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Solar Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LA Solar Group

Solar Sales Consultant

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

Use our advanced proposal tool, Design My Solar©, to easily create customized solar designs, contracts, and finance documents. * Customer-Centric Sales Process: Work directly with homeowners ...

La Solar Group Inc

Solar Sales Consultant

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$50K - $250K/yr

Use our advanced proposal tool, Design My Solar© , to easily create customized solar designs, contracts, and finance documents. * Customer-Centric Sales Process: Work directly with homeowners ...

La Solar Group Inc

Solar Sales Consultant

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$50K - $250K/yr

Use our advanced proposal tool, Design My Solar© , to easily create customized solar designs, contracts, and finance documents. * Customer-Centric Sales Process: Work directly with homeowners ...

La Solar Group Inc

Solar Sales Consultant

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$50K - $250K/yr

Use our advanced proposal tool, Design My Solar© , to easily create customized solar designs, contracts, and finance documents. * Customer-Centric Sales Process: Work directly with homeowners ...

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All JobsSolar Designer JobsSolar Designer Jobs in California

Solar Designer information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$37

How much do solar designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar designer in California is $25.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $29.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Solar Designers?

Solar Designers are professionals who specialize in planning and creating solar energy systems for residential, commercial, or industrial use. They assess a site’s solar potential, design the layout for solar panel installations, and ensure the system meets both the client’s needs and regulatory standards. Their work involves using specialized software to model energy production, account for shading and orientation, and create detailed installation plans. Solar Designers play a crucial role in making sure solar projects are efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

How does a Solar Designer typically collaborate with engineers and project managers during the solar project lifecycle?

Solar Designers work closely with engineers to ensure that their system layouts are technically viable and meet safety and regulatory standards. They also collaborate with project managers to align design timelines with overall project schedules and to address site-specific challenges, such as shading or roof structure. Regular meetings and design reviews help identify potential issues early, improving project efficiency. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as changes in design can impact installation timelines and costs.

What is the difference between Solar Designer vs Solar Installer?

AspectSolar DesignerSolar Installer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering or technical certifications, design experienceRequires installation certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, client meetingsConstruction sites, rooftops, outdoor environments
Industry UsageInvolved in planning, designing, and system layoutInvolved in physical installation and wiring

Solar Designers focus on creating system plans, layouts, and ensuring optimal performance, often working in offices with CAD tools. Solar Installers physically set up the systems on-site, handling installation, wiring, and safety. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in daily tasks and required skills.

What Is a Solar Designer?

A solar designer develops an energy solution using a photovoltaic system to boost performance and improve power efficiency. In this career, you conduct an assessment of the current situation and install the cells and modules in compliance with local building codes. You then connect it to the existing equipment and test its integrity. You also seal it for peak sustainability and energy cost-savings. Many solar designers work as self-employed contractors. While you typically work on standalone projects, you may find some opportunities with solar power farms. The responsibilities are physically demanding, and adherence to safety standards to prevent falls is imperative.

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

To thrive as a Solar Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in solar PV system design, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, and relevant certifications such as NABCEP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for creating efficient, safe, and code-compliant solar energy systems that meet client needs and regulatory standards.
More about Solar Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs in California? For Solar Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs in CA? For Solar Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Solar Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,584 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Future Solar Leadership Opportunities - Talent Community (Solar Leadership)

California Solar Electric Cooperative

Grass Valley, CA • On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Future Solar Leadership Opportunities - Talent Community (Solar Leadership)
Location:
Grass Valley & Field-Based in Surrounding Counties
About Cal-Solar
As California's only worker-owned solar co-op, we combine technical excellence with a deep commitment to community and sustainability. We don't just install solar, we empower our employees and our customers to take control of their energy future.Our leadership roles blend customer service, technical knowledge, and problem-solving. It's ideal for someone who communicates early, works well independently, and takes pride in helping others feel empowered.
Purpose of This Posting
This posting is intended solely to build our talent community-a pool of strong candidates for future Solar Leadership roles (e.g., Operations Manager, Sales Manager, Solar Sales, Solar Designer, General Manager, or Installation Manager). There is no immediate vacancy; we'll reach out when an appropriate leadership role becomes available.
Notice at Collection & Use of Personal Data
By submitting your resume, you acknowledge and accept that Cal-Solar will collect, store, and use your information for recruiting purposes and talent pool development, among other legitimate hiring needs such as recordkeeping and potential background screening. We'll keep your information on file only for recruiting purposes, in line with fair hiring practices.
Benefits:
  • Vacation/Sick Pay
  • Health benefits (options for health insurance and vision)
  • We cover free dental and chiropractic because whole-body health matters
  • Retirement Plan
  • Worker-owner: Co-Ownership/dividends (ability to apply after 6 months employment; becoming a member of the Cooperative is highly encouraged, but is not mandatory for all employees)
  • $500/yr education reimbursement
  • We celebrate culture, community, and fun; whether through film festivals, volunteer days, or company retreats.
  • Meaningful work that makes a difference in the community and world at large, in a vital and growing industry
Pay Transparency
In compliance with SB1162, Cal-Solar (with 15 or more employees) is required to include a pay scale in all job postings-even those intended for future hiring. For transparency, the estimated pay scale for future Solar Leadership roles are:
Estimated Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000+ per year, depending on direct industry experience.
(This is an estimate for future leadership openings based on current budget and market conditions.)
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Cal-Solar is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination & Fair Hiring
Cal-Solar adheres to California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Fair Chance Act. We ensure our selection practices are equitable, job-related, and non-biased. We will not request conviction history before a conditional offer, in line with "Ban the Box" requirements.
Once your application is reviewed and added to our talent community, we'll contact you promptly if a matching leadership role opens.

Apply