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Solar Intern Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Research Development PhD Engineering Intern

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

We are looking for interns who are passionate about renewable energy, including wind and solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, sustainability, carbon capture and other decarbonization technologies.

New

Solar Intern information

What types of projects and tasks can a solar intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Solar Intern, you can expect to support a variety of hands-on and analytical projects, such as assisting with site assessments, collecting and analyzing solar data, preparing reports, and supporting the design and installation of solar systems. You may also collaborate with engineers and project managers to gain exposure to different stages of solar energy projects. This role provides valuable experience in both technical and project coordination aspects, making it an excellent entry point into the renewable energy industry.

What does a solar intern do?

A Solar Intern typically assists with various tasks related to solar energy projects, such as site assessments, data collection, system design, and installation support. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals, helping with research, project documentation, and sometimes fieldwork. The role provides valuable hands-on experience in the renewable energy industry and helps interns build essential skills for a career in solar energy. Responsibilities may vary depending on the company and specific project needs.

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

To thrive as a Solar Intern, you typically need a background in engineering or environmental science, strong analytical skills, and a basic understanding of solar energy concepts. Familiarity with photovoltaic system design software, data analysis tools, and safety protocols is often required. Initiative, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork distinguish outstanding interns in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to project success, ensuring safety, and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the rapidly growing solar industry.

What is the difference between Solar Intern vs Solar Technician?

AspectSolar InternSolar Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or currently enrolled in related programTechnical certifications or vocational training often required
Work EnvironmentAssist with installation, maintenance, and research in solar projects, often supervisedPerform hands-on installation, troubleshooting, and repair of solar systems
Industry UsageEntry-level position for students or traineesSkilled worker responsible for system installation and maintenance

The Solar Intern role is primarily an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in solar projects, often for students or trainees. In contrast, the Solar Technician is a more experienced role involving hands-on installation and maintenance of solar systems. While both roles work within the solar industry, the Solar Intern typically requires less formal certification and offers a training experience, whereas the Solar Technician requires technical skills and certifications for independent work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solar jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Solar jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Intern jobs in Kentucky? For Solar Intern jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Engineer I - Intern/Co-op Conversion (2026/2027)

Duke Energy Corporation

Union, KY

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The Engineer I position is the entry level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees in the Engineer I position solve problems in engineering areas of specialization with close supervision. An Engineer I is expected to develop skills, and the ability to work with greater independence. An Engineer I has knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures.

Locations for 2026/2027:Opportunities at locations across our footprint: North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida. You will be able to provide location preferences in the application questions.

See below for more information on the types of programs that could be offered. Take notes of what you are interested in, we'll ask you about this later in the application questions!

Transmission - Transmission Engineering manages the design, assessment and analysis of substations and transmission facilities throughout the Duke Energy service area. This department is also responsible for any upgrades to these facilities to ensure safe and reliable operation of the assets. As a co-op, you will work with staff engineers to manage equipment reliability and perform analysis and design of transmission lines and structures, protection and controls systems, and physical/electrical components within Duke Energy's transmission system. Preferred Majors: Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Engineering Technology

Distribution - Distribution Engineering manages the design, operation, and planning of the grid. Distribution is committed to delivering energy to our customers reliably and efficiently; while maintaining our focus on safety, sustainability, and a smarter, more flexible grid. As an intern or co-op, you will undertake short-term responsibilities in variety of groups including electric distribution design, distribution system planning, distribution system operations, distribution asset management or distribution project management. During your rotation(s), you will work with staff engineers to manage/maintain equipment, assist with grid planning and sectionalization, complete designs for equipment install/replacement, and provide oversight of the distribution system. Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or Construction Management

Project Management & Construction (PMC) - PMC is responsible for building our new power generation assets and is in early stages of the largest buildout in the history of the company. As part of Duke Energy's broader strategy to meet rising customer demand and decarbonize the grid, PMC is actively planning and building renewable solar and bulk energy storage, new simple and combined cycle turbines, as well as developing projects for advanced nuclear, pumped storage hydro, and other emerging technologies. Co-ops would work with PMC engineers and projects managers to develop, design, construct and startup of all these technologies, with both office and field construction assignments available in the Carolinas, Midwest, and Florida. Come be part of the energy transformation! Preferred Majors: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial & Systems Engineering

Regulated and Renewable Energy (RRE) - Duke Energy Regulated and Renewable Energy generates electricity with an ever-expanding diverse energy mix to meet current and future energy needs for our customers! Come and experience a collaborative working environment for the future of generation! As a student employee, this is an exciting time to work in the utility industry! You will have the opportunity to mentor with top ranked engineers in our regulated power plants - including hydro, solar, natural gas, and coal generation throughout the Midwest, Carolinas, and Florida. Students will gain experience working on projects for generation facility safety, efficiencies, system performance, reliability, cost and environmental compliance. Knowledge will be gained for plant systems engineering and maintenance and energy production to include pumps, motors, control systems, heat performance, motors, switch gears, turbines, generators, system inspections, calibrations and equipment performance. Preferred Major: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical

Grid Planning Studies - The Grid Planning Studies team focuses on transmission-level analysis and analysis of generator additions and modifications in our territory. This internship provides handson exposure to realworld power system planning, modeling, and analysis. Students will work directly with experienced engineers to evaluate load additions-ranging from a few megawatts to more than 1 GW. You will build foundational knowledge in transmission planning, contingency analysis, and model development while contributing directly to projects that support system reliability and future grid needs. Preferred Majors: Electrical

Engineering opportunities in other business areas may also be available.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles.

  • Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.

  • Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

  • Good written and oral communication skills.

  • Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.

  • Understanding of basic principles of project management.

  • Experience in the utility industry.

Working Conditions
  • Some business units may require visits to field sites and/or plants

Specific Requirements
  • Must have previous internship or co-op experience with Duke Energy.

  • Must have obtained Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program

  • A Master's degree in Engineering will be considered in lieu of the B.S. Engineering degree.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

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Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904