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.

Tasks Include:

Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.
Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +4.1%

National: +5.0%

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$111,970.00

State

$136,490.00

Regional

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Education

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree = 55.56%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 11.11%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 11.11%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 7.41%
Some College Courses = 7.41%
Less than a High School Diploma = 3.70%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 3.70%

Related Work Experience

Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 39.29%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 17.86%
None = 10.71%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10.71%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 10.71%
Up to and including 1 month = 3.57%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 3.57%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 3.57%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 25%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 21.43%
None = 14.29%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 14.29%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.71%
Up to and including 1 month = 7.14%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 7.14%

On-the-Job Training

Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 32.14%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 21.43%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.29%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 10.71%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.71%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 7.14%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.57%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Abrasion testers
Ageing ovens (Accelerated weathering machines)
Metal testing instruments (Adhesion testers)
Atomic absorption AA spectrometers (Atomic absorption spectrometers)
Spectrometers (Auger electron spectrometers)
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (Bench ovens)
Potentiometers (Chronopotentiometers)
Compression testers
Photocopiers (Copy machines)
Coulometers
Creep testers
Graphic recorders (Current versus voltage IV curve tracers)
Portable data input terminals (Data loggers)
Calorimeters (Differential scanning calorimeters)
Videoscopes (Digital imaging microscopes)
Signal generators (Digital pattern generators)
Resistance thermometers (Digital resistance thermometers)
Low voltage alternating and direct current AC DC panelboards (Direct current DC power supplies)
Electrometers
Laboratory evaporators (Electron beam evaporators)
Spectrometers (Electron energy loss spectrometers)
Spectrometers (Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometers EDS)
Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers (Environmental chambers)
Fatigue testers
Facsimile machines (Fax machines)
Scanning electron microscopes (Field emission scanning electron microscopes FESEM)
Extruders (Film extruders)
Flexure or transverse testing machines (Flexure testers)
Coulometers (Flow coulometric detectors)
Spectrophotometers (Fluorescence spectrophotometers)
Semiconductor process systems (Focused ion beam FIB systems)
Infrared spectrometers (Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers)
Goniometers
Calculators or accessories (Hand calculators)
Hardness testers
Analytical balances (High-precision balances)
Hipot testers
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens (Humidity ovens)
Impact testers
Capacitance meters (Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters)
Isolation glove boxes (Inert atmosphere glove boxes)
Infrared imagers (Infrared cameras)
Semiconductor process systems (Ion beam assisted deposition IBAD systems)
Semiconductor process systems (Ion mills)
Tube furnaces (Laboratory tube furnaces)
Laser printers
Lasers
Semiconductor testers (Lifetime testers)
Liquid chromatographs (Liquid chromatographs LC)
Load frame (Load frames)
Semiconductor process systems (Mask aligners)
Mass spectrometers
Orbital shakers (Mechanical shakers)
Semiconductor process systems (Micromanipulators)
Moisture meters (Moisture analyzers)
Binocular light compound microscopes (Optical compound microscopes)
Optical character recognition systems (Optical scanners)
Multi gas monitors (Permeation testers)
Personal computers
pH meters
Spectrometers (Photoluminescence spectrometers)
Ammeters (Picoammeters)
Semiconductor process systems (Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition PECVD systems)
Plotter printers (Plotters)
Polarimeters (Polarographic analyzers)
Potentiometers (Potentiostats)
Fish tape (Pull testers)
Spectrometers (Raman spectrometers)
Spectrometers (Reflectance spectrometers)
Rheometers
Scanning electron microscopes (Scanning electron microscopes SEM)
Scanning probe microscopes (Scanning probe microscopes SPM)
Shear strength testers (Shear testers)
Ageing ovens (Solar simulators)
Colorimeters (Spectrocolorimeters)
Spectrophotometers
Thickness measuring devices (Spectroscopic ellipsometers)
Semiconductor process systems (Spin coaters)
Semiconductor process systems (Sputtering systems)
Strain gauges
Roughness measuring instruments (Surface profilometers)
Tension testers (Tensile testers)
Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers (Thermal cyclers)
Thermocouples
Calorimeters (Thermogravimetric analyzers)
Transmission electron microscopes (Transmission electron microscopes TEM)
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment (Ultrasonic cleaners)
Infrared dryers (Ultraviolet UV exposure units)
Laboratory evaporators (Vacuum evaporators)
Laminators (Vacuum laminators)
Vacuum ovens
Hand held camcorders or video cameras (Video cameras)
Voltage or current meters (Voltmeters)
X ray diffraction equipment (X ray diffractometers)
Spectrometers (X-ray photoelectron spectrometers)

