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How a solar energy systems engineer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 17-2199.11: Solar Energy Systems EngineersMedian pay $122,930/year (BLS, May 2025)13 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Consulting Engineer, Engineer, Photovoltaic System Designer (PV System Designer), Power Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, Research Engineer, Solar Design Engineer, Solar Designer, Solar Energy Engineer, Solar Engineer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 12%AI-assist 83%Stays human 5%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 11 AI-assist and 1 human-led tasks out of 13. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.Watch & inspect · Monthly

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

Weekly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Project: [planting, construction]
Scope: [describe]

Draft a detailed plan. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Detailed work plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create plans for solar energy system development (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Scope] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare detailed work plans..

AI can help you prep these 11

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 75% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, or performance monitoring.

Context: We use Debugging software; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Topic: [security products, techniques]
Audience: [users, colleagues]

Explain step by step with examples. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Technical guidance

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide technical direction (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide technical guidance to other personnel..

Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems.

Context: We use SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Project: [type, location]
Data to collect: [access, drainage, utilities, population, loads]

Create a site data collection sheet with fields, units and sources for each item. Then tell me which items most affect cost or design.

10-minute exercise: Site data sheet

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct engineering site audits (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Project] and [Data to collect] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Fill the sheet on your next visit or desk study, and note what was hardest to get. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collect data about project sites..

Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Context: We use Autodesk AutoCAD and Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Site: [wind farm, plant]
Constraints: [roads, cranes, spacing]

Suggest layout principles and documentation. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Energy site layout

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules and connection diagrams (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create graphical representations of energy production systems..

Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.

Weekly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
System: [solar, wind, fuel cell]
Requirements: [load, site, budget]

Outline a design with sizing calculations and key components. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Renewable system design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems (this week).
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Design alternative energy systems..

Perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system performance or energy production to optimize efficiency.

Context: We use Simulation software and The MathWorks MATLAB; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Design or system: [describe]
Inputs and physics: [loads, flows, behaviours]

Propose a model, its assumptions and equations, and starter code or spreadsheet formulas, then a way to validate it.

10-minute exercise: Engineering model

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform computer simulation of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation system (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Design or system] and [Inputs and physics] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Validate the model against one known case before trusting its predictions.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create models of engineering designs or methods..

Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.

Context: We use Microsoft Visio; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Process: [describe]
Data: [results]

Write a recommendation with evidence. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Process improvement recommendation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review specifications (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Process] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.. Also involves: Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications..

Develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.

Weekly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to develop design specifications and functional requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems or components.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Product or source: [describe]
Requirements: [performance, standards]

Draft design criteria with rationale and test methods. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Design criteria

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop design specifications and functional requirements (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Product or source] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine design criteria or specifications..

Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.

Monthly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
System: [fuel cell, solar]
Requirements: [performance, cost]

Analyze design requirements and trade-offs. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Green design analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform thermal, stress and cost reduction analyses.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze green technology design requirements.. Also involves: Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects..

Develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.

A few times a year

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards for solar installation work.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Operation: [process, integration, production]
Constraints: [equipment, cost, safety]

Compare methods and recommend an arrangement with steps. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Determine the method

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop standard operation procedures and quality or safety standards.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Constraints] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine operational methods..

Test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.

Monthly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.

Context: We use The MathWorks MATLAB and SKM Systems Analysis Power Tools; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Technology: [biomass, fermentation, feedstock]
Question: [what to test]

Design an experiment with variables, controls and measurements. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Green tech experiment plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you test or evaluate photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules.
Step 2Fill in [Technology] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Test green technologies or processes..

Design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.

Yearly or less

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to design or develop vacuum tube collector systems for solar applications.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
System: [solar, wind, fuel cell]
Requirements: [load, site, budget]

Outline a design with sizing calculations and key components. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Renewable system design

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design or develop vacuum tube collector systems.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 1.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Design alternative energy systems..

These stay human 1

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day · Impact of decisions: important results · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a solar energy systems engineer. Part of my job is to create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, engineering and technology and design.
Product: [map, electronic product, assembly]
Requirements: [specs]

Make a final inspection checklist with common flaws. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Final inspection checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create checklists.
Step 2Fill in [Product] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Inspect finished products to locate flaws..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Operations Monitoringimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Quality Control Analysisimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Thinking Creatively
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Writingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Electrical Engineers30% human-led · Same preparation · $120,630/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Operations Analysis, Management of Personnel Resources
  • Marine Engineers and Naval Architects25% human-led · Same preparation · $112,230/yr · usually bachelor's degreeSkills to build: Management of Personnel Resources, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (56% of workers)

  • High school or less 11%
  • Certificate or some college 19%
  • Associate's 11%
  • Bachelor's 56%
  • Graduate degree 4%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years
  • Professional certification: important (3.0/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Autodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitBashC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksGoogle Workspace softwareJavaScriptLinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Outlook