Solar Project Manager
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of a Solar Project Manager
Solar Project Managers are responsible for the planning, execution, and closing of solar energy projects. They work closely with engineers, construction teams, and clients to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Overview of the Solar Project Manager Job
Solar Project Managers play a crucial role in the development and successful completion of solar energy projects. From overseeing the installation of solar panels to ensuring that projects are completed within budget and on schedule, they wear many hats and are instrumental in the growth of the solar industry.
Solar Project Manager Salary
The national average for construction manager is $101,480 annual with a distribution depending on location and experience from $62,210 in the lowest 10% of earned and $168,390 in the top 10% per the BLS 2022 data. As with any job in the solar space, your salary will depend on the scale of projects and teams you are taking on, and the geographic location of your company, so be sure to do your research before you negotiate.
Common Solar Project Manager Job Descriptions
Solar Project Managers are the central point of contact for the client, contractors, engineers, and suppliers, and play a critical role in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Your responsibilities are job, but you’ll have concrete goal of ensuring projects are completed according to plan and the customer is ultimately satisfied
Develop project scope, schedule, and budget in coordination with the client, engineers, and contractors.
Identify, evaluate, and manage project risks, ensuring that appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
Coordinate and manage project team members, including engineers, contractors, and suppliers, to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest quality standards.
Ensure that all project documentation is complete, accurate, and up-to-date, including project plans, schedules, budgets, and progress reports.
Maintain regular communication with the client, ensuring that their needs and expectations are being met.
Monitor project progress and budget, taking corrective action as needed to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Oversee the commissioning and start-up of projects, ensuring that they are operating as expected and meeting performance guarantees.
Solar Project Manger Job and Skill Requirements
The specific requirements for becoming a Solar Project Manager can vary based on the company and the project. However, the following qualifications are commonly sought after by employers:
At least 2 years of Solar experience in the domain you are applying for (across residential/commercial/utility)
Associate’s degree generally required with a Bachelor’s degree preferred
Proven track record of managing and leading teams - you can organize and motivate teams to get the most out of each member
The ability to manage budgets, schedules, and teams from the initial project plan to kick off, to closing out and providing a recap and celebrating successes.
Project management experience and/or certification is preferred , such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation
Strong communication skills as you’ll align with sales, field operations, PV installers, procurement teams, and of course, the customer themselves
General knowledge of building codes and standards in additional to local, state, and federal regulations on solar installations
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions to complex challenges
Strong customer experience skills - you will be regularly interacting with customers on site during installation and are the face of the company
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Project Manager?
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Solar Project Manager can vary based on the project and the stage it is in.
Residential projects generally have a turnaround time of ~10 weeks, with less than 1 week of intense installation that you will have to ensure goes perfectly to plan. You’ll be looped in after a customer has closed a deal and you need to acquire permits/materials. Your job is to ensure the smooth success of the installations and everything is ready to go so you can finish on time and the customer can start getting power from the sun. On the Commercial side, timelines are extended as the scale of the project is dramatically more complex.
Expect more meetings with customers and project planning. However, they may include:
Reviewing project plans daily and schedules to ensure that they are on track
Meeting with engineers, construction teams, and clients to discuss project progress and address any issues
Overseeing the installation of solar panels and ensuring that systems are commissioned properly
Conducting regular progress meetings and communicating project updates to stakeholders
Documenting daily progress to send out status updates on whether or not timelines are on track and troubleshooting when there are any issues that could cause delays in the install. You’ll need to monitor % completion, budget, and any supply chain issues.
Managing budgets and ensuring that projects are completed within budget
Check-in on project pipeline, ask clarifying questions, and communicate
Addressing any challenges or issues that arise during the project and finding solutions to keep the project moving forward
Job Outlook for Solar Project Managers
Jobs in solar are exploding and project managers are forecasted to grow tremendously as the United States will go through its biggest electrification change in the next decade. Solar PV Installers, your teammates on site, are forecasted to be one of the fastest growing jobs of the next decade per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so your job will only present more opportunities. We are currently lacking sufficient talent in the space, so you will likely see salaries increase more than the average job as the market needs your experience and skills.
Career Opportunities for Solar Project Managers
Once you have experience as a Solar Project Manager, there are many career opportunities available to you. Moving up the ladder within your current company to a senior-level management role or becoming the Solar O&M Manager, responsible for managing multiple projects and ensuring the financial success of installations and maintenance. With dozens or even hundreds of installations under your belt, you may even make the jump to start your own solar company. However, we’d recommend brushing up with additional financial and business training before becoming a Project Developer.
How to Become a Solar Project Manager
To find a job as an O&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
As you’ll need to be an expert in the solar industry, you need to stay informed on the latest trends and challenges. Stay plugged in with your local municipal and state regulations by building a network of solar professionals.
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