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Engineers Who Work With SolarSolar energy has seen record growth in recent years, leading to greater-than-ever demand for solar engineers. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. According to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Engineers are one of the most sought-after occupations by employers in the solar power industry." The industry requires a range of types of engineers, and many of them have skill sets and training particular to working with solar.Materials EngineersMaterials engineers develop, process and test materials used in the solar industry. Some of these materials include metals, plastics, glass and semiconductors. They also work to create composites, which combine other materials to create new ones specific to solar applications. Materials engineers must have an understanding of chemistry and physics, and they must also be skilled at using computer modeling programs for the creation and assessment of materials. They do much of their work in a lab, experimenting and perfecting materials for solar energy systems.Electrical EngineersSolar energy is all about electricity, and electrical engineers bring their expertise in the generation and management of electric power to the solar industry. They develop, design, test and manage the manufacture of electric components used in solar systems. They are also involved in the design of electric circuitry for solar panels, inverters, wiring systems and other supporting devices. They need training in traditional electrical systems, in addition to specialized training and certification in solar electric systems.Mechanical EngineersMechanical engineers work with the actual mechanical devices employed in capturing and transferring solar electricity. They develop, research, design and manufacture these devices, including panels, engines, machines, tools and other equipment involved in the installation and upkeep of a solar energy system. The manufacture of solar photovoltaic equipment is often automated, and mechanical engineers are also responsible for the machines that manufacture the machinery and equipment that create and assemble the components of solar panels.Industrial EngineersIndustrial engineers have the big picture in mind, and they help to coordinate the overall implementation of solar energy systems in buildings and communities. They assess the needs of creating solar installations, including materials, energy, people, machines and information, and they work with contractors to ensure that a system is designed as efficiently as possible. They research sites, energy usage and needs, and system capabilities to make certain that a solar system meets the needs of clients and businesses. They also work directly the installers on the ground to ensure a project gets installed and up and running as planned.And if you are interested in being Engineer and in field of Solar then Read this..What is a Solar Engineer?Solar engineers create solar cells that collect and store the sun's rays. They work with clients to design, plan and implement solar energy projects for cities, businesses, and homeowners.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.What Is the Job Demand for Solar Engineers?While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have projections for solar engineers, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions reports that worldwide solar energy generation capacity averaged 40% annual growth from 2000 to 2011. The continued rapid expansion and adoption of solar panel installation is expected to continue creating new jobs in the United States and elsewhere. BLS predicts that job growth for solar installers will grow 24% between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than average.Getting a Solar Engineering DegreeA 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 programA passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examRelevant work experience, typically at least 4 yearsA passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) examCollege 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.