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Solar Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolarEdge Designer Tool, and MS Office Suite. * Must have experience in renewable energy or solar. * Experience in electrical, mechanical, structural, or civil engineering ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolarEdge Designer Tool, and MS Office Suite. * Must have experience in renewable energy or solar. * Experience in electrical, mechanical, structural, or civil engineering ...

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Schaumburg, IL

$20.50 - $27/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Sunrun

Solar Installer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $27/hr

To do it, we're designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. It's why we've become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. We're unlike any ...

Faithtechnologies

Solar Installers

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

Faith Technologies

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

New

Faithtechnologies

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

New

Faith Technologies Incorporated

Solar Installer

Chicago, IL

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

New

Faith Technologies

Solar Installers

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $28.25/hr

Cares about redefining how energy is designed, applied and consumed. Cares about thoughtfully ... The Solar Installer is accountable for solar installation, inspection, testing, troubleshooting ...

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All JobsSolar Designer JobsSolar Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Solar Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$26

$39

How much do solar designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar designer in Chicago, IL is $26.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $30.96 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Solar Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Solar Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Solar Designer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Solar Designer job openings:
Solar Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 88% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,888 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Solar Project Engineer

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Us
 
Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today - we're changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power - delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America's energy and future right where it's needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we're reshaping how - and how fast - energy gets built in the U.S.
 
Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
 
Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
 
We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously - but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we're collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other - whether that's troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
 
If you're looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment - and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. - we'd love to meet you.
 
About The Role
Responsibilities
  • Deliver design and problem-solving services that support project schedules to the assigned project teams.
  • Plan and lead the design development effort for all assigned project teams.
  • Support Design team as part of initial training process and where needed thereafter.
  • Oversee/Design/Support commercial and grid supplied Solar Photovoltaic systems.
  • Prepare technical drawings, specifications of PV systems to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
  • Conduct detailed site evaluations.
  • Coordinate with structural, electrical, geotechnical, and civil Professional Engineers during design process to assure the design meets technical and code requirements. Manage professional engineer review process to obtain PE stamps on drawing packages.
  • Provide technical support to Commercial Sales and Finance for the development of technical proposals and customer presentations.
  • Participate in meetings and technical presentations to customers, investors, and PV technical community.
  • Provide engineering/technical input and direction to site evaluation, interconnect agreements and other associated tasks.
  • Work with appropriate electric utilities to prepare and process interconnection paperwork.
  • Review specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
  • Identify appropriate equipment for use in PV systems and perform technical qualification of vendors.
  • Support Project Management and construction team with ongoing technical support, RFI's, and As-builts.
  • Review of other design engineers' work during design phase.
  • Lead cross-functional design reviews.
  • Develop necessary customer deliverables such as concept module layouts, single line diagrams, equipment or material specifications, engineering validation, 3-D renderings, and photo simulations.
  • Assist with Request for Proposal (RFP) reviews, technical writing, and response coordination.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, or Civil preferred).
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolarEdge Designer Tool, and MS Office Suite.
  • Must have experience in renewable energy or solar.
  • Experience in electrical, mechanical, structural, or civil engineering design.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage priorities effectively.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Acute attention to detail and strong judgment in decision-making.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and execute projects effectively.
$80,000 - $110,000 a year
Benefits and Perks
 
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
 
       Training / Professional development opportunities
       401(k) with 4% company match
       Summer Fridays
       Flexible remote/hybrid work options
       Paid parental leave
       Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
       Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
       Medical, dental, and vision coverage
       Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
 
 
 
ADA Accommodation Statement
 
Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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