Solar engineer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices, workshops, factories and may travel locally and nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- Need to be methodical, accurate and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Design solar energy projects
- Set design criteria
- Create computer models of designs
- Plan steps for installations
- Collect site data
- Review solar projects for environmental impacts
- Guide staff on projects
Outlook
Solar energy is becoming a larger part of New Zealand’s electricity mix as households, businesses and larger projects look for lower-emissions energy options. Falling technology costs, battery storage and smarter electricity networks are supporting growth, although project activity depends on investment, grid capacity and planning rules. Globally, rapid solar expansion is driving innovation in panels, storage, forecasting and system integration.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong engineering, maths and electrical systems knowledge
- Ability to design, test and improve solar-energy systems
- Understanding of safety standards, regulations and grid connections
- Confidence using modelling, design and data-analysis tools
- Practical problem-solving and attention to quality
- Clear communication and teamwork with clients and technical specialists
AUT programmes
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
- Civil Construction Engineering Major - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.