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Freelance Solar Permit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Design Engineer Supervisor:Engineering Manager Classification:Full-time, exempt Location: San Diego ... of permitted plansets. TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE * Embody and promote the Cal Solar "GRIPT" core ...

Design to include interconnection drawings, electrical permit/construction drawings, calculations ... Our solar, storage, and microgrid solutions have put CES at the top of our industry in the Midwest.

Design to include interconnection drawings, electrical permit/construction drawings, calculations ... Our solar, storage, and microgrid solutions have put CES at the top of our industry in the Midwest.

General knowledge of Solar PV, Energy Storage and Interconnection design construction * Permit Technician Certification from the International Code Council is preferred To perform this job ...

Solar Engineer

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $125K/yr

The Solar Engineer provides comprehensive electrical engineering design for renewable energy ... Design interconnection drawings, electrical permit sets, and construction drawings in accordance ...

The Design Manager will ensure project success through exceptional organization, communication and ... Facilitate comprehensive and effective handover of designs and permits to the Solar Operations team.

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Freelance Solar Permit Design information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance solar permit design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance solar permit design in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Solar Permit Design vs Solar Permit Technician?

AspectFreelance Solar Permit DesignSolar Permit Technician
CredentialsTypically requires solar design knowledge, permits, and certificationRequires permit processing and technical knowledge, often certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or on-site, project-basedOffice or field, supporting permit applications
Employer/Industry UsageFreelancers or consulting firms in solar industrySolar companies, permitting agencies, or contractors

Freelance Solar Permit Design involves creating permit plans independently, focusing on design and compliance. Solar Permit Technicians handle permit processing and documentation support. Both roles require permit-related knowledge but differ in scope and work setting.

What is a Freelance Solar Permit Designer?

A Freelance Solar Permit Designer is an independent professional who creates detailed plans and documents required to obtain permits for solar panel installations. They work with solar companies, contractors, or homeowners to design layout plans, electrical diagrams, and ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Their work is essential for securing the necessary approvals from local authorities before beginning solar installation projects. Freelance designers often work remotely, using specialized software to produce accurate and compliant permit packages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Solar Permit Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Solar Permit Designer, you need a strong understanding of solar PV system design, electrical codes, and permitting processes, often backed by relevant engineering or technical education. Proficiency in CAD software (like AutoCAD), solar design tools (such as Aurora Solar), and familiarity with local permitting platforms is typically essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and time management are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and ensuring timely, accurate submissions. These skills enable designers to create compliant, efficient permit packages that expedite solar project approvals and client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges freelance solar permit designers face when working with multiple clients remotely?

Freelance solar permit designers often encounter challenges such as varying documentation requirements across different municipalities, frequent changes in client preferences, and tight project deadlines. Coordinating effectively with engineers, installers, and permitting authorities remotely requires clear communication and strong organizational skills. Additionally, freelancers need to stay updated on evolving building codes and permitting processes to ensure all designs meet local regulations and avoid costly project delays.
More about Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Solar Permit Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Permit Design jobs? The most popular types of Solar Permit Design jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Solar Permit Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Solar Permit Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Design Engineer

CalSolar Inc

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer


Supervisor:Engineering Manager


Classification:Full-time, exempt


Location: San Diego, CA. Office



The Design Engineer is responsible for the design coordination, planset production, and permitting of an energy project. For new construction projects, the design engineer works closely with the building AOR, SEOR, and EEOR, ensuring that the building infrastructure can support the energy system architecturally, structurally, and electrically. Internally, the design engineer must work closely with the Engineering Managers, Superintendents, and Project Managers, to tap into decades of solar expertise -- setting up the project for future construction success. The design engineer should have a firm grasp of the state and local building and electrical codes, have excellent time management, organizational and communication skills, all to deliver a fully coordinated, permitted, and buildable planset, on time and on budget.You must currently reside in San Diego or Riverside Counties. This is not a remote position.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES



  • Follow company and department standards/SOPs.
  • Ensure full coordination with building AOR, EEOR, SEOR, EOR, on key coordination points.
  • Successfully communicate with all project stakeholders.
  • Perform solar design intake, coordination markups, and draft solar shop drawings.
  • Lead solar drafters in providing complete and accurate code compliant plansets on time.
  • Coordinate site walks with superintendents.
  • Coordinate carport structural sheets and calculations with carport mfg.
  • Coordinate carport lighting and photometrics with lighting mfg.
  • Coordinate with interconnection department on IX applications.
  • Review & QC solar plansets, obtain shop drawing approvals from AOR/GC.
  • Coordinate EE & SE Review/Calcs/Stamp.
  • Submit, track closely, & follow-up on projects through AHJ plan - check.
  • Track and constantly update project process/activity through Scoop platform.
  • Track project time and costs through Miter platform.
  • Ensure accurate inputs within Scoop platform.
  • Maintain sense of urgency with clients and ensure timely deliver of permitted plansets.


TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE


  • Embody and promote the Cal Solar "GRIPT" core values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Foster open communication, team building, and sharing of best practices amongst all employees, to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
  • Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.
  • Oversee the training and development of all direct reports through the performance planning process and maintaining 1:1 meetings/check-ins, and coordinating with HR to help identify available programs and training that may assist in their professional and personal development.


    Required Skills/Abilities:


    • Minimum 2 years of commercial solar design and engineering.
    • A minimum of 50 designed & engineered commercial solar systems projects.
    • Be a current resident in San Diego or Riverside Counties.
    • 2 years of coordinating solar carport designs desired.
    • Full competence in solar and battery design.
    • Proficiency with 208V and 480V 3 Phase electrical architecture.
    • Time management - sense of urgency, ability to pull - plan a critical path schedule.
    • Effective & efficient communication both internally and externally.
    • Project management and organizational skills.
    • High reading comprehension and writing proficiency.
    • Resourcefulness, able to do research on products and code, self starter.
    • Knowledge of state and local codes as it pertains to Solar Energy.
    • General architectural, electrical, and structural competence.
    • Ability to comprehend and create construction plansets and electrical SLD.
    • Ability to QC Solar PV System construction plansets.
    • Ability to coordinate Electrical Tie-ins with EEOR.
    • Experience with project management software such as Scoop.
    • Ability to navigate multiple AHJ plancheck and permit issuance processes.
    • AutoCAD and BlueBeam Competency.


                                The starting annual base pay for this role is between USD $85K - $120K. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.


                                Benefits:


                                • Competitive salaries
                                • Health/vision/dental insurance
                                • 401(k) plan with 6% match
                                • Paid holidays
                                • Flexible PTO


                                About Cal Solar, Inc.:


                                Passionate About Renewable Energy? Then we're looking for you!


                                For more than 10 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar, Inc.) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.


                                We are always seeking talented individuals! Join a focused and motivated team. Cal Solar, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) committed to a culture based on respect and performance.


                                Cal Solar, Inc is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.