The Most Transferable Roles Into The Solar Industry

The global push towards clean energy is creating exciting career opportunities across the renewable energy sector and the solar industry is booming. Whether you're looking to transition into solar or are curious about the skills that make a smooth switch possible, certain job roles have direct transferable applications. Whether you're considering a move to solar or are interested in the skills needed for a seamless transition, many job roles offer directly transferable skills. At Westray Recruitment, we are witnessing a surge in demand for talent in these positions as companies expand their solar operations.

Project Manager

Why it's transferable

Project management skills are highly transferable across industries and the solar sector is no exception. As a project manager, your experience overseeing large projects, managing teams and ensuring timelines and budgets are met will serve you well in the solar field. Solar projects, whether large-scale installations or smaller rooftop systems, require meticulous planning and coordination with a range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities in Solar

• Overseeing the end-to-end process of solar project development, from feasibility studies to project handover.
• Coordinating cross-functional teams including engineers, surveyors, and external contractors.
• Managing budgets, timelines, and ensuring projects meet safety and compliance standards.

What to Highlight in Your CV

• Experience in managing technical projects.
• Knowledge of renewable energy standards or willingness to learn.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Electrical Engineer

Why it's transferable

Electrical engineering is at the heart of solar energy systems. Electrical engineers are integral in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems, making them key players in the solar industry. Your experience in electrical systems, troubleshooting, and circuit design will directly translate to the needs of solar energy production and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities in Solar

• Designing electrical layouts for solar systems.
• Conducting electrical safety assessments and ensuring system compliance with regulations.
• Troubleshooting and optimizing solar power systems for efficiency and performance.

What to Highlight in Your CV

• Experience in power generation, electrical distribution, or grid systems.
• Problem-solving skills for diagnosing and fixing electrical faults in renewable energy systems.
• Knowledge of electrical codes and safety standards.

PV Design Engineer

Why it's transferable

PV (Photovoltaic) Design Engineers specialise in the design of solar power systems. Engineers from similar backgrounds such as renewable energy, construction, or civil engineering will find their skillsets easily applicable. If you have experience in technical design, CAD software, or power systems, transitioning to a PV Design Engineer role could be seamless.

Key Responsibilities in Solar

• Designing and optimising solar power systems based on site conditions and energy needs.
• Using software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, or SketchUp to create system layouts.
• Ensuring designs comply with industry standards and local regulations.

What to Highlight in Your CV

• Experience with CAD tools or similar design software.
• Knowledge of renewable energy systems, particularly solar panels and inverters.
• Ability to balance technical design with cost-efficiency and project goals.

Surveyor

Why it's transferable

Surveyors play an important role in the solar industry by assessing the land or rooftop suitability for solar installations. Whether you're a building surveyor, land surveyor, or property assessor, your skills in measurements, site analysis, and environmental assessments are essential to solar project planning.

Key Responsibilities in Solar

• Conducting site surveys to assess land, roof conditions, and environmental factors.
• Working closely with design engineers to determine optimal panel placement and system sizing.
• Evaluating structural integrity and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What to Highlight in Your CV

• Experience in topographic, land, or structural surveys.
• Familiarity with using surveying tools like drones, laser scanners, or GPS.
• Ability to provide precise measurements and site data to inform the technical design process.

Contract Engineer

Why it's transferable

Contract Engineers ensure that the technical, financial, and legal aspects of a project run smoothly. This role translates well into the solar industry as every solar installation project needs clear contracts, procurement of materials, and management of sub-contractors.

Key Responsibilities in Solar

• Drafting and reviewing contracts for solar projects, ensuring compliance with legal, technical, and financial requirements.
• Managing supplier relationships, procurement, and logistics.
• Ensuring projects meet contractual obligations and resolving any disputes that arise during the project lifecycle.

What to Highlight in Your CV

• Experience managing contracts in a technical field such as construction or engineering.
• Strong understanding of contract law and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and supplier management.

The solar industry offers exciting opportunities for professionals from various fields. If you’re a project manager, electrical engineer, PV design engineer, surveyor or contract engineer, your skills are in high demand in this rapidly growing sector. The transition into solar is not only possible but can be highly rewarding, offering long-term career growth and the chance to contribute to a more sustainable future.hether you’re ready to take the leap or simply want to explore your options, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to find your next role in the booming solar industry!

• Telephone: 0191 492 6622
• Email: info@westray.co.uk

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