Solar design engineer
Design solar technology solutions for businesses and homeowners. You’ll play a key role in helping customers reduce their carbon emissions.
Also known as: solar pv technical design engineer, solar pv design engineer
About the job
What it's like
As a solar design engineer, you’ll use cutting-edge technology to transform sunlight into usable electricity.
You’ll design solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for a wide range of buildings and structures. Solar panels are even used on the International Space Station!
Your main tasks
In this job, your tasks will include:
doing surveys of buildings to see what’s possible
designing and delivering solar PV installations that match what the customers need
preparing and managing technical documents
working with manufacturers and partners to make sure the systems work perfectly
managing projects and teams
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career.
Solar Energy UK, a trade association representing the solar industry
Meet Mandeep, a Modern Apprentice working on solar farms in Scotland
Careers at Solar Power Europe, association for the European solar PV sector
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- written communication
- working with technology
- working with numbers
- verbal communication
- innovative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- analysing
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Maths (Mathematics)
Chemistry
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Practical Electronics
Graphic Communication
Foundation Apprenticeship: Construction
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To work in this role, you must have a high standard of technical skills and knowledge. Employers value qualifications in areas such as electrical, mechanical and civil engineering.
University
It’s often essential to have a degree in a relevant subject, such as:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Renewable Energy
The qualifications you need for degree courses will depend on the subject. You'd likely need either:
an HNC or HND in a relevant subject
4 Highers, varying from BBCC to AABB, depending on the course and university
Qualifications in maths, science and technology subjects are highly valued.
Use our search to find an undergraduate course
Many employers will also consider you without a degree, if you have enough work experience, skills and knowledge.
College
Some jobs accept applicants with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND). You could go to college after school to get one of these qualifications.
There are many subjects you could study, including:
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Entry requirements will depend on the subject and the level you're studying.
For HNC or HND courses, you'll likely need one or two Highers in Maths and English or a related science/technology subject. Or you might have just completed an Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship.
Qualifications in maths or physics are highly valued.
Search for courses relevant to this role.
Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship. When you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
This Engineering apprenticeship on Apprenticeships.scot could set you up for further study or a job where you’ll develop your skills.
If you’re the legal age to leave school in Scotland, or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. After you qualify, you'd be able to study further or move into a role where you can build experience.
Apprenticeships.scot has details of over 100 Modern Apprenticeships. Here are some you might find helpful for this role:
Or you could earn a degree and a wage at the same time with a Graduate Apprenticeship, such as:
As well as relevant experience, it’s useful to have experience in project management. A driving licence is important for going to customer locations.
Find the right course for you
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