Photovoltaic and energy storage engineering career direction

What is solar photovoltaic engineering?

Photovoltaic engineering, commonly called solar PV, is a field of engineering that enables the conversion of sunlight into electricity using solar cells. It includes the process of designing, developing and producing these solar PV systems for a range of uses across any industry where energy is needed.

How does solar photovoltaic manufacturing work?

In the United States, solar photovoltaic manufacturing is highly automated. Machines do the majority of work: cutting semiconducting materials, such as crystalline silicon, into wafers, turning them into solar cells, and assembling the solar cells into solar panels.

What does an energy storage engineer do?

Energy Storage Engineer: Focuses on the development and integration of energy storage solutions, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated by solar systems. This helps address intermittency and enables the use of solar energy during periods of low sunlight.

What does a solar photovoltaic installer do?

Solar photovoltaic installers are key to the process of solar panel installation and maintenance. They use specialized skills to install residential and commercial solar projects. They are responsible for safely attaching the panels to the roofs of houses or other buildings and ensuring that the systems work.

Are solar engineers a good job?

Engineers are one of the most sought-after occupations by employers in the solar power industry. According to the Solar Foundation, 53 percent of manufacturing firms reported difficulty in hiring qualified engineers in 2010.

What skills does a solar photovoltaic installer need?

Solar photovoltaic installers must be able to work with power tools and hand tools at great heights, and possess in-depth knowledge of electrical wiring as well as basic math skills. When necessary, installers must be problem solvers, able to repair damaged systems or replace malfunctioning components.