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Solar Design Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IE Engineer Intern

Mesquite, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to ... Job Summary: This internship offers hands-on exposure to large-scale manufacturing projects ...

IE Engineer Intern

Mesquite, TX

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to ... Job Summary: This internship offers hands-on exposure to large-scale manufacturing projects ...

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Solar Design Internship information

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$36

How much do solar design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar design internship in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of renewable energy systems, electrical engineering concepts, and proficiency in drafting or design, often supported by enrollment in a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, and Microsoft Office, as well as knowledge of solar modeling tools, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns excel in collaborating with teams and solving practical design challenges. These skills are crucial for creating accurate solar project plans that meet client needs and comply with industry standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Solar Design Intern, and how do they contribute to project success?

As a Solar Design Intern, you'll typically assist in creating and reviewing solar system layouts, performing site assessments, and preparing technical documentation using design software such as AutoCAD or PVsyst. You may also support senior engineers by gathering data, conducting shading analyses, and helping with permitting processes. Your work ensures designs are both efficient and compliant with regulations, directly contributing to the timely and successful execution of solar projects. This collaborative environment offers valuable exposure to engineering best practices and the renewable energy industry.

What is a Solar Design Internship?

A Solar Design Internship is an entry-level position where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in the planning and designing of solar energy systems. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers or designers to assist with site assessments, create layout plans using design software, and help prepare technical documentation. This role helps interns develop practical skills in renewable energy technology, project management, and industry-standard tools. Such internships are valuable for building a foundation in the fast-growing solar energy sector and can lead to full-time opportunities in the field.

What is the difference between Solar Design Internship vs Solar Design Engineer?

AspectSolar Design InternshipSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, architecture, or related fieldBachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related field; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in renewable energy companies or engineering firmsFull-time professional role, often in design teams or project management
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design calculations, site assessments, and learning project workflowsCreating detailed solar system designs, performing site analysis, and overseeing project implementation

The Solar Design Internship provides hands-on learning experience for students or recent graduates, focusing on assisting with design tasks. In contrast, the Solar Design Engineer is a full-time role requiring more experience and responsibility in designing and managing solar projects. Both roles are essential in the solar industry, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of work.

More about Solar Design Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Design Internship jobs? Cities with the most Solar Design Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Design Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Design Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Solar Design Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Government Relations - Legislative & Regulatory Tracking Intern (Fall 2026)

Government Relations - Legislative & Regulatory Tracking Intern (Fall 2026)

First Solar

Phoenix, AZ

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


First Solar rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. 

Basic Job Scope:

  • Leading the world's sustainable energy future, First Solar interns work around the globe/country in research and development, marketing, project development, information technology, engineering, energy services and much more. When you work at First Solar, you will be challenged every day and provided real world experience. You will be given the opportunity to find new solutions and develop new skills to further advance your skillset. At First Solar we strive to foster a culture that encourages innovation through collaboration, urging colleagues to take smart risks, learning from failures and course correcting, and owning personal accountability for contributing to our mission.

Expected Length of Internship: 

  • Fall 2026 semester

  • As an internship company, we allow flexibility to enroll in classes while working as an intern, as long as it doesn't interfere with the essential functions of the position.

Education/Experience:

  • Junior/Senior student in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, Law, or a related field.

  • Prior coursework or experience in legislative research, policy analysis, or government relations preferred.

  • First Solar encourages all interns to register their internship with their university.

Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to track and synthesize complex legislative and regulatory developments at both the state and federal level.

  • Comfort using AI tools and digital platforms to accelerate research, build tracking systems, and produce clear written outputs.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate policy content for executive audiences.

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Basic Internship Scope (Project):

  • Design and build a legislative and regulatory tracking system - spanning state and federal activity relevant to solar energy, domestic manufacturing, permitting, and grid policy - that enables the Government Relations team to monitor, prioritize, and act on developments in near real time.

  • Develop a prioritization framework that scores and ranks tracked legislation and rulemakings based on criteria such as business impact, likelihood of passage, First Solar's policy positions, and timeline - turning a broad legislative landscape into a focused, actionable watchlist.

  • Create standardized reporting templates and cadences (e.g., weekly digests, monthly legislative scorecards) that translate the tracker into clear, executive-ready summaries for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Use AI tools to automate information gathering, flag new bill introductions and regulatory filings, and generate first-draft summaries for human review - documenting the workflow so the system remains useful after the internship ends.

  • Identify gaps or emerging policy trends - such as state-level incentive programs, federal rulemaking timelines, or legislative threats to clean energy supply chains - and surface findings in a structured format for the Government Relations team.

Estimated Salary Range:

  • $20.00-$23.00/hr.

US Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.


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