What is the salary of a Solar Energy Systems Engineer?

The typical salary range is $82,425 - $164,850 per year.

Tech & EngineeringStable

Solar Energy Systems Engineer

Mid-level

Also known as: Applications Engineer, Consulting Engineer, Engineer, Photovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer)

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Solar EngineeringRenewable EnergyEnergy EfficiencyHVAC DesignEngineeringEnvironmental ScienceProject ManagementCreativeTechnicalDesign

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

In-demand software

Aurora HelioScopeAutodesk AutoCADETAPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordPVsystPythonSKM Systems Analysis Power Tools

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

8,800

per year (US)

Jobs today

166,700

in 2025 → 173,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Technicien en énergie solaire
Assistant Ingénieur Énergétique
Concepteur de systèmes photovoltaïques junior

Solar Energy Systems Engineer

Where it can lead

Ingénieur principal en énergie solaire
Chef de projet en énergies renouvelables
Consultant en efficacité énergétique

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly enhance the efficiency of solar energy system engineers by optimizing design processes, predicting energy output with greater accuracy, and identifying optimal site locations. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets to improve system performance, reduce costs, and automate routine tasks like data analysis and fault detection, allowing engineers to focus on complex problem-solving and innovation.

Salary

$122,930

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position