Solar Project Developer
A Comprehensive Guide to the Job of Solar Project Developers
A solar project developer is responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle for large-scale solar energy projects, from conception to completion. They work with various teams, including engineers, procurement specialists, and installation and operations teams to ensure the successful execution of solar projects. This job requires a deep understanding of solar energy systems, project management skills, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Overview of the Solar Project Developer Job
Solar Project Developers are the critical role for larger scale projects in commercial, utility, or residential development projects. They bridge all stakeholders from manufacturing to local policy officials in order to bring a project from ideation to reality, powering entire businesses or neighborhoods.
Solar Project Developer Salary
Nationally, solar project developers earn $105,060 per year per the IREC, but there is a wide range based on geographical location and experience of the role. Your compensation will be tied to the scale of projects that you take on across the country.
Common Solar Project Developer Job Descriptions
They oversee the entire project lifecycle for large-scale solar energy projects, ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. They work with various teams, including engineers, procurement specialists, and installation and operations teams, to ensure the successful execution of solar projects.
Key responsibilities include:
Staying up to date on all policy decisions and local regulations affecting any potential projects in the pipeline
Engaging community, local, state, and federal institutions to garner support for large-scale projects
Conducting feasibility studies and due diligence to determine the viability of solar energy projects
Developing and managing project budgets, objectives, schedules, and deliverables
Coordinating with engineers and procurement specialists to ensure the design and procurement of necessary equipment and materials
Overseeing the installation and commissioning of solar energy systems
Managing external and internal relationships with clients, contractors, suppliers, legal, finance, procurement, installation, and maintenance teams
Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards
Partnering with legal to secure permits and effective compliance
Developing and maintaining project documentation
Performing project risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies
Providing regular project updates to stakeholders
Solar Project Developer Job and Skill Requirements
Project developers are generally experienced solar and real estate professionals who have worked on relevant projects (commercial/utility/large-scale residential). Larger organizations may list “associate” developer roles for hire, which partner with a senior experienced professional. These associate roles can be a fantastic learning opportunity, but are rarer to come by.
At least 5+ years of experience in solar greenfield, real estate, utility, or commercial development
Knowledge and experience of project development financing options and strong financial modeling skills
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to manage extremely cross-functional roles
Extensive knowledge of solar energy systems and the solar industry
Familiarity with various contracting structures from PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), Contract for Differences, to EPC (engineering, procurement and fabrication) contracts
Strong adaptive and creative thinking skills to handle roadblocks and challenges throughout the project
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Proficiency in project management software and
Ability to travel to onsite visits
Experience identifying opportunities in new markets and analyzing industry trends and government regulations affecting renewable energy
What's the day-to-day of a Solar Project Developer?
There is rarely a standard day for a project developer as projects span long time horizons and progress with surprises along the way. The daily job will dramatically depend on the stage of a project whether it’s in early or later stages.
Generally, a solar project developer spends their day overseeing various aspects of solar energy projects, including conducting feasibility studies, developing budgets and timelines, coordinating with engineers and procurement specialists, managing relationships with clients and contractors, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards. Projects in advanced stages will require the bulk of your effort and attention, but you’ll have to consistently maintain a pipeline of projects and nurture relationships for those to advance.
Projects will likely have busy days and slower days. Expect changes and a few fire drills throughout a process, especially with how quickly the solar industry is evolving today.
Job Outlook for Solar Project Developers
The expertise and skillset of a successful project developer will be needed for decades to come as the United States scaled up its solar infrastructure. Larger-scale developments are needed to power the country, so this role will continue to grow faster the overall labor market.
Career Opportunities for Solar Project Developers
As Project Developers are typically senior roles with significant experience, your opportunities will be tied to projects and proposals that you take on. You will learn what is and is not successful, and be a critical role in scaling our solar infrastructure. Longer-term, Developers can be an invaluable voice in policy to help communities and governments successfully implement regulations and build large-scale projects needed to power the country
How to Become a Solar Project Developer
If you are looking for a Solar Developer job, you likely have an extensive rolodex of contacts in the solar and real estate industries. Keep in touch to hear of the latest jobs that may be coming onto the market. Otherwise, browse job boards such as Indeed to research Developer roles or try a more niche board like WorkInSolar that will only have the latest solar jobs on the market.
Junior employees should monitor job boards for Associate level roles, but may be better off gaining more experience as a Solar Sales Representative or even onsite experience as a PV installer while you build your network and gain first-hand experience.
How to keep learning more
Solar Developers are critical to the successful implementation of the larger scale projects that power hundreds of homes or businesses. This role may likely be the culmination of a longer career in solar or real estate, but there are plenty of opportunities to continue learning with how quickly solar technology and regulation is changing. Subscribe to our blog to keep up with the latest trends in Solar.
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