Solar Energy Engineer
Role lens
Solar energy engineers design systems which generate electrical energy from sunlight, such as photovoltaic systems. They design and construct systems which optimise the energy output from solar power, and the sustainability of the production process of solar systems.
Solar energy engineers are crucial in the transition to renewable energy sources. Your days will involve designing, constructing, and evaluating solar energy systems, primarily photovoltaic (PV) systems, to maximize energy output and minimize environmental impact. You'll analyze site conditions, select appropriate technologies, and ensure the sustainability of the solar system production process. This role requires a blend of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a dedication to innovation.
- • Designing and modelling solar energy systems, considering factors like sunlight availability, shading, and energy demand.
- • Conducting site assessments and feasibility studies to determine the optimal placement and configuration of solar panels.
- • Optimizing system performance through ongoing monitoring, analysis, and adjustments.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland and 4 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
What these words mean
The four things this section reports
- Reported demand
- Whether employers report needing people in this job — a judgement published by a national or EU body, not a count.
- Where it is heading
- Which way employment in this job is expected to move over the coming years, from an official projection.
- Openings
- Roughly how many openings arise — from growth and from people leaving the job.
- Typical pay
- What people in this job typically earn where the source publishes it. Blank does not mean unpaid; it means nobody publishes it for that place.
A measure is left out when nobody publishes it for that place, rather than shown as zero.
Which way the market leans for you
- In your favour
- More openings than people looking — employers are competing for candidates.
- Balanced
- Openings and candidates are roughly matched.
- Competitive
- More people looking than openings — expect to compete.
- Mixed evidence
- Sources disagree, or the same occupation group is short in one part and oversupplied in another.
Every source resolves to one of these four, so there is a single vocabulary to learn. What differs is the evidence behind it, which is printed underneath each verdict — a measured ratio of openings to jobseekers, or an assessment published by a national body.
How this job compares with other jobs in the same country
- Strong
- Among the strongest in that country
- Good
- Stronger than most jobs in that country
- Mixed
- About typical for that country
- Weak
- Weaker than most jobs in that country
This is a rank within one country, not a score you can carry across borders — the registers behind two countries count different people, so the same number means different things in each. It is also why a job can be among the strongest in a country and still show as Competitive: it leads the field in a market that is crowded overall.
Where these come from
Every figure is published by a national statistics office, a public employment service or an EU body, and each card names its source and the period it covers. Some places are counted monthly, others assessed once or twice a year, so two places on the same map can be describing different moments — the date is always shown.
None of this predicts one person's chances. It describes a market.
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Could solar energy engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Achievement?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for solar energy engineer
The outlook for solar energy engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could solar energy engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- provide information on solar panels
- promote sustainable energy
- manage engineering project
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- perform feasibility study on solar heating
- use technical drawing software
- use thermal analysis
Tasks most exposed to automation
No single task here is highly automatable yet.
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a solar energy engineer
09 09:00 · Morning design a solar heating system
10 10:30 · Mid-morning design solar energy systems
12 12:00 · Midday maintain concentrated solar power systems
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate solar thermal energy systems for hot water and heating
15 15:30 · Late afternoon perform feasibility study on solar heating
17 17:00 · Wrap-up promote sustainable energy
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
What you need to do this work
The skills, knowledge and tools this role calls for — and the traits and rewards that come with it.
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use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
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use thermal analysis
Use software tools such as Icepak, Fluens and FloTHERM as a means to develop and optimize thermal control designs in order to cope with a wide range of difficult problems regarding thermal products and properties of thermal materials.
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create CAD drawings
Create As-Built drawings using CAD.
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maintain concentrated solar power systems
Perform routine maintenance as well as repairs on systems which use reflective materials, such as lenses and mirrors, and tracking systems to concentrate sunlight into a beam, which powers an electrical power plant through its heat generation.
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adjust voltage
Adjust voltage in electrical equipment.
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maintain solar energy systems
Test the performance of the solar panels, read the measuring meters to check electricity indicators, identify and remedy malfunctions, and clean the panels if necessary.
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adjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
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design solar energy systems
Develop design specifications for solar energy systems and their components. Create checklists for the inspection and monitoring of completed solar installation projects.
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conduct engineering site audits
Collect structural, electrical and related site information by conducting engineering site audits. They are used for the design of engineering solution such as solar power systems.
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promote sustainable energy
Promote the use of renewable electricity and heat generation sources to organisations and individuals, in order to work towards a sustainable future and encourage sales of renewable energy equipment, such as solar power equipment.
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design a solar heating system
Design a solar thermal energy system. Calculate accurate heating demand of the building, calculate accurate domestic hot water demand in order to select the right capacity (kW, litres). Make a detailed design of the installation, principle, automatisation strategy, using available products and concepts. Determine and calculate external heating.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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perform feasibility study on solar heating
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of solar heating systems. Realise a standardised study to estimate the heat loss of the building and the heating demand, the demand of domestic hot water, the needed storage volume and the possible types of storage tank, and conduct research to support the process of decision making.
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manage engineering project
Manage engineering project resources, budget, deadlines, and human resources, and plan schedules as well as any technical activities pertinent to the project.
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provide information on solar panels
Provide organisations and individuals searching for alternative methods to provide facilities and residences with energy on the costs, benefits, and negative aspects of the installation and use of solar panels, and what one must take into account when considering the purchase and installation of solar systems.
energy micro-generation technologies
The technologies which allow the small-scale generation process of harvesting low carbon sources such as the sun, wind, or water flow, to produce heat or electricity. Energy micro-generation technologies are not taking place in large power plants, thus increasing their efficiency, and eliminating distribution costs.
engineering processes
The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
photovoltaic systems
Systems that convert a renewable source as the sun into electrical energy. Based in the energy conversion chain, photovoltaic systems could be divided into three types: grid direct PV systems, grid-interaction systems, and off grid PV systems.
- alternative energy
- electrical engineering
- energy
- energy market
- engineering principles
- power engineering
- solar energy
- solar products
- sustainable technologies
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Scan to continue on mobilePath to become a solar energy engineer
What it typically takes to qualify: education level, where it is a regulated profession, and where to study.
Bachelor's or equivalent level
Real programmes leading to this occupation, by country.
Postgraduate Diploma in Solar Energy
Master of Science in Solar Energy
Growth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does solar energy engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a solar energy engineer?
- A bachelor's degree in engineering, often in electrical, mechanical, or environmental engineering, is generally required. Coursework in renewable energy, power systems, and sustainable design is highly beneficial. Some employers may prefer or require a master's degree for specialized roles.
- Are there specific software programs that solar energy engineers commonly use?
- Yes, proficiency in simulation and design software is essential. Common tools include PVsyst, Helioscope, AutoCAD, and various energy modelling software packages. Familiarity with data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python is also advantageous.
- What are the key work styles and values associated with this role?
- This role thrives on analytical thinking (1.C.5.b), attention to detail (1.C.5.a), and a commitment to continuous improvement (1.C.5.c). It also requires strong problem-solving skills (1.C.3.a) and a focus on creating practical, sustainable solutions (1.C.4.c). Individuals who value innovation (1.B.2.a), contributing to a positive impact (1.B.2.b), and working towards a sustainable future (1.B.2.c & 1.B.2.f) will find this career particularly rewarding.
- Is there a shortage of Solar Energy Engineer in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 8 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain and 4 more. Ireland has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- How much does Solar Energy Engineer pay in the United States?
- $117,750 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $76,100 to $162,070. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.
Sources: ESCO O*NET ELA/EURES Cedefop BLS Data updated September 20, 2026 About our data