Solar Energy Engineering Colleges & Universities

Solar energy is a growing field with more and more jobs created in the commercial, government, and housing sectors. The sun provides enough energy to provide for the needs of the entire planet, and as we continue to adopt solar power, engineers will be at the foreground of technological advancements in design and production. Downward trends in pricing as adoption becomes more widespread and technology evolves will also lead to job growth for engineers and other related careers.

As the solar industry continues to flourish, more and more schools are offering programs leading to various certificates and degrees, opportunities for accelerated programs, and hands-on education that provides practical experience easily transferred to the real world.

Are There Schools Offering Certificates in Solar Engineering?

You might find that while you have an interest in solar technology, a degree may not be necessary to get started in this field. Many schools now offer certificate programs in solar energy as a way of supplementing other education programs or on-the-job-training, and this might be a great way to enhance your career.

Penn State

Penn State currently offers a Solar Energy Graduate Credit Certificate program for those wanting to advance in this area. While the program does require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a related field, certification is earned in 12 credit hours rather than the two to four years needed for a bachelor's or master's programs specific to this field. Courses cover such topics as solar project development and utility planning.

What Are Some Schools Offering Undergraduate Degrees in Solar Energy Engineering?

Oregon Tech

Oregon Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering with specialized courses such as Solar Thermal Energy Systems and Photovoltaic Systems in addition to a strong foundation in chemistry, math, and physics. The program requires a minimum of 185 hours and about four years to complete.

Boston University

Engineering students at this school have the opportunity to choose a concentration in energy technologies as part of the College of Engineering's bachelor's degree programs. This 16-credit curriculum is woven into engineering degree curricula and positions graduates for careers in solar energy or related green technology fields.

What About Schools offering a Graduate Degree in Solar Energy Engineering?

Graduate degrees take what you learned while earning your engineering bachelor's degree in solar energy or other STEM discipline and expand and refine that knowledge to hone your skills in solar energy and prepare you for a technically advanced career in this field. Consider these two schools when researching opportunities to earn an advanced degree.

Arizona State University

ASU currently offers a Professional Science Master's in Solar Energy Engineering & Commercialization degree which, although a graduate program, differs from more traditional master's or doctoral programs in science that focus heavily on research. This program is geared toward the student who wants to gain practical knowledge to further his or her career in this field. It's a 12-month, 30-credit hour program for students who already have an undergraduate degree in a STEM field. Options for part-time enrollment are also available, and this program focuses both on the technology side of solar energy as well as project management, commercialization, and development.

Oregon Tech

Oregon Tech also offers a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering at its Portland-Metro campus. With their accelerated program, it's possible to obtain both the bachelor's and the master's concurrently in about five years, or students who already have a bachelor's in a relevant field can obtain their master's in two years. Courses such as Power System Analysis and Advanced Fuel Cells make up a portion of the 54 credit hours required for the master's program.

What Types of Engineers Work in the Solar Energy Industry?

There are several paths you can take as a solar energy engineer. It all depends on whether you want to focus more on the design of the technology or the downstream application. Here are just some of the engineering types currently in the industry:

• Mechanical engineers design engines, tools, and other mechanical devices to manufacture and test solar energy equipment.
• Chemical engineers are similar to mechanical engineers in that they design and test materials, but they do it through the use of chemistry rather than machines.
• Electrical engineers create the solar panel's electrical circuitry and supporting components.
• Industrial engineers focus on how to get the most out of solar production at the lowest cost - whether it be human resources, processes, or technology.

Is There a Future in Solar Energy Engineering?

Whether you pursue a bachelor's or a master's in mechanical engineering or another area, this field is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineers made a median salary of $87,620 in 2018, and 2,900 new jobs are expected between 2018 and 2028.