Engineers…we need you. You can spend your whole career working in solar energy and never get bored. Climate change is the biggest problem you could tackle and you’ll never have trouble finding interesting work to do. Let’s zoom out and look at the big picture:

• We need a 9x increase clean energy production to meet Paris Agreement climate goals
• To achieve that we have to create 30 million new clean energy jobs
• More than a third of those jobs will be high-skill jobs
• HeatSpring has trained more than 100k professionals on solar, heat pumps, energy storage and building science. A big number…but not even close to what’s needed.
• Upskilling people in adjacent professions is faster and easier than training from scratch (though both are needed).
• There are fantastic opportunities for people in clean energy; it’s still a wide open market where you can run fast if you choose to focus your time here. Let’s do this.

What does a Utility-Scale Solar PV Designer actually do?

Utility-scale solar is the fastest growing segment in the US. In Q2 2024, the US utility-scale segment installed 7.6 GWdc, a 59% increase year-over-year.

A utility-scale solar PV designer is responsible for designing large solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that generate electricity on a utility scale, typically in the range of megawatts (MW) to gigawatts (GW).

What do utility-scale solar pv designers do?

1. System Layout and Design:
   • Design the layout of solar panels to maximize energy production based on the site’s characteristics (such as sun exposure, land area, and terrain).
   • Consider optimal panel orientation, tilt angles, and spacing between rows to minimize shading and maximize energy efficiency.
2. Electrical Design:
   • Design the electrical system, including the stringing of solar panels, inverters, transformers, and other electrical components.
   • Ensure the system complies with local electrical codes and safety standards.
   • Perform load flow analysis, power loss calculations, and grid interconnection design.
3. Site Analysis:
   • Conduct a site assessment that involves evaluating the land’s solar potential, environmental constraints, and other factors like weather patterns, soil conditions, and vegetation.
   • Use tools like PVsyst or Helioscope for simulation and performance estimation.
4. Permitting and Compliance:
   • Work with regulatory bodies and local authorities to obtain necessary permits and ensure the design adheres to environmental, zoning, and safety regulations.
   • Ensure compliance with renewable energy policies, grid interconnection rules, and energy storage requirements.
5. Material and Equipment Selection:
   • Select suitable solar panels, inverters, cabling, and mounting structures that meet project specifications and optimize performance while minimizing costs.
   • Consider the durability of components to withstand environmental conditions like wind, snow, and heat.
6. Cost Estimation and Optimization:
   • Develop a bill of materials (BOM) and estimate the cost of equipment, labor, and installation.
   • Optimize the design to balance energy production, cost efficiency, and long-term maintenance needs.
7. Collaboration with Engineering Teams:
   • Collaborate with civil engineers for grading and site preparation, and electrical engineers for grid integration.
   • Work with project managers and contractors to ensure the design is implemented correctly and on schedule.
8. Performance Monitoring and Analysis:
   • Design systems for real-time monitoring of energy production and equipment performance.
   • Analyze system performance and propose upgrades or adjustments to maintain optimal output over time.
9. Energy Storage Integration (if applicable):
   • Design battery storage systems integrated with the solar PV farm to store excess energy and manage peak loads.

Utility-scale solar PV designers play a critical role in the development of large renewable energy projects that contribute to decarbonizing the power grid. Their work ensures that solar energy systems are efficient, cost-effective, and capable of delivering reliable energy over the system’s lifespan.

What does the career path for a utility-scale solar PV designer look like?

Julius recently published a solar career map and it’s really helpful. Here’s an example career map:

• Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician – $54,200 – $76,300 / year
• Junior Engineer – $70,300 – $95,500 / year
• Solar Design Engineer – $85,200 – $120,500 / year
• Professional Engineer – $105,200 – $185,400 / year

Engineering and CAD skills are a great foundation. Add experience and solar training on top of that and you’ll see progression to higher levels within the organization and higher pay.