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

ANSYS FLUENT
Energy-10
Finite element method FEM software
HOMER Micropower Optimization Model
Maui Solar Energy Software Corporation PV-DesignPro software
National Instruments Compact FieldPoint System
Optical Physics Technologies SUN_CHART
PV Optics
PVsyst
Regional Energy Deployment System ReEDS
RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis Software
Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine SMARTS
Simulation software
Solar Advisor Model
Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment SWERA
SOLAR-2
SolTrace
The MathWorks MATLAB

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCAD LT
Autodesk AutoCAD software
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks software
IMSI Design TurboCAD software

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft Access

Development environment software

National Instruments LabVIEW

Electronic mail software

Microsoft Outlook

Mobile location based services software

Global positioning satellite GPS system software

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Special Requirements

If your work as an engineer affects public health, safety, or property, you must register with the state. To become licensed as a professional engineer in Virginia, applicants must meet the following requirements:

EIT (Engineer-in-Training) Educational Requirements:

Must meet one of the following:

1. Graduate of approved curriculum of 4 years or more OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 2 years of experience

2. Must be enrolled in an ABET accredited curriculum and within 12 months of degree.

3. Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum + 6 years of experience

4. Graduated with an undergraduate degree from an institution without an approved curriculum and obtained a graduate degree from an institution with an approved curriculum

Professional Engineer Educational Requirements:

1. Must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved curriculum + 4 years of professional experience as an EIT OR Graduate of non-approved curriculum + 6 years of professional experience as an EIT

2. Graduated from a non-approved engineering technology curriculum of four years or more + 10 years experience

3. Graduate from an accredited undergraduate engineering degree and a doctorate degree in engineering from an institution with an accredited undergraduate program + 4 years of experience

4. Graduated from an engineering , engineering technology or related science curriculum of four years or more + 20 years

Licensure for Engineers:

Step 1:

Graduation

The first step is graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program at a college or university.

Step 2:

FE Exam

The first exam in the licensure process is the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). This exam is offered in April and October every year. Most students take the exam right before graduation or soon after while the technical information they've studied is still fresh in their minds.

Step 3:

Work Experience

Many jurisdictions have specific requirements about the type of experience you need to gain. Most require that you gain experience under the supervision of someone who is already licensed, and that your experience involve increasing levels of responsibility. Once you begin work, contact your licensing board to find out what experience is needed and talk with professional engineers in your company to find out how you can gain this experience.

Step 4:

PE Exam

Once you have gained the appropriate experience, you can take the second exam in the licensure process, the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE). This exam is given in a variety of engineering disciplines. Most disciplines are offered in both April and October, but some are offered only in October.

After completing all the steps in the engineering licensure process—education, experience, and examinations—you are eligible for licensure by your licensing board.

Required Fees:

The examination fee shall consist of the administration expenses of the department resulting from the board’s examination procedures and contract charges.

