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283 days ago

WHY WORK IN THE SOLAR INDUSTRY? THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR JOBS IN UTILITY-SCALE PV

The solar energy sector is growing fast, but not all solar jobs are the same. If you're looking at the benefits of solar careers, large-scale solar PV - solar farms that feed power into the national grid - offers high-impact work, good pay, and long-term prospects. This guide explores why working in the solar industry is a smart move, especially in the commercial and utility-scale side of the market.

What Is Utility-Scale Solar PV?

Utility-scale solar PV projects involve building and maintaining solar farms that power thousands of homes and businesses. These projects are large, long-term, and play a direct role in helping countries meet renewable energy goals.

Unlike residential solar, which focuses on rooftop systems, commercial solar careers are tied to infrastructure. Jobs range from planning and construction to electrical engineering and operations.

Why Work in the Solar Industry?

1. Job Security and Long-Term Demand

Solar energy comes from the sun, a free and endless resource. As governments and companies phase out fossil fuels, they invest more in solar farms. This shift is creating steady job demand across project lifecycles.

Many solar farms are backed by long-term contracts and government funding. This makes jobs more stable than in other energy sectors.

2. Clear Environmental Impact

Each solar farm helps reduce emissions and cut fossil fuel use. People working in the industry can see the results of their efforts, powering communities while helping the planet.

This is one of the top advantages of solar jobs: every task, from site prep to maintenance, supports cleaner air and lower carbon output.

3. Learn Skills That Matter

Solar PV roles are practical and teach valuable skills. Workers often start with basic tasks and build experience over time. Common skills include:

Electrical and mechanical knowledge
Health and safety awareness
Monitoring and diagnostics using modern tools

Many workers also get formal training and qualifications while on the job.

4. Competitive Pay and Career Growth

Jobs in solar PV tend to offer higher pay than entry-level roles in other sectors. Teams working on solar farms often receive:

10–20% more than standard trade roles
Project bonuses
Pensions and health cover

Career paths are clear. You can start on the tools and move into team leadership, site management, or even asset management roles.

5. Fast-Changing Technology

Solar PV evolves quickly. Workers now use drones, AI tools, and real-time monitoring systems. These tools make the job easier, reduce errors, and help teams spot faults early.

For people who enjoy learning and using modern tech, this is one of the key benefits of solar careers.

6. Help Local Areas Grow

Many solar farms are backed by long-term contracts and government funding. Insights from the Solar Finance & Investment Europe event highlight how investor confidence continues to drive large-scale solar development. This makes jobs more stable than in other energy sectors.

What Types of Jobs Exist in Solar PV?

There are many career paths, including:

Job Role	Typical Tasks
Site Technician	Install panels, wire systems, test output
Electrical Engineer	Design and oversee grid connections
Project Manager	Plan timelines, manage teams
Asset Manager	Monitor performance, handle faults
Operations Specialist	Oversee logistics, health and safety

This range gives people the chance to build a long-term career based on what they enjoy and do well.

FAQs

Q: What qualifications do I need to start in solar PV?
A: Entry-level jobs often require basic electrical or construction knowledge. Many companies provide on-the-job training and offer certifications over time.

Q: Is solar PV work only outdoors?
A: No. While site technicians work on the ground, many roles (like asset management or monitoring) are office-based.

Q: Are solar careers good for future job prospects?
A: Yes. Solar jobs are part of a global shift to clean energy. The skills gained in solar PV are useful across many energy and infrastructure roles.

Q: How is commercial solar different from residential?
A: Commercial solar involves large-scale farms connected to the grid. Residential focuses on rooftop panels for single homes. Utility-scale roles are more technical and often pay more.

Key Takeaways

Why work in the solar industry? It offers reliable work with real impact.
The benefits of solar careers include strong pay, skill development, and long-term demand.
Advantages solar jobs provide include job variety, local economic growth, and global mobility.
Utility-scale PV is fast-moving and future-proof.
Roles suit people with practical skills and a desire to grow.

Ready to Explore Commercial Solar Careers?

If you're ready to explore a career in commercial solar, partnering with a specialist solar recruitment agency can help you find the right role faster. Speak to our team today to learn more about current opportunities in the utility-scale PV sector.

Speak to our team today to learn more about commercial solar opportunities and current vacancies.

Latest Jobs

Solar

ICP Engineer

U.K - United Kingdom

Job Title: ICP Engineer Location: United Kingdom The Role Our Client is recruiting for a Grid Connection Project Manager to support Grid Connection on their PV projects in UK. The successful candidate will be the primary technical interface between the EPC, ICP subcontractor, and DNO/IDNO, managing all grid-connection related communications & approvals. Responsibilities Define, control, and maintain the technical scope, standards, and interfaces for contestable works, including clear demarcation of contestable vs non-contestable scope and adoption requirements. Manage ICP contracts, and assure subcontractor performance against agreed programme, quality, safety, compliance, and NERS accreditation requirements, including review of resourcing and competencies. Lead technical assurance of all ICP deliverables, reviewing and approving HV/LV designs, SLDs, protection philosophies, earthing, cable calculations, and ensuring compliance with ENA, DNO/IDNO, G99/G100, BS, and client standards. Coordinate and close out design reviews, comments, revisions, and technical queries, ensuring timely approvals to protect project schedule and avoid downstream delays. Oversee G99 submissions, technical conditions, commissioning stages, and acceptance, including review of protection settings, relay testing, and commissioning documentation. Monitor and technically supervise construction, testing, commissioning, and energisation activities, ensuring compliance with approved designs, programme milestones, and outage constraints. Manage technical risk, change control, and pre-energisation close-out, driving resolution of issues that could impact safety, programme, or energisation readiness. Identify and implement value engineering and cost-optimisation opportunities within the ICP scope, while supporting EPC project managers with grid-related programme planning, sequencing, and milestone delivery. Budget management during project construction Working with the planning and design team to establish the best solutions Working with the commercial team to ensure contractual terms meet our client requirements and commercial needs.

Solar

Service Manager

Remote - UK - United Kingdom

A well‑established and rapidly evolving organisation within the renewable energy sector is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead its UK after‑sales service operations. The company is undergoing significant growth, supported by major investments in technology, organisational development, and new product innovation. To strengthen its position in the solar inverter market, it is expanding its UK service leadership capabilities. This role will play a critical part in ensuring high service quality, customer satisfaction, and technical excellence across residential, commercial, and utility‑scale PV projects. Role Overview The Service Manager will oversee all after‑sales service activities related to solar inverter products for the UK market. Acting as the main point of contact between customers, service partners, and internal technical teams, the successful candidate will ensure swift resolution of issues, regulatory compliance, and a consistently high customer experience. This position also supports continuous improvement efforts and contributes to long‑term service strategy. Key Responsibilities Lead and