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How does one get a job as a solar design engineer?
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Sungmo David’s Answer
Electrical engineering will help in understanding the necessary components, but the photovoltaic cells which are the basic makeup of the solar cells involve a combination chemistry and physics to understand the properties of existing and potential future materials.
The beauty of science is that although the sciences are broken down to sub categories of physics, chemistry, biology, etc - ultimately there is a relationship depending generally on scale of what you are investigating. The physics explains what happens to the photons as they strike the panels and converts into electricity on the particle scale, but as you move to a larger scale and start to investigate the material of the panels it goes into the realm of chemistry whether it be some sort of carbon based material like graphene or cadmium telluride.
There is a degree known as engineering physics and I think this would provide all encompassing knowledge base on anything you’d want to pursue.
The beauty of science is that although the sciences are broken down to sub categories of physics, chemistry, biology, etc - ultimately there is a relationship depending generally on scale of what you are investigating. The physics explains what happens to the photons as they strike the panels and converts into electricity on the particle scale, but as you move to a larger scale and start to investigate the material of the panels it goes into the realm of chemistry whether it be some sort of carbon based material like graphene or cadmium telluride.
There is a degree known as engineering physics and I think this would provide all encompassing knowledge base on anything you’d want to pursue.
Dr. Sudeep Mohandas
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Dr. Sudeep’s Answer
Sometimes just finding a job may be the easiest thing but finding the right job for you that meets your actual desire and purpose could be something tougher. So if you are looking for the right job for you consider to do the following;
Firstly; have some time to consider an internship experience in the field prior to completing your degree, this will be an useful experience as it will help build your knowledge base and hep you form questions and also a view of what area of the work you enjoy the most.
Secondly, taking on an apprentice role, thereby you will work under a mentor. Working under a mentor will help you learn from their mistakes and also understand the issues from a broad perspective. This experience will give you breadth.
Finally, use the social media to engage with clubs, societies or organisations that bring people from the same wavelength as you to meet up. Networking is always a key component. It will help you speak to your contemporaries and offer a space to listen to their woes and challenges.
All the best!
Firstly; have some time to consider an internship experience in the field prior to completing your degree, this will be an useful experience as it will help build your knowledge base and hep you form questions and also a view of what area of the work you enjoy the most.
Secondly, taking on an apprentice role, thereby you will work under a mentor. Working under a mentor will help you learn from their mistakes and also understand the issues from a broad perspective. This experience will give you breadth.
Finally, use the social media to engage with clubs, societies or organisations that bring people from the same wavelength as you to meet up. Networking is always a key component. It will help you speak to your contemporaries and offer a space to listen to their woes and challenges.
All the best!
Updated
Prashanth’s Answer
Hi Nikolas,
I will try to be as descriptive as I can to ensure that I answer your question and a little more than that so as to help many others who may have questions pertaining to this field. Getting a Solar Engineering Degree is the first thing that you may need to do
What Do Solar Engineers Do?
Solar engineers plan, design, and implement solar energy projects. They may manage anything from large-scale municipal projects to home rooftop installations. The engineer typically begins with a client consultation, site assessment, and financial assessment, which help him or her understand the project's context. The engineer then designs an appropriate plan that takes all relevant factors into account. He or she may also oversee or manage implementation of the plan. Solar engineers may also need to report on the efficiency, cost, and safety of the project. The engineer may also be on call to deal with outages, emergencies, and system maintenance.
Solar engineers may also conduct financial reviews, ensure regulatory compliance, inspect installation sites, and write technical reports. Computer skills are essential for creating designs and testing photovoltaic systems.
Where Does a Solar Engineer Work?
Most solar engineers work in offices, but may also travel frequently to different work sites, including overseas locations. They often must climb ladders onto rooftops to inspect installations and may need to carry heavy loads for short distances.
According to the Solar Foundation, California is by far the leading state for solar jobs in general, with over 10,000 solar jobs as of 2013. New Mexico offers the second highest number of solar jobs. New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are also home to relatively high numbers of jobs in the solar industry.
Getting a Solar Engineering Degree
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is typically required for solar engineering positions. In some areas, more advanced certification could be required. Degrees in industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and computer software engineering may also be helpful.
Many jobs require Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT) licensure. Licensure generally requires:
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
College graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam immediately. Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After gaining four years of work experience, EITs and EIs can go on to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to qualify for licensure.
Several states require engineers to participate in professional development activities in order to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as that state's requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements.
More complex jobs may require a master's or doctoral degree. Engineers are expected to participate in professional development to keep up with technological developments. They should also be familiar with AutoCAD, a computer-aided design program widely used in engineering. Within solar engineering, AutoCAD is used for photovoltaic system layout. Some firms may also use Google SketchUp.
Because solar engineers must consult with clients, create technical reports, and write emails, they should also have good communication skills.
Stay safe & I wish you the very best for all your career plans
Thanks,
TM Prashanth
I will try to be as descriptive as I can to ensure that I answer your question and a little more than that so as to help many others who may have questions pertaining to this field. Getting a Solar Engineering Degree is the first thing that you may need to do
What Do Solar Engineers Do?
Solar engineers plan, design, and implement solar energy projects. They may manage anything from large-scale municipal projects to home rooftop installations. The engineer typically begins with a client consultation, site assessment, and financial assessment, which help him or her understand the project's context. The engineer then designs an appropriate plan that takes all relevant factors into account. He or she may also oversee or manage implementation of the plan. Solar engineers may also need to report on the efficiency, cost, and safety of the project. The engineer may also be on call to deal with outages, emergencies, and system maintenance.
Solar engineers may also conduct financial reviews, ensure regulatory compliance, inspect installation sites, and write technical reports. Computer skills are essential for creating designs and testing photovoltaic systems.
Where Does a Solar Engineer Work?
Most solar engineers work in offices, but may also travel frequently to different work sites, including overseas locations. They often must climb ladders onto rooftops to inspect installations and may need to carry heavy loads for short distances.
According to the Solar Foundation, California is by far the leading state for solar jobs in general, with over 10,000 solar jobs as of 2013. New Mexico offers the second highest number of solar jobs. New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are also home to relatively high numbers of jobs in the solar industry.
Getting a Solar Engineering Degree
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is typically required for solar engineering positions. In some areas, more advanced certification could be required. Degrees in industrial engineering, chemical engineering, and computer software engineering may also be helpful.
Many jobs require Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer in Training (EIT) licensure. Licensure generally requires:
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
College graduates may take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam immediately. Engineers who pass this exam are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After gaining four years of work experience, EITs and EIs can go on to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to qualify for licensure.
Several states require engineers to participate in professional development activities in order to keep their licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as that state's requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements.
More complex jobs may require a master's or doctoral degree. Engineers are expected to participate in professional development to keep up with technological developments. They should also be familiar with AutoCAD, a computer-aided design program widely used in engineering. Within solar engineering, AutoCAD is used for photovoltaic system layout. Some firms may also use Google SketchUp.
Because solar engineers must consult with clients, create technical reports, and write emails, they should also have good communication skills.
Stay safe & I wish you the very best for all your career plans
Thanks,
TM Prashanth