managing the permitting process independently depending on size of company
Creating work instructions for installation and operations teams and being prepared to answer any questions as the project begins
Visiting sites and customers to assess the design in-person and after installation
Outlook for Solar Designer Jobs
Demand for solar installations is expected to continue to increase with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. While much of the design process has become standardized, solar designers will continue to be needed as residential projects vary in complexity and larger scale commercial and utility projects will need to be designed in efficient, safe, and scalable ways. Designers will continue to grow like the overall solar market, which is expected to more than double in the next ten years.
Career Opportunities for Solar Designers
Solar designers can progress to senior design positions, management roles, or starting their own design firms. Solar designers can also bridge into project developer / project manager roles if they achieve the necessary certifications - intricate knowledge of the design process will be invaluable to the development roles.
How to get a job in Solar Design
Search for open positions on job boards or company websites, network with professionals in the solar industry, and attend career fairs and events. Candidates can also reach out to solar energy companies directly to inquire about available positions and if they need design support. Call out your relevant skills. WorkInSolar will be your portal to search for all the best solar jobs available.
How to keep learning more
Designers bring solar projects to life by first assessing the site or potential site locations and using their knowledge and experience from prior solar installations to design an efficient and appealing solution for the company’s customers. If you enjoy modeling, working closely with internal teams while interfacing with the end customer, and iterating on designs, then this is a great career for you. Subscribe to our blog to stay up to date on the latest