Solar Engineering: Career, Scope, Universities & Courses

Studying solar engineering equips students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the global transition to clean and sustainable energy systems. It offers opportunities for career growth, technological innovation, and making a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole. To kick start a career in the solar energy industry, students can apply for multiple engineering courses related to this domain in some of the top universities in the world. After acquiring a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in this branch of engineering, overseas students can transform the energy sector in their individual capacities. 

What is Solar Engineering?

Solar Engineering is the science of developing systems, power plants and models operating on solar power. It is attributed to the knowledge of components and systems that can harness the energy of the sun in large amounts to quantify it for powering various systems. It deals with small-scale devices like calculators to complex energy power structures operating on solar cells.

In all, solar engineering is a branch that deals with all industries that are transitioning or developing their models with solar energy. Industries such as the military, commercial enterprises and power companies use this technology in fundamental and applied scientific research. As a subject solar engineering provides two specialisations: Photovoltaic and Thermal.

Why Study Solar Engineering?

Solar engineering courses have several reasons that compel new-age students to consider this branch of science and technology. Below are some of the most compelling reasons:

• Renewable Energy Transition: By studying this branch of engineering, students can contribute to mitigating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power has the potential to provide clean, abundant, and affordable energy for a variety of applications, including electricity generation, heating, and cooling.
• Growing Job Market: The solar industry is experiencing significant growth, creating numerous job opportunities. As governments and businesses worldwide embrace renewable energy targets, there is a high demand for solar engineers and professionals with expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems. Studying the engineering of the solar energy system can position students for a rewarding career in a rapidly expanding field.
• Technological Advancements: By opting for this engineering field, students can gain insights into the latest advancements in solar cell technology, energy storage systems, system integration, and smart grid applications. This knowledge can empower students to contribute to the ongoing development of more efficient and cost-effective solar energy solutions.
• Environmental Benefits: By enrolling in solar engineering courses, students can actively contribute to reducing air pollution, combating climate change, and conserving natural resources. Solar power helps in mitigating the environmental impacts associated with traditional energy sources like fossil fuels.
• Energy Independence and Resilience: By pursuing this genre of engineering, students can acquire the skills to design and install solar systems that generate electricity or heat on-site, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing energy security. This can be particularly beneficial in remote areas or during natural disasters or grid disruptions.
• Cost Savings: Pursuing, this domain of engineering can enable students to design and implement solar systems that provide long-term financial benefits. By harnessing the power of the sun, individuals and organisations can reduce their energy bills, generate revenue through excess energy production, and enjoy a favourable return on investment.

Also Read: What is Energy Engineering?

Who is a Solar Engineer?

Solar Engineers design, implement, and maintain processes to harness solar power. They do so with the help of solar panels. Therefore, solar panels for many complex systems are built, designed and installed by solar engineers. The task of repairing such panels and their routine maintenance also falls under their job roles.

How to Become a Solar Engineer?

To become a solar engineer one must have an educational background in chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Higher education in this field trains a candidate in CAD programs and mechanical drawing.

An Engineering degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical is good to start a career in Solar Engineering. Nevertheless, to gain more expertise in the field students often choose to go for a Master’s as well. This improves chances of landing a better job as well as better financial statements.

Solar Engineering Courses Abroad

Apart from the various engineering programs, there are certain degrees that offer specialisation in Solar Energy or colleges offering electives in solar energy or related renewable energy sources. BA (Hons) Engineering with specialisation in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy is one of them. Others include;

Course	University
BA (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering	University of Newcastle
Master of Energy Systems	University of Melbourne
MSc Solar Energy: Engineering and Economics	Université Savoie Mont Blanc
MSc Solar Energy Engineering	University of Freiburg
MSc Renewable Energy Systems	Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
MSc Solar Energy Engineering	Dalarna University
MSc Solar Cell Technology	University of Sheffield
PgCert/PgDip/MSc in Solar Energy Systems	Robert Gordon University
Certificate in Renewable Energy Management	North Carolina State University
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering	Oregon Institute of Technology
MEng in Energy Systems Engineering	University of Michigan

Popular Destinations to Study Solar Engineering

Here are some popular destinations if you want to study Solar Engineering abroad. These countries improve the student’s eligibility, capability, research skills and employability. Here are the top study abroad destinations to study Solar Engineering.

• Australia
• Europe
• UK
• USA

Universities to Study Solar Engineering

International students can enrol in the below-mentioned Solar Engineering courses at some of the top universities in the world, which are tabulated below, to excel in the renewable energy sector:

