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EnergyGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Solar Energy Engineer

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.

Annual openings

236

Median wage

$132,590

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

Credential requirement

A Professional Engineer license is highly valued in the Energy industry.

Credential detail

Many employers value certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, though they are often obtained after working in the industry. OSHA 10 certification is valued, though not usual.

Work experience

This can be an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Salary/Demand information crosses multiple jobs in multiple industries.
Grid Engineers are becoming a more critical role as the grids add more “smart” equipment

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

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