What sort of professional training should Utility-Scale Solar PV Designers have?

Utility-scale solar PV designers require a combination of technical education, industry-specific training, and hands-on experience to effectively design and implement large solar power systems. Below are the key areas of training and qualifications that are essential:

1. Educational Background

• Engineering Degree: A bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, civil, or renewable energy engineering is highly recommended. Some may also come from an environmental or energy systems background.
• Alternative Educational Pathways: Some designers may have degrees in architecture, environmental science, or physics, but they usually acquire additional technical certifications related to solar PV design.

2. Industry-Specific Certifications

• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners):
  • PV Design Specialist Certification: Focuses on the skills required for designing photovoltaic systems, covering the fundamentals of system sizing, layout, and electrical design.
  • PV Installation Professional Certification: While more focused on installation, it gives designers a solid understanding of how systems are constructed, which can improve design efficiency.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM): Offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), this certification is useful for those working on energy optimization in solar projects.

3. Software Training

Solar PV designers must be proficient in various design and simulation tools, including:

• PVsyst: A widely used tool for solar energy system simulation and design. Training in PVsyst includes sizing the system, simulating energy production, and conducting performance analysis.
• AutoCAD: For detailed site layouts and system schematics.
• PVcase: A web-based tool for solar design that integrates site modeling, shading analysis, and electrical design.
• HOMER: For microgrid and hybrid system design, including PV with battery storage.
• ETAP or SKM Power Tools: Used for power system analysis, especially for grid integration and load flow calculations.
• GIS Tools: Geographical Information Systems for site analysis, terrain mapping, and large-scale project planning.

4. Hands-on Experience and Apprenticeships

• Internships or Apprenticeships: Gaining real-world experience through internships with solar engineering firms, EPC contractors, or utility companies is invaluable. This hands-on training helps familiarize designers with large-scale projects.
• Field Experience: While not mandatory for all roles, on-site experience helps designers understand construction challenges, safety protocols, and the physical constraints of building solar systems.

5. Knowledge of Electrical Codes and Standards

• NEC (National Electrical Code): Understanding the NEC is critical, as it governs the installation and operation of electrical systems, including solar PV installations.
• IEEE Standards: Knowledge of standards like IEEE 1547 (for grid interconnection of distributed energy resources) is important for ensuring the safe and effective integration of solar farms into the utility grid.
• Local Building Codes and Utility Requirements: Depending on the project’s location, designers must stay updated on zoning laws, permitting processes, and interconnection requirements.

6. Project Management and Financial Skills

• Training in Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools (like Microsoft Project or Primavera) is useful for coordinating complex solar installations and ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Financial Analysis: Designers often need to understand the economic aspects of solar projects, including Return on Investment (ROI), Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and payback periods.

7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development

• Stay Updated on Solar Technology: As solar PV technologies evolve (such as new panel technologies, inverters, and energy storage systems), continuous education through seminars, conferences (like Solar Power International), and online courses is critical.
• Renewable Energy Policy: Designers should stay informed about government incentives, renewable energy credits, and regulations that may affect project economics or viability.

8. Safety and Environmental Training

• OSHA Certification: Understanding Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines is important for ensuring the safety of workers on large construction sites.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Some designers also undergo training on how to minimize environmental impacts, especially for large-scale solar projects that require significant land use.

A combination of these educational, technical, and practical skills, helps utility-scale solar PV designers get prepared to work in this rapidly growing industry, ensuring that large-scale solar projects are efficient, cost-effective, and meet regulatory standards.

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This is from a presentation I made for Autodesk University’s “Empowering Renewable Energy”. It’s a pitch to engineers who aren’t currently working in the clean energy industry, an invitation to consider making the jump.

Autodesk University is mostly for engineers – our panel’s goal is to inspire them and provide specific resources to take action. If there’s an important part of this message you think I’m missing, please comment or send me a note.

Thanks PVcase for the opportunity to present. Thanks Autodesk for convening the group.