Solar Designer
Solar Designers create and specify photovoltaic (PV) systems, modules, mounting structures and product designs for on-grid and off-grid installations across roofs, facades and ground-mount sites. In India this role blends electrical/mechanical engineering, site assessment and product/industrial design to meet local codes, climate and cost constraints.
Actions for your grade
- Choose science stream (physics & maths) if available
- Start basic electronics/DIY solar kits and small PV projects
- Attend career talks or short courses on renewable energy
Your complete path from Grade 10 to Solar Designer
Every step you need — from now to your first job.
Strong maths & physics; internships with solar EPCs or manufacturers help build practical PV design skills.
- NowScience Stream
- ExamsJEE Main or JEE Advanced or BITSAT or MHT CET
- DegreeB.Tech in Electrical / Mechanical / Renewable Energy Engineering (4 years)
- CollegesIIT Bombay · IIT Kanpur · IIT Kharagpur
- CareerSolar Designer
Good for product/packaging and user-centric solar hardware design; pair with electrical electives or internships.
- NowArts Stream
- ExamsUCEED or NIFT Entrance or NID DAT
- DegreeB.Des / B.Design (Product or Industrial Design) (4 years)
- CollegesIIT Bombay · NIFT Delhi · NID Ahmedabad
- CareerSolar Designer
Industry certifications (MNRE/NISE or vendor certifications) and hands-on site experience can fast-track employability.
- NowAny Stream Stream
- Exams—
- DegreeDiploma / Certificate in PV Design & Installation (6 months–2 years)
- CollegesNational Institute of Solar Energy
- CareerSolar Designer
Requires engineering UG; strong route for R&D, system modelling and senior design roles.
- NowScience Stream
- Exams—
- DegreeM.Tech / MS in Renewable Energy / Power Systems (2 years)
- CollegesIIT Madras · IISc Bengaluru · IIT Delhi
- CareerSolar Designer
Entrance exams
| Exam | Eligibility | Difficulty | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
JEE Main NTA | Class 12 PCM | Very Hard | Jan & Apr |
JEE Advanced IIT (rotating) | JEE Main top 2.5L | Very Hard | May |
BITSAT BITS Pilani | Class 12 PCM, 75%+ | Hard | May-Jun |
MHT CET Maharashtra State CET Cell | Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred) | Medium | Apr-May |
NIFT Entrance NIFT | Class 12 (any stream) | Medium | Feb |
UCEED IIT Bombay | Class 12 (any stream) | Hard | Jan |
NID DAT National Institute of Design | Class 12 (any stream) | Hard | Jan (Prelims) + Apr (Mains) |
Where to Study
Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.