Solar Designer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Solar Designer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Solar energy is one of the fastest growing segments of the energy industry, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it a renewable energy source that helps reduce carbon emissions, but it also makes financial sense for homeowners and businesses alike.
As a solar designer, you’ll work with clients to create custom solar power systems that meet their unique needs. You might design a system for a residential home or a commercial building, and you’ll need to be familiar with local building codes, utility regulations, and other factors that may affect the planning and installation process.
If you want to break into this growing industry or advance your current role, you’ll need a stellar resume to get the attention of hiring managers. Here are some tips and an example to help you write yours.
How to Write a Solar Designer Resume
Here’s how to write a resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
When it comes to resume bullet points, the more specific you can be about your responsibilities and achievements, the better. For example, rather than saying you “managed solar energy projects,” you could say that you “managed 10 solar energy projects for local government agencies, resulting in a 15% increase in energy efficiency and a 15% decrease in energy costs.”
The second bullet point is much stronger because it provides specific numbers and details about the project. It also includes a quantifiable result (15% increase in energy efficiency) that’s easy to understand and appreciate.
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume for a solar designer role, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. This program looks for terms related to solar energy, like “solar radiation” and “photovoltaics,” in order to determine whether your skills and experience are a match for the job. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right terms, the ATS might not forward it to a recruiter.
To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of common solar designer keywords as a starting point to help you add relevant terms to your resume:
- Solar
- Solar Energy
- Photovoltaic (PV)
- Renewable Energy
- PV Design
- Power Distribution
- PV Design Software
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy
- Solar PV
- Power System
- Power Generation
- Renewable & Alternative Energy
- Solar Photovoltaic Design
- Electrical Wiring
- ArcGIS
- AutoCAD
- Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installation
- PV Installations
- Solar Thermal
- Electrical Design
- Designing PV Systems
- Intersolar
- Energy Efficiency
- Microgeneration
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Building Integrated Solar
- Technical Design
- Renewable Energy Project Development
- Engineering
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a solar designer, you need to be proficient in the use of solar design software, such as AutoCAD, Helioscope, and PVsyst. You should also have a solid understanding of solar PV systems and how they work. Additionally, it’s important to be familiar with the various types of solar panels and inverters on the market.