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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.
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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.
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
Solar engineering offers various career opportunities, including solar engineer/designer, solar project manager, solar energy consultant, solar sales/business development, solar operations and maintenance technician, solar energy analyst, and research and development positions in the solar industry.
Some essential skills for a successful solar engineer include knowledge of solar energy technologies, an understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and staying updated with the latest advancements in the field.
The duration of a solar engineering degree program can vary depending on the level of study and the educational institution. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in solar engineering takes four years to complete, while a master’s degree can take an additional two years.
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.
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