Solar O&M Manager
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of a Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manager
Solar Operations & Maintenance Managers, also sometimes known as a Fleet Manager, is a critical role in the solar industry responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of residential and commercial solar energy systems. They oversee the logistics coordination and service delivery of solar installations, and manage the system monitoring, performance evaluation, and service technician teams. The role spans both technical services and managing customer relationships post installation. They are responsible for financially sound decisions and managing technicians.
Overview of the Solar O&M Job
Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Managers are an expert in everything from minute details of panel installation to leading a team and forecasting resources budget needs across operations and maintenance teams.
Solar O&M Salary
The salary for solar operations & maintenance can vary significantly depending on the size of the team you are working on and where you are based in the United States. Glassdoor has an average annual salary of $81,000, but these roles have a wide distribution so make sure you do some research before applying to jobs in your area. Note that some of these jobs are hourly, but most are salaried jobs.
Common Solar O&M Manager Job Descriptions
A Solar O&M Manager’s primary responsibilities are generally some of the below, but the role can vary based on seniority/experience in the field and the size of the teams you’ll be working with. Expect to see different requirements across commercial, residential, and utility, as this is a role that requires years of experience in the specific domain.
Oversee logistics coordination for existing and new solar installation equipment.
Monitor the performance of projects and prioritize resourcing where needed across installation and maintenance teams
Be on top of quickly changing regulations and standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the staff are compliant with State and Federal regulations
Manage the system monitoring, performance evaluation, and service technician teams to guarantee the quality operation of residential or commercial solar energy systems
Develop and implement strategies to ensure service levels are maintained, addressing both the quality of technical services and customer relations
Manage third-party vendors used to ensure that they are meeting their requirements
Coordinate the remote monitoring of installed solar systems and enforce a financially significant decision-making structure for dispatching O&M technicians
Continue to identify improvement opportunities across safety standards, customer service, and how to make team members more productive
Own the creation of operating budgets/forecasts. You may own a P&L in this role
Be willing to help out where necessary - you have the experience to go onsite and coordinate with installation/technicians teams and have seen all the things that can go wrong with an installation.
Solar O&M Manager Job and Skill Requirements
To get a job as an O&M Manager, you’ll need to have both experience in the solar industry and likely in the project types across utility, commercial, or residential. Some roles have full ownership of a P&L, whereas others are critical coordinates within the firm - do your research so your skills are aligned to what the company is looking for.
Here are some of the common requirements you’ll spot:
At least 3 years in the solar industry, generally with a preference for 5 or more
Completion of a training program in solar energy technology or related field (e.g. NABCEP Solar Associate and Installation Professional)
Detailed understanding of solar systems within commercial/residential/utility
Leadership skills - you’ve worked on large installation and/or directly managed a team on a project site of from a office
Commitment to safety and following state, federal, and local guidelines and regulations (very likely need OSHA 30)
In physical shape to walk, climb, and able to lift up pounds when supporting onsite teams
Be willing to travel to sites to monitor in person or help out when necessary. You can jump in to fill any needs/questions from the installers and service technicians working on site
Solid analysis skills with Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets as you may need to create forecasts, budget asks, and model the financial impact from any decisions you make
Strong written and oral communication skills to communicate project updates and develop business plans for more resources as your company grows
Strong organizational skills to ensure all projects are well documented and invoiced on time
What's the day-to-day of a Solar O&M Manager?
You’ve been in the solar industry for at least a few years, so you know the area and surprises that can come with any day’s work. You are an expert at installations and maintenance and may jump in to support any needs, but your work is coordinate resources and document projects to optimize your company’s team
So, a typical day will depend on the stage of your projects and any urgent requests that force your reprioritization. Generally, you may:
Starting your day by monitoring the performance of the project pipeline and identifying potential issues across installation, operations, and maintenance
Developing a plan for financially significant decision-making structure for dispatching O&M technicians
Overseeing the logistics coordination for new and existing equipment
Presenting a budget proposal to other leaders at the company for the needs across upcoming projects.
Meeting with customers to educate them on the operation and maintenance of their system
Traveling to sites to ensure installation or maintenance is going according to plan
Applying your detailed technical knowledge of solar energy systems to troubleshoot and partner with technicians / installers to solve any problems
Answering customers questions or complaints
Job Outlook for Solar O&M Managers
The job outlook for O&M Managers in the solar industry is very positive as the demand for renewable energy continues to grow. As more and more homes and businesses adopt solar energy systems, the need for skilled professionals to manage these systems will increase. O&M Managers with the right combination of education, experience, and expertise will have a competitive advantage in this growing industry. As solar jobs are expected to more than double in the next 10 years, we’ll need veterans with years of experience in the O&M position to ensure our transition to solar is successful.
Career Opportunities for Solar O&M MAnagers
O&M Managers may choose to advance their careers by moving into higher-level management positions within their current organization or seeking opportunities in other, larger solar energy companies. They may also choose to specialize in a particular aspect of the industry or jump to another type of installation across residential, commercial, or utility.
Solar O&M Managers understand the financials and will develop P&L experience, so you’ll be well equipped to start your own solar company after experience in the role at another firm.
How to Become a Solar O&M Manager
To find a job as anO&M Manager in the solar industry, it is important to have a combination of education, experience, and expertise. Networking with professionals in the industry, attending industry conferences and events, and applying to companies in the renewable energy sector. You may also consider obtaining certifications, such as the NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners ), to demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Because this job requires years of experience, you’ll need to have a demonstrated track record of success across multiple installations and maintenance projects. Emphasize these on your resume and that you are a strong team player - you’ll need to work with Execs through to the service technicians in this role and companies will want to know that you are a trusted leader.
How to keep learning more
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