What does a solar consultant do?

As a solar consultant, you help explain renewable energy systems and resources to potential customers. In this role, you may travel to visit potential job sites, help determine power needs, and use software to determine the actual costs and rate of return on solar systems. This job involves significant amounts of market research and trends and could also include negotiating with lending institutions and local government offices. Some consultants focus on the marketing and sales aspect while others provide technical consulting and may create complex engineering blueprints. Many solar consultants focus on residential customers, but some focus on commercial buildings or larger industrial facilities.