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Solar Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role is ideal for an experienced commercial solar designer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working collaboratively across teams, and contributing to a thoughtful, purposeful ...

Develop and review civil site designs including grading, drainage, access roads, foundations, and stormwater systems for utility-scale solar projects. * Prepare and/or review design deliverables such ...

The Solar Consultant will be responsible for generating leads, educating potential customers on solar power, designing solar solutions that meet customer needs, and providing exceptional customer ...

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Ann Arbor, MI

$20.25 - $27/hr

Job Summary Assemble, install, or maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on roofs or other ... Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system ...

The Solar Consultant will be responsible for generating leads, educating potential customers on solar power, designing solar solutions that meet customer needs, and providing exceptional customer ...

Solar Installer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Company Description Lifestyle Solar is a leading provider of residential solar solutions, dedicated ... designs that align with consumer requirements, site conditions, and AHJ regulations. Key ...

As one of the fastest-growing solar installation companies in the industry, Infinity Solar offers both residential roofing and a custom-designed, high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar system for ...

Experience using CAD for single-line electrical designs and roof layout designs * Excited for ... Understanding of Solar PV technology * Willingness to independently pursue additional training ...

Solar Installer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Company Description Lifestyle Solar is a leading provider of residential solar solutions, dedicated ... designs that align with consumer requirements, site conditions, and AHJ regulations. Key ...

As one of the fastest-growing solar installation companies in the industry, Infinity Solar offers both residential roofing and a custom-designed, high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar system for ...

Experience using CAD for single-line electrical designs and roof layout designs * Excited for ... Understanding of Solar PV technology * Willingness to independently pursue additional training ...

Solar Sales Consultant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

At Ipsun Solar, we're committed to helping homeowners take control of their energy future with custom-designed solar solutions. Ipsun is part of the Civic Renewables Family, with solar companies ...

Solar Sales Consultant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

At Ipsun Solar, we're committed to helping homeowners take control of their energy future with custom-designed solar solutions. Ipsun is part of the Civic Renewables Family, with solar companies ...

As one of the fastest-growing solar installation companies in the industry, Infinity Solar offers both residential roofing and a custom-designed, high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar system for ...

Solar Installer

Provo, UT · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

As a Solar Installer, you'll play a vital role in delivering cutting-edge solar installations that ... Please note: Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of ...

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Solar Designer information

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How much do solar designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for solar designer in the United States is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $30.05 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.
What cities are hiring for Solar Designer jobs? Cities with the most Solar Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Designer jobs? The most popular types of Solar Designer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Solar Designer jobs? The top employers for Solar Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Solar Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Designer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Designer jobs? For Solar Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Solar Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,282 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Commercial Design Engineer

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About 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.
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.
What it's like to work at GRID...
At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.
Summary of the role:
The Commercial Desing Engineer is an individual contributor role within GRID Alternatives' commercial build team, collaborating with the Director of Commercial Build and Engineering. This position plays an important role in delivering high-quality, code-compliant designs for multifamily and light commercial projects, with most systems in the 50 kW-500 kW range.
Rooftop solar is the core scope of this role, with additional opportunities to work on carport solar, battery-enabled micro-grids, and EVSE infrastructure as GRID continues to diversify and expand its commercial portfolio.
In this role, you'll collaborate closely with other designers, construction coordinators, field supervisors, and development teams to support build development and project execution. You'll contribute technical expertise throughout the project lifecycle while also helping improve design standards, tools, and processes as the program grows.
This role is ideal for an experienced commercial solar designer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working collaboratively across teams, and contributing to a thoughtful, purposeful organization.
What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):
  • Remote within the U.S, preferably west coast
  • Produce complete design packages for utility and AHJ submittals for commercial solar and solar-plus-storage projects, generally ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW
  • Develop CAD layouts, electrical diagrams, stringing plans, calculations, elevations, details, and bills of materials based on project requirements
  • Serve as a technical resource within the commercial design team, assisting with design questions, code interpretation, and troubleshooting
  • Perform quality assurance reviews of colleagues' work to ensure accuracy, constructability, and code compliance
  • Clearly communicate design intent, assumptions, and constraints to internal teams and external partners, including project managers, construction teams, utilities, and AHJs
  • Provide technical guidance to junior designers through reviews, feedback, and informal training
  • Contribute ideas and feedback on design standards, templates, tools, and workflows in partnership with the Commercial Director of Design and Engineering and peers
  • Coordinate with external engineering vendors as needed to support project delivery

Requirements
Your areas of knowledge and expertise...
  • 3+ years of experience designing grid-tied commercial and/or multifamily solar projects, including solar-plus-storage
  • Deep understanding of commercial PV system design, component selection, and production modeling
  • Strong proficiency in AutoCAD and Excel, with experience using tools such as Helioscope, Aurora, PV Watts, NREL SAM, PVsyst, or similar
  • Experience producing utility- and AHJ-ready plan sets, including calculations, details, and as-built documentation
  • Ability to clearly explain technical concepts and design decisions to a range of audiences
  • A collaborative working style that values shared problem-solving, consensus-building, and alignment across fields
  • Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused mentality
  • Ability to exercise sound technical judgment while working within established standards, processes, and decision frameworks
  • Curiosity and interest in improving tools, templates, and workflows
  • Openness to feedback from peers, construction teams, and managers
  • Interest in supporting junior designers as part of a collaborative team

Benefits and how we take care of you
Compensation:
The compensation range for this fulltime position is $80k-$85k annually. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.
Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks 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 sit on the West Coast, must be remote within the U.S. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.
Important to note for California applicants:
**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.
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
$80k-$85k annually