Explore a possible path

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.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

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

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2023-11 · Machine Learning

6.0 / 7

Investigative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

5.0 / 7

Creative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

2.1 / 7

Helping people

2023-11 · Machine Learning

1.9 / 7

Enterprising

2023-11 · Machine Learning

3.1 / 7

Organizing

2023-11 · Machine Learning

4.0 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2023-08

4.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2023-08

4.0 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2023-08

3.9 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2023-08

3.9 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2023-08

3.9 / 5

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.

2023-08

3.8 / 5

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2023-08

3.4 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2023-08

3.4 / 5

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2023-08

3.3 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2023-08

3.3 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2023-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Engineering, General →

Applied Engineering →

Architectural Engineering →

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering →

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering →

Water Resources Engineering →

Laser and Optical Engineering →

Telecommunications Engineering →

Engineering Mechanics →

Engineering Physics/Applied Physics →

Engineering Science →

Ocean Engineering →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 17-2199.11 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.