Solar Project Manager Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More (2023)

Solar project managers are responsible for overseeing the development of solar energy projects. This may include everything from developing a business case and securing financing to managing vendors, contractors, and other third-party service providers.

Solar project managers must be able to effectively manage multiple competing demands on their time and attention. They often have to juggle multiple projects at once while also working with external stakeholders who may have conflicting interests or expectations.

Solar Project Manager Job Duties

Solar project managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Negotiating contracts with vendors, including prices and terms of payment
• Monitoring project performance and ensuring that the project is completed according to the agreed upon schedule and within budget guidelines
• Managing all aspects of the project, such as selecting contractors, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with regulations
• Coordinating with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals to ensure compliance with building codes
• Scheduling work crews, ordering materials, and tracking progress on a daily basis
• Managing relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients throughout the life of the project
• Working with clients to determine their needs, designing custom solutions, and estimating costs
• Reviewing engineering plans and conducting inspections during construction to ensure compliance with building codes and specifications
• Communicating regularly with clients on project status and providing updates on any changes to the timeline or plan

Solar Project Manager Salary & Outlook

Solar project managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and type of company for which they work. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $82,500 ($39.66/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of solar project managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

As more businesses and governments invest in solar power, demand for these workers will increase. In addition, as the cost of solar panels decreases, more companies are installing them on their property.

Related: Solar Project Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Solar Project Manager Job Requirements

A solar project manager typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Solar project managers typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Many employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or a related field.

Training & Experience: Most solar project managers will receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training will help the solar project manager learn the company’s policies and procedures. It will also help the solar project manager learn the specific software and equipment the company uses.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can improve the chances of being hired for this position, provide additional skills and knowledge, and possibly increase earnings.

Solar Project Manager Skills

Solar project managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of transferring information from one person to another. As a solar project manager, you may be communicating with a variety of people, including clients, engineers, sales representatives and government officials. Effective communication can help you to convey your ideas and persuade others to take action.

Project management: Project management skills are the foundation of a successful career as a solar project manager. This skill set includes planning, organizing and directing a project from start to finish. Project managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of a project are completed on time and within budget. They also ensure that the project meets the client’s expectations.

Time management: Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks within a set time frame. As a solar project manager, time management is an essential skill that can help you meet deadlines and goals. It’s important to be aware of how long each stage of a project may take and to plan accordingly.

Organization: Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and deadlines at once. As a solar project manager, organization is an essential skill that can help you be an effective leader. Organization skills can help you manage a team, create a schedule and keep track of project data.

Technical knowledge: Technical knowledge is the ability to understand and apply the principles of science and engineering. As a solar project manager, technical knowledge is important for understanding the components of a solar energy system and the processes involved in installing and maintaining one. Technical knowledge can also help you communicate with engineers and technicians, as you may need to understand and explain technical details about solar energy systems.

Solar Project Manager Work Environment

Solar project managers typically work in an office setting, although they may spend time outdoors at construction sites or solar farms. They usually work regular business hours, although they may occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines. Solar project managers typically work on teams with other managers, engineers, and solar technicians. They may also interact with clients, government officials, and the general public. Solar project managers must be able to effectively communicate with people of all backgrounds and levels of experience. They must also be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and make decisions under pressure.

Solar Project Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how solar project managers work. Solar project managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Solar Installers Will Need to Be More Technical

As solar installation becomes more popular, the role of the solar installer will need to evolve. In order to be successful, installers will need to be more technical and knowledgeable about the products they are installing.

This trend is already being seen in the industry, as installers are increasingly being asked to provide support after the installation has been completed. As a result, installers will need to be able to troubleshoot problems and understand how the different components of a solar system work together.

More Focus on Energy Storage

The energy storage market is growing rapidly as more and more people become interested in renewable energy sources. This trend is likely to continue as more and more people become aware of the environmental benefits of using renewable energy.

As energy storage becomes more important, solar project managers will need to focus on developing systems that can store energy for use at a later time. This requires a deep understanding of the various technologies available and how they can be used to meet the needs of customers.

Solar Projects Are Becoming More Complex

Solar projects are becoming more complex as technology advances. This means that solar project managers will need to be familiar with a wide range of technologies in order to ensure that their projects are successful.

In addition, solar project managers will need to be able to manage teams of professionals from a variety of disciplines, such as electrical engineering, construction, and finance. By doing so, they will be able to ensure that all aspects of the project are handled properly and on time.

How to Become a Solar Project Manager

A solar project manager has a unique career path. They can work in the public or private sector, and their responsibilities will vary depending on the company they work for. However, there are some common skills that all solar project managers should have. These include excellent communication skills, an understanding of engineering and construction processes, and experience working with teams.

It’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the solar industry. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals in the field.

Advancement Prospects

Advancement prospects for solar project managers are good. With the increasing popularity of solar energy, there is a growing demand for solar project managers. Those who have experience managing solar projects will be in high demand. Solar project managers can advance to higher-level management positions, such as director of solar operations or vice president of solar energy. They can also start their own solar energy consulting firms.

Solar Project Manager Job Description Example

The Solar Project Manager will be responsible for the development, engineering, and construction management of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. He/she will oversee all aspects of the project development process, from site selection and due diligence to project financing and project close-out. The Solar Project Manager will work closely with the project development team, project engineers, project finance team, and construction team to ensure that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The Solar Project Manager will also be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, utility companies, landowners, and contractors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and contractors
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and other key stakeholders
• Develop detailed project plans to track progress and ensure timely completion of project milestones and deliverables
• Identify and procure all necessary resources to complete the project within budget and on schedule
• Manage day-to-day project activities and resolve any issues or conflicts that arise
• Monitor project progress and performance against established metrics and KPIs
• Prepare regular project status reports and share them with all relevant stakeholders
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among all project team members
• Anticipate and mitigate risks that could impact project success
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and regulations
• Coordinate with external partners and suppliers as needed
• Close out the project according to established procedures and hand off all project documentation to the client

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, or related field
• 5+ years experience in project management, with a focus on solar projects
• Proven track record of successful project delivery from start to finish
• Working knowledge of solar PV systems design and installation
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, project management, or related field
• PMP certification
• 10+ years experience in project management, with a focus on solar projects
• Experience working in the renewable energy industry
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV systems design and installation