Becoming a solar energy engineer requires formal schooling and work experience in electrical or power systems engineering, with a focus on solar energy and photovoltaic technology. Specialized computer modeling software and knowledge of building codes may also be necessary. Training can be obtained through various courses and programs, including online options. It is important to approach the career from multiple angles due to the use of non-renewable materials and fuels in creating and maintaining solar technologies. Working in the solar industry is essential to becoming a solar engineer.
There are several career paths you can pursue to become a solar energy engineer, but each involves extensive formal schooling and work experience. To become anything more advanced than a solar technician, you will generally need training as an electrical engineer or a power systems engineer, which means you will be approaching the career from an engineering design point of view or a systems point of view. power. In some cases, it may be necessary to have both skills.
To become a solar energy engineer through electrical engineering, at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or engineering technology is required. A master’s degree may be required for some jobs, but a lot depends on what you can gain from work experience. In both degrees, you should look for programs with an emphasis on solar energy and photovoltaic technology.
Moving on from a photovoltaic design point of view, assuming you have an engineering degree, you can learn a lot about solar panels, technologies and energy systems by working for a company that manufactures them, but with specific solar training as part of your project. the engineering degree will help you land a specific solar engineering job. It is also helpful and sometimes necessary for you to learn or have experience with specialized computer modeling software such as AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design). To design and design complete systems, you may also need to know a fair amount of local building and building codes.
If you want to become a solar energy engineer who operates or designs solar power plants, or who installs photovoltaic systems, you can approach this career in a number of ways. You can take a fairly brief course that qualifies you as a solar technician and then work your way up from there; or you can work as a power systems engineer through the various levels of employment and training ranging from fifth class power engineer to first class power engineer. As a power systems engineer, you should look for training that includes alternative and hybrid technologies, ideally with a focus on photovoltaic technology.
Training as a power systems engineer is comprehensive; therefore, to become a solar energy engineer through power systems engineering, you will likely need to become familiar with every aspect of power generation, distribution, and transmission. In most programs, alternative and renewable technologies are relatively new and limited in scope, with photovoltaic systems just one technology among many. Finding a school with a specific emphasis on solar energy can be challenging in many regions. Some energy engineering schools are more progressive than others; however, if nothing is offered in your area, you can find training online.
Photovoltaic systems and technology are still advancing, and are often used in conjunction with other systems, some renewable, some not. It takes a lot of non-renewable materials and fuels to create and maintain solar technologies, so it’s helpful to approach the career from multiple angles. Whether you choose an engineering technology approach, a power systems approach, or finally a combination of both, there are many career options. Most importantly, to become a solar engineer in any capacity, you must work in the solar industry. The best way to start is to read about the solar industry and its different technologies, research educational programs, and speak with industry professionals and educators.
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