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Solar Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

This international initiative is currently in the design phase and will modernize NSO's global network of ground-based solar observatories, enabling continuous, high-quality observations that advance ...

We design, install, and service solar energy systems while sharing ownership and decision-making across our company. Joining our team means more than just a job. After one month of employment, we ...

We design, install, and service solar energy systems while sharing ownership and decision-making across our company. Joining our team means more than just a job. After one month of employment, we ...

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Residential Service Crew Lead

Denver, CO

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

We design, install, and service solar energy systems while sharing ownership and decision-making across our company. Joining our team means more than just a job. After one month of employment, we ...

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Solar Design information

See Colorado salary details

$37.3K

$65.4K

$92K

How much do solar design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar design in Colorado is $65,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,800.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Solar Design job?

A Solar Design job involves creating plans and layouts for solar energy systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. Solar designers assess site conditions, calculate energy needs, and use software to design efficient photovoltaic (PV) systems. They ensure compliance with local regulations, utility requirements, and industry standards. Their work helps optimize energy production while minimizing costs and environmental impact.

How much do solar designers make?

Solar designers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with design software skills and industry certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of projects and company size.

What are some common challenges faced by Solar Design professionals on the job?

Solar Design professionals often encounter the challenge of adapting system designs to complex site conditions, such as shading, roof layouts, or local regulations. Coordinating with multiple project stakeholders—including engineers, installation crews, and permitting authorities—can also require strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, staying updated on evolving technologies and incentive programs is essential for creating cost-effective and compliant designs. These challenges make the work dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and continuous learning.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of solar design, senior roles such as Solar Design Manager or Lead Solar Designer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience and location. Advanced certifications, technical skills, and project management experience can further increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Design position, and why are they important?

To excel in Solar Design, you typically need a background in engineering or renewable energy, strong mathematical skills, and experience with photovoltaic (PV) system design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, PV*SOL, or Helioscope, as well as knowledge of relevant safety codes and certifications like NABCEP, is often required. Strong attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and clear communication help you effectively collaborate with clients, contractors, and team members. These skills and qualities ensure efficient, compliant, and innovative solar energy solutions tailored to client needs and project specifications.

What does a solar designer do?

A solar designer plans and creates solar energy systems for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. They analyze site conditions, select appropriate equipment, and develop detailed system layouts using design software. Knowledge of electrical systems, building codes, and certifications like NABCEP can be important in this role.

What solar jobs pay the most?

Senior solar project managers, electrical engineers, and solar design engineers tend to earn the highest salaries in the solar industry. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and experience, and they typically involve overseeing large projects or complex system designs. Salaries for these positions can exceed $100,000 annually depending on location and level of expertise.
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Design jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Solar Design jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Design jobs in Colorado? For Solar Design jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Solar Design jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Solar Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Design job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,393 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
SolarCorps Construction Design Fellow

SolarCorps Construction Design Fellow

GRID Alternatives

Denver, CO • On-site

$21.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

What is the SolarCorps Fellowship Program...
GRID Alternatives' SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic community members to join GRID Alternatives for an 11-month paid service term. In this position, you'll gain valuable experience in the renewable energy and non-profit industries while making significant contributions to communities most impacted by environmental and economic injustice!
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Why do a Fellowship at GRID Alternatives...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Tribal Energy Alternatives is an office of GRID Alternatives that works directly with Tribal Nations to install solar to meet their energy sovereignty goals. Join Tribal Energy Alternative's mission to support Tribal Nations in their pursuit of energy sovereignty through solar energy solutions, hands-on training, and community empowerment, ensuring sustainable development and long-term environmental health.
Summary of the role:
We are seeking a full-time SolarCorps Construction Design Fellow to engage with the Tribal Energy Alternatives construction team in residential solar PV Design. Fellows will serve directly on Tribal Energy Alternatives' installation projects, helping complete all aspects of installation including system design, permitting, installation of solar panel systems, approval, and utility interconnection. The fellow will split their training between solar PV design and hands-on solar installation to gain a broad range of skills and experience to qualify for a range of different solar construction careers. The fellow will be traveling during installations (20-40% of time) and working remotely during the design portion of the fellowship (80-60%).
  • Support solar PV installation and site visits
  • Perform site assessments, shade analysis, production modeling, etc.
  • Support in producing design plan sets and permit packs, submit permit applications
  • Assist staff with installation package preparation
  • Support the interconnection and engineering approval processes
  • Help organize and maintain project information in Salesforce
  • Support in material procurement preparation

Requirements
What you need to bring to this role...
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills
  • Experience with paperwork and forms, data entry, spreadsheets, or similar data organization
  • Comfortable with algebra, trigonometry, and computer work
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Interest in a career in solar or renewable energy
  • Lived experience as a tribally enrolled person or experience working directly with tribal communities, tribal councils, or tribal consortia
  • Ability to travel for periods of at least 2 weeks (required) and optionally up to 6 weeks at a time (20-40%)
  • Ability to work remotely, independently while not traveling
  • Able to work outdoors, on rooftops, and in extreme temperatures.
  • Passion for environmental justice, sustainability, affordable housing, the environment, or just generally grounded in making the world a better place.

It would be great if you also had...
  • Clean, valid driver's license and clean driving record.
  • Experience with remote work or learning remotely
  • Knowledge of the unique challenges confronting tribal communities as well as regional/geographic considerations

Benefits and how we take care of you
Standard Fellowship Compensation:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Hourly pay of $21.40 per hour, plus the benefits listed above. Fellows who complete 1700 hours with GRID and complete their contracted term of service will be eligible for a $3,000 cash end of term award
Standard Fellowship Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, Accrued paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance
Where you will sit & the places you may go...
The ideal candidate will have the flexibility to work remotely and travel for at minimum 2 weeks at a time. This position may require up to 40% out-of-town travel to construction sites, as well as regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use if the candidate has a valid driver's license.
Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.
Salary Description
$21.40/hr