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Solar Design Engineer - Job Profile
Solar design engineers plan and optimise solar panel installations. This role is perfect if you enjoy creative problem-solving, offering a rewarding career with high earning potential.
Solar Design Engineers are pivotal in the UK’s shift towards renewable energy, focusing on the design and implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Their expertise ensures that solar installations are efficient, compliant, and tailored to specific energy needs, supporting the nation’s commitment to sustainable power sources.
Average yearly salary
£29K
£42K
Starting
Experienced
Typical weekly hours
37 to 45 hours
Days You’ll Work
Primarily weekdays, with occasional weekends or evenings to meet project deadlines or client requirements.
You can become a Solar Design Engineer through several routes:
University Degree
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable energy, or a related field provides a strong foundation. Further specialisation in solar energy systems can enhance your expertise.
Apprenticeship
Completing an apprenticeship in electrical or renewable energy engineering offers hands-on experience while earning a wage. Apprenticeships typically require 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Maths.
Working in a Related Field
Professionals with backgrounds in electrical work or construction can transition into solar design by undertaking specialised training courses in solar PV system design and installation.
Future Group Training
At Future Group training, we offer courses for Solar PV Installation. These courses give you hands on experience with the installation of solar systems. This knowledge is vital if you’re looking to become a solar design engineer, and you can acquire transferrable skills. Browse our courses to find out more, you can enrol online in just a few clicks!
- Design and develop solar PV systems for various applications.
- Conduct site assessments to determine system feasibility.
- Perform technical analyses and calculations for system sizing.
- Ensure designs comply with UK regulations and standards.
- Collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors.
- Prepare detailed technical drawings and documentation.
Starting as a junior design engineer, you can advance to senior roles, overseeing larger projects and teams. With experience, opportunities include:
- Becoming a project manager or sustainability specialist.
- Starting your own solar consultancy or design firm.
- Specialising in system optimisation or renewable energy policy.
The UK government’s commitment to renewable energy has driven a substantial increase in solar PV installations. As of 2025, solar power contributes around 5% of the UK’s annual electricity generation, with peak generation reaching 13.2 GW in April 2025. The government aims to expand solar capacity further, indicating strong future demand for skilled solar design engineers.
Solar PV Installation Courses
Here at Future Group Training, we provide accredited courses for Solar PV Installation. This often a crucial first step on the path to becoming a Solar Design Engineer. Learn more about our courses and enrol online today!
Our Job Opportunities
We’re committed to installing low carbon heating across the UK, and making solar power accessible for all. Installing over 1,000 Heat Pump and Solar PV systems in 2023 alone. We experienced double growth in 2024, and we recently invested in the creation of our very own sustainable Showroom, Head Office and Training Centre.
If you’re passionate about the climate or simply want a fresh start, there has never been a better time to join a low carbon installation business. As our business grows, we’re on a mission to create hundreds of jobs!