Universities	Courses	Annual Tuition Fees	QS World University Rankings 2023
University of New South Wales, Australia	Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.)	AUD 48,100 (INR 26 lakh)	45
Victoria University, New Zealand	Bachelor of Science	NZD 35,000 (INR 17.50 lakh)	275
University of Newcastle, Australia	Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering	AUD 40,620 (INR 22 lakh)	192
University of Dundee, UK	BE (Hons.) Mechanical Engineering with Renewables; BSc (Hons.) Physics with Renewable Energy Science	GBP 23,100 (INR 23.55 lakh); GBP 20,900 (INR 21.30 lakh)	354
Edith Cowan University, Australia	BE (Hons.) in Electrical and Renewable Energy	AUD 36,100 (INR 19.40 lakh)	601-650
Carleton University, Canada	BE in Sustainable & Renewable Energy Engineering	CAD 46,152 (INR 28 lakh)	601-650
Coventry University, UK	BSc (Hons.) Renewable Energy	GBP 16,800 (INR 17.13 lakh)	651-700
University of Wisconsin, USA	BSE in Environmental Engineering	USD 21,484 (INR 17.74 lakh)	83
Durham University, UK	MEng in Renewable Energy	GBP 30,000 (INR 30.60 lakh)	92
University of Portsmouth, UK	BEng (Hons.) Renewable Energy Engineering; MEng in Renewable Energy Engineering	GBP 19,200 (INR 19.60 lakh); GBP 19,200 (INR 19.60 lakh)	701-750
Australian National University, Australia	BE (Hons.)	AUD 49,300 (INR 26.50 lakh)	30
University of Adelaide, Australia	BE (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering	AUD 48,500 (INR 26.10 lakh)	109
Wright State University, USA	Combined Mechanical Engineering- BS in Mechanical Engineering and Renewable and Clean Energy and MS in Renewable and Clean Energy	USD 20,232 (INR 16.70 lakh)	–
University of Exeter, UK	BE (Hons.) Renewable Energy Engineering; MEng Renewable Energy Engineering	GBP 27,000 (INR 27.50 lakh);GBP 27,000 (INR 27.50 lakh)	163

Also Read: Types of Engineering Degrees

Solar Engineering Admission Process

Overseas students are required to meet admission requirements, complete the application process, and produce the required documents to start a career in the renewable energy sector. 

Eligibility Criteria

Here are the eligibility requirements for international students applying to Solar Engineering courses abroad:

• For undergraduate programs in this engineering branch, international students must have completed their Class 12 education from a recognised school, college, or academic institution in STEM. Those who have diplomas in addition to their senior secondary education in STEM are also eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in engineering courses related to the solar energy sector.
• For postgraduate courses, international students must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, they are required to have relevant work experience. 
• International students are also required to achieve the necessary score in an accepted English Language Proficiency Test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. This ensures that students have the required language skills to succeed in their engineering courses in foreign lands. 

Also Read: List of Engineering Courses after 12th

Application Process

To apply for solar engineering courses abroad, interested applicants should visit the official websites of the universities to obtain the necessary information and application form. Alternatively, they can seek assistance from Leverage Edu, an organization with expert advisors who can guide them throughout the application process. 

• Leverage Edu offers an AI Course Finder to help students select suitable courses. 
• Once a course is chosen, the Leverage Edu team initiates the application process on behalf of the student. This involves collecting and compiling essential documents such as statements of purpose (SOP), essays, letters of recommendation (LOR), and language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). 
• After submitting the application and required documents, the Leverage Edu team assists with the application process for accommodation, student visas, scholarships, or study abroad student loans. 
• Following the submission, applicants must wait for the offer letter, which typically takes approximately 4-6 weeks.

Documents Required

The following documents are necessary to complete the application process for Solar Engineering courses abroad:

• Official academic transcripts and diplomas, if applicable
• GMAT/GRE Score, if applicable
• Passport
• Student Visa
• Updated CV/Resume
• Scores from an English Language Proficiency Test
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Work Experience Certificate, if required
• TB Test Certificate (for UK Universities)
• Financial Evidence
• Portfolio or writing samples, if requested

Also Read: SOP for Mechanical Engineering

Solar Engineering Career Scope

After completion of a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in the above-mentioned courses, degree holders can explore different opportunities. Work for solar engineers could be online, onfield or hybrid depending upon the role chosen by them. The work hours for solar engineers are usually irregular especially if the work is onfield. Here are some popular destinations where Solar Engineers are mostly in demand.

• US
• Japan
• China
• Germany
• Poland
• Brazil

Job Options

After completing a solar engineering course, there are various job opportunities available in the field of solar energy. Here are some potential career paths:

• Solar Engineer/Designer: As solar engineers or designers, students will be responsible for designing and developing solar energy systems. 
• Solar Project Manager: Solar project managers coordinate and manage solar energy projects from conception to completion. They oversee project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement. 
• Solar Operations and Maintenance Technician: After solar energy systems are installed, they require regular maintenance and monitoring. Operations and maintenance technicians are responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of solar PV or solar thermal systems. 
• Solar Research and Development: For individuals interested in advancing solar energy technologies, research and development (R&D) roles are available. Researchers work on improving the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of solar energy systems. They may focus on areas such as solar cell technology, energy storage, or system integration.

Must Read: Career Objectives for Engineers

Salary

The average annual salary for each of the aforementioned Solar Engineering job profiles in different countries is tabulated below:

Job Profile	Salary in the USA	Salary in the UK	Salary in Canada	Salary in Australia	Salary in India
Solar Engineer/ Designer	USD 67,857	GBP 47,500	CAD 83,724	AUD 95,000	INR 5.9 lakh
Solar Project Manager	USD 75,052	GBP 63,208	CAD 140,000	AUD 140,000	INR 7 lakh
Solar Researcher	USD 89,000	GBP 65,000	CAD 111,940	AUD 120,000	INR 22.6 lakh
Solar Operations and Maintenance Technician	USD 50,809	GBP 31,500	CAD 44,850	AUD 70,000	INR 2 lakh

FAQs

To explore study abroad opportunities, stay in touch with Leverage Edu. To plan your abroad studies journey, opt for a free 30-minute counselling session at 1800 572 000.