Solar Development Engineer
Job Description
As a Solar Development Engineer, you will be critical in designing, developing, and implementing solar energy projects. The primary objective of this job is to design and build solar power systems that are efficient, sustainable, and reliable. The Solar Development Engineer is responsible for the entire lifecycle of a solar energy project, from the initial planning and design stages to the final installation and commissioning. In addition, you will be responsible for determining the technical requirements of a solar energy project, including the type of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment needed to generate and store energy. You will also be responsible for developing detailed project plans and specifications, which will be used by other members of the project team.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify suitable locations for solar projects.
- Conduct site assessments to analyze environmental conditions, solar potential, and feasibility studies.
- Develop project plans, including system specifications, layouts, and schematics.
- Use software tools for solar resource assessment, shading analysis, and modeling energy production.
- Perform financial modeling to evaluate the economic viability of solar projects, considering factors like return on investment, payback periods, and cost estimations.
- Navigate regulatory requirements and obtain necessary permits for solar installations.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to solar energy projects.
- Evaluate and select appropriate solar technologies, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverters, and energy storage systems.
- Manage procurement processes, including vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management.
- Collaborate with construction teams to oversee the implementation of solar projects.
- Monitor construction activities, ensuring design specifications, safety standards, and timelines are adhered to.
- Implement monitoring systems to track the performance of solar installations.
- Analyze data to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.
- Collaborate with internal teams, external contractors, and regulatory authorities.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, providing project updates and addressing any concerns.
- Consider and implement sustainable practices in solar project development to minimize environmental impact.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance project sustainability.
- Develop maintenance plans for solar installations to ensure long-term performance.
- Address any technical issues or malfunctions that may arise during the operational phase.
- Maintain detailed documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
- Prepare and submit regular reports to management, summarizing project progress, challenges, and outcomes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, renewable energy, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in solar project development or a similar role.
- In-depth knowledge of solar technologies, energy modeling, and regulatory requirements.
- Proficiency in solar resource assessment and financial modeling software.
- Strong project management skills with a proven track record of successful project delivery.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Familiarity with environmental impact assessments and permitting processes.
- Negotiation skills for effective vendor and contractor management.
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities for optimizing system performance.
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
- Knowledge of safety protocols and best practices in construction and project management.
- Exempt Status
- Exempt