Solar Commissioning Manager

Solar Commissioning Manager

The Solar Commissioning Manager oversees the commissioning, testing, and performance verification of large utility-scale photovoltaic power plants. This role focuses on performance analytics of PV systems, including inverters, trackers, substations, and SCADA-based control systems, while acting as the Owner's representative to ensure compliance, safe startup, and successful integration into the electrical grid. The position is primarily remote with occasional travel within the United States to project sites and headquarters locations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct performance analytics of utility-scale photovoltaic power plant systems, including inverters, trackers, substations, and SCADA control systems, to ensure optimal operation and compliance.
• Act as the Owner's representative during startup and commissioning activities, ensuring PV systems meet technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate ISO, GIA, and PPA testing activities to support successful interconnection and commercial operation of PV projects.
• Prepare projects for PPA, GIA, and ISO testing by developing test plans, coordinating stakeholders, and verifying readiness of systems and documentation.
• Manage test energy forecasts and AVR/AGC notifications with customers, the control center, and relevant external parties to support grid integration and compliance.
• Coordinate energy forecasting during the startup of large PV systems to align plant operations with grid and contractual requirements.
• Support IT and SCADA teams with functional checks, ensuring communication, monitoring, and control systems operate correctly and reliably.
• Develop a detailed commissioning schedule based on mechanical completion milestones in collaboration with the SCADA integrator and the execution commissioning project manager.
• Verify SCADA HMI functionality and accuracy with the SCADA integrator and commissioning manager, ensuring that displays, alarms, and data points are correct and actionable.
• Support CEWIS critical point checkout, including alarm checks and related verification activities, to confirm system readiness and safety.
• Review performance data and operational trends to identify deficiencies, issues, or optimization opportunities in PV plant performance.
• Manage and report on commissioning work performed by contractors and vendors at project sites, ensuring quality, safety, and adherence to project schedules.
• Provide clear status reporting on commissioning progress, issues, and resolutions to internal stakeholders and executives.
• Coordinate with transmission operators, independent system operators, balancing authorities, and other grid participants as needed during commissioning and testing.
• Ensure PV system compliance with relevant standards, interconnection requirements, and project-specific technical specifications.
• Maintain organized documentation of commissioning activities, test results, and performance analyses for project closeout and future reference.

Essential

Skills:

• Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience involving utility solar power systems.
• Knowledge of utility-scale photovoltaic construction and commissioning processes.
• Familiarity with utility-scale photovoltaic components, including PV modules, combiners, inverters, transformers, meteorological stations, and substations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications for documentation, analysis, and reporting.
• Effective communication skills for working with third parties, customers, and executives.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders.
• Strategic planning skills to align commissioning activities with project and operational objectives.
• Ability to see color to accurately interpret color-coded HMI controls and indicators.
• Ability to handle prolonged periods of screen time while monitoring systems and reviewing data.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to operate a motor vehicle for commuting between work locations.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Professional or graduate-level academic experience in utility photovoltaic systems.
• Pri…