Principles And Practice Exam:

$250

Fundamentals Of Engineering Exam:

$140 (can vary by state)

Renewal:

$30

Principles And Practice Exam Application:

$40

Fundamentals Of Engineering Exam Application:

$20

Comity:

$40

PE Exam rescore:

$25

FE/PE out of state proctor:

$30

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
83.00	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
78.50	Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
73.25	Building and Construction	Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
70.50	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
64.00	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
57.25	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
57.25	Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
55.25	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
53.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
72.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
68.75	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
59.50	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
59.50	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56.25	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
56.25	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
56.25	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
75.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
72.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
72.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
68.75	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
65.50	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
65.50	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
62.50	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
62.50	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
59.50	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
59.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
59.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
50.00	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
50.00	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
50.00	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
50.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
87.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
81.25	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
80.25	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
76.00	Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
74.00	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
74.00	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
73.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
73.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
73.00	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
70.50	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
69.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
69.75	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
68.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
67.00	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
66.00	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
64.25	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
62.50	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
61.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
61.00	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
60.75	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
60.75	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
59.75	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
55.50	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
53.75	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
53.50	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51.75	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
51.75	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
51.75	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
51.00	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
90.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
82.25	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
79.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
76.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
75.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
74.00	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
73.25	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
71.50	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
68.75	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
68.75	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
60.75	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
59.75	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
56.25	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
56.25	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
52.75	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
83.33	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
77.83	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
72.17	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
72.17	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
97.80	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
97.80	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
92.20	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
85.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
85.00	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
84.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
82.80	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
82.20	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
77.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
77.80	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
77.80	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
76.40	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
76.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
74.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
74.20	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather	How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
73.60	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
71.40	Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
70.80	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
70.80	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
68.60	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
67.80	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
65.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
64.40	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
63.60	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
62.80	Exposed to High Places	How often does this job require exposure to high places?
61.40	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
58.60	Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection	How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
58.60	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
57.80	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
55.80	Outdoors, Under Cover	How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?
54.20	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
54.00	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures	How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
53.60	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
53.60	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
52.80	Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting	How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
50.00	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$62,130.00	$111,970.00	$146,060.00
Virginia	$69,950.00	$136,490.00	$168,830.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$110,680.00	$167,650.00	$182,790.00
Bay Consortium	$78,340.00	$145,600.00	$162,640.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$64,860.00	$105,890.00	$127,070.00
Central VA/Region2000	$50,780.00	$76,480.00	$112,080.00
Crater Area	$104,870.00	$133,390.00	$148,560.00
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$81,970.00	$126,160.00	$143,990.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$62,030.00	$99,620.00	$117,050.00
Northern Virginia	$90,280.00	$142,400.00	$170,380.00
Piedmont Workforce	$63,820.00	$108,330.00	$139,440.00
Shenandoah Valley	$59,610.00	$86,610.00	$117,160.00
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	$52,660.00	$82,090.00	$106,220.00

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	161,100	169,200	+5.0%
Virginia	6,275	6,534	+4.1%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Engineering and Technology Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Aviation Maintenance and Allied
Construction and Utilities
Ordnance
Research and Development Coordinators

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Getting Information	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Working with Computers	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Analyzing Data or Information	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.5
Documenting/Recording Information	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Training and Teaching Others	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Handling and Moving Objects	3.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.0
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Selling or Influencing Others	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Titles

Solar Applications Development Engineer
Solar Design Engineer
Solar Designer
Solar Energy Engineer
Solar Energy Systems Designer
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Solar Engineer
Solar Mechanical Engineer
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Engineer
Solar Process Engineer
Solar Project Engineer
Solar Systems Designer

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Related Schools

Brightpoint Community College
Central Virginia Community College
Danville Community College
Eastern Mennonite University
ECPI University
Emory & Henry University
George Mason University
Germanna Community College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampton University
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
James Madison University
Laurel Ridge Community College
Liberty University
Mountain Empire Community College
Norfolk State University
Northern Virginia Community College
Old Dominion University
Patrick & Henry Community College
Paul D Camp Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Sweet Briar College
Tidewater Community College
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia State University
Virginia Western Community College
Washington and Lee University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)