Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Consulting Engineer

Engineer

Photovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer)

Power Systems Engineer

Project Engineer

Research Engineer

Solar Design Engineer

Solar Designer

Solar Energy Engineer

Solar Engineer

What is a Solar Energy Systems Engineer?

A Solar Energy Systems Engineer is a specialized professional who focuses on the design, development, and implementation of solar energy systems. These engineers play a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy sources, primarily by harnessing solar power to create sustainable and efficient energy solutions. They analyze the energy needs of various applications, whether for residential, commercial, or industrial use, and develop integrated solar technologies to meet those demands. Their work involves selecting appropriate solar technologies, such as photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems, and ensuring that these systems are effectively integrated into the existing power grid or energy infrastructure. With a strong emphasis on optimization, Solar Energy Systems Engineers utilize advanced software tools for modeling and simulation to enhance system performance and reliability while considering environmental impacts and regulatory requirements. They also often engage in project management tasks, overseeing the installation process and collaborating with various stakeholders, including architects, construction teams, and regulatory bodies. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, Solar Energy Systems Engineers are becoming increasingly vital to achieving energy efficiency and sustainability goals worldwide.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$62130.0 - $177020.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software
- Tableau
- ANSYS
- SolTrace
- MATLAB R2023b
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Computer aided design CAD software
Development environment software
Object or component oriented development software

Tools Used

Semiconductor process systems
Spectrometers
Power meters
Scanning electron microscopes
- Field emission scanning electron microscopes FESEM
- Scanning electron microscopes SEM
Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
- Bench ovens
- Humidity ovens

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

2 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R44,154pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be a Solar Energy Systems Engineer in South Africa

As South Africa continues to navigate its energy transition, the demand for skilled Solar Energy Systems Engineers has never been higher. With 2 active jobs currently available and a market that is rapidly expanding, this career path offers both stability and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the country's infrastructure. However, transitioning into this specialised field requires more than just an interest in renewable energy; it requires a specific blend of technical aptitude and environmental passion.

Is Solar Energy Systems Engineering Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, consider if you possess the following core traits and inclinations required to excel in the South African renewable sector:

Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy deconstructing complex problems and finding efficient, logical solutions?
Mathematical Aptitude: Are you comfortable with advanced calculations, particularly regarding electrical loads, irradiance levels, and system efficiencies?
Attention to Detail: In solar engineering, a minor oversight in wiring or tilt-angle calculations can lead to significant energy losses or safety hazards.
Environmental Stewardship: Are you motivated by the goal of reducing South Africa’s carbon footprint and providing sustainable energy alternatives?
Adaptability: The renewable energy sector moves fast. Are you prepared to constantly update your knowledge as new battery technologies and PV modules emerge?
Spatial Awareness: Can you visualise how physical components will fit into a specific geographic or architectural landscape?

A Day in the Life of a Solar Engineer in South Africa

In the South African context, your day often begins with a review of system performance data from various installations across the provinces. You might start your morning in a professional office environment using CAD software or PVSyst to design a commercial-scale solar farm for a client in the Highveld, ensuring the design meets NERSA regulations and municipal SSEG (Small-Scale Embedded Generation) requirements.

By midday, you could be out in the field. This might involve conducting a site assessment on a factory rooftop in Epping or overseeing the commissioning of a massive battery storage system in Midrand. You will collaborate with electricians, project managers, and financial stakeholders, translating complex technical data into actionable insights. The role is a dynamic mix of "boots on the ground" and high-level engineering strategy, all aimed at keeping the lights on during the country's ongoing energy shifts.

Education, Upskilling, and Earning Potential

The path to becoming a Solar Energy Systems Engineer typically begins with a formal qualification. Most professionals hold a BEng or BSc in Electrical, Mechatronics, or Mechanical Engineering from a recognised South African university. Alternatively, a Diploma from a TVET college focusing on Electrical Engineering provides a solid foundation for those entering from a more technical, hands-on background.

However, a degree is only the starting point. To be truly "market-ready," you must pursue specialised certifications such as:

The PV GreenCard (SAPVIA) – the industry standard for quality and safety in SA.
Certifications in specialised design software like HelioScope or AutoCAD.
Advanced training in Lithium-ion storage and hybrid inverter systems.

The financial rewards reflect the high level of expertise required. The current average salary is R44,154pm, but the growth trend is significant. Market data shows a steady climb in remuneration throughout 2024, starting at approximately R38,856 in January and rising to a projected R48,570 per month by December 2024. This upward trajectory underscores the value the South African labour market places on engineers who can deliver energy security.

Next Steps: Test Your Readiness

Are you ready to take your place at the forefront of South Africa’s green revolution? Transitioning into solar engineering is a move toward a future-proof career that offers both competitive pay and the chance to solve one of our nation's greatest challenges. Don't leave your career progression to chance—take the leap and verify your potential today. Test your readiness now with our comprehensive Solar Engineering Career Assessment.

Skills

Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Bachelor's degree

56 %
Post-secondary certificate

11 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Associate's degree

11 %

Work Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

Collect data about project sites.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Design alternative energy systems.
Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
Create graphical representations of energy production systems.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.