Solar Energy and Scope for Electrical Engineers

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In recent years, solar energy has made quite impressive progress, resulting in a higher-than-ever demand for solar engineers. Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Engineers are one of the most sought-after jobs by employers in the solar power industry, according to a study published by the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics. Engineers of various types are needed in the industry, and many of them have specific skill sets and experience for working with solar.

Solar energy is all about ELECTRICITY, and ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS bring to the solar industry their skills in the production and management of electric power. They develop, design, evaluate, and manage the production of solar-related electric components. They’re also interested in the construction of solar panels, inverters, wiring systems, and other supporting devices’ electric circuitry. They’ll need conventional electrical system training as well as advanced solar electric system training and certification.

What is a Solar Engineer?

Solar cells absorb and store the sun’s rays, thanks to the work of solar engineers. They partner with towns, companies, and homeowners to design, schedule, and execute solar energy projects.

What do Solar Engineers do?

Solar engineers are responsible for the planning, design, and implementation of solar energy projects. They may be in charge of everything from large-scale municipal projects to small-scale residential rooftop installations. Usually, the engineer starts with a client briefing, site evaluation, and financial analysis to better understands the project’s context.

The engineer then creates a plan that takes into account all applicable variables. He or she may also be in charge of overseeing or managing the plan’s execution. Solar engineers may also be required to submit reports on the project’s performance, expense, and safety. Outages, emergencies, and system maintenance can require the engineer’s assistance. Solar engineers may also perform financial audits, regulatory compliance, site assessments, and technical reports. Computer skills are needed for designing and testing photovoltaic systems.

Where does a Solar Engineer work?

Most solar engineers work in offices, but they can also fly to various work sites, including overseas locations, on a regular basis. They are often required to climb ladders onto rooftops to inspect installations, and they may be required to bear large loads over short distances. California is by far the leading state for solar jobs in general, according to the Solar Foundation, with over 10,000 solar jobs in 2013. New Mexico has the second-highest number of solar-related work openings. The solar industry employs a large number of people in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

What is the Job Demand for Solar Engineers?

Although the US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) does not have forecasts for solar engineers, the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions estimates that from 2000 to 2011, global solar energy generation capacity grew at a rate of 40% per year. Solar panel construction is projected to continue to grow at a rapid pace in the United States and elsewhere, generating new employment. Solar installer jobs are expected to increase by 24 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS, which is much faster than the national average.

Solar Engineers’ Employment Analysis in India

According to global projections, the solar PV market in India has the potential to build jobs. The central government cited job creation as one of the reasons for launching the NSM, citing the “vast potential” for job creation in the Indian Renewable Energy Sector. The NSM mission document, drafted in 2010, estimates that the solar industry will employ a minimum of 100,000 people (including engineers, managers, and researchers) by the end of 2022. The 2010 MNRE – Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report estimates that the PV grid-connected sector will employ 152,000 people by 2020, assuming the NSM meets all targets.

The solar energy sector will “meet the social objective of creating new job opportunities.”

 

Written By:
Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma
Assistant Professor
SISTec Ratibad Department of Electrical Engineering

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