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how different are mechanical engineers and electrical engineers/solar design engineers?
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Douglas Lemmo, P.E.
Consultant, Owner at Power Generation Consulting Services
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Douglas’s Answer
Hi,
All engineers have pretty much the same basic education, primarily in their first two years of college after which they begin to specialize in their chosen field. Mechanical and electrical engineers are quite different in that mechanical engineers basically work on (eg. design and maintain) things that move: automobiles, airplanes, ships, power plants, material handling systems, etc. while electrical engineers design and maintain things that have to do with electricity: electrical distribution systems, substations, switchgear, electrical equipment, computers, control systems , etc. For either of these two fields, I suggest you Google them to get an idea of the type of work they do and the companies that hire them. With respect to solar engineers, I would expect that they would be more likely be electrical engineers due to the solar array which would include wiring, an electrical distribution system and an interface (substation) with the local utility or electricity user.
Hope this helps,
Doug
All engineers have pretty much the same basic education, primarily in their first two years of college after which they begin to specialize in their chosen field. Mechanical and electrical engineers are quite different in that mechanical engineers basically work on (eg. design and maintain) things that move: automobiles, airplanes, ships, power plants, material handling systems, etc. while electrical engineers design and maintain things that have to do with electricity: electrical distribution systems, substations, switchgear, electrical equipment, computers, control systems , etc. For either of these two fields, I suggest you Google them to get an idea of the type of work they do and the companies that hire them. With respect to solar engineers, I would expect that they would be more likely be electrical engineers due to the solar array which would include wiring, an electrical distribution system and an interface (substation) with the local utility or electricity user.
Hope this helps,
Doug
Updated
naveen’s Answer
Mechanical engineering is an engineering discipline that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Solar engineers plan, design, and implement solar energy projects. They may manage anything from large-scale municipal projects to home rooftop installations. ... He or she may also oversee or manage implementation of the plan. Solar engineers may also need to report on the efficiency, cost, and safety of the project.
Electrical engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design and application of equipment, devices and systems which use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Solar engineers plan, design, and implement solar energy projects. They may manage anything from large-scale municipal projects to home rooftop installations. ... He or she may also oversee or manage implementation of the plan. Solar engineers may also need to report on the efficiency, cost, and safety of the project.
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Luis "Lou"’s Answer
Mechanical Engineers would be focused on the mechanisms and structures associated with solar power generation. Depending on the type of energy conversion (thermal/heat transfer vs. photovoltaic) they would also be involved in the thermal design of the system. Electrical Engineers would be responsible for the circuitry and electrical power distribution and management of the system. Photovoltaic designs would also be more likely handled by them. Solar design engineering is just a specialty for either Electrical or Mechanical Engineers.