Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
13 tasks analyzed
Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.
Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.
Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.
Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.
Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.
Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems. | 30Estimated | 39.0% | 12% | |
| Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 15% | |
| Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 15% | |
| Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 10% | |
| Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 8% | |
| Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 5% | |
| Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 3% | |
| Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 4% | |
| Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems. | 55Estimated | 49.0% | 2% | |
| Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications. | 45Estimated | 45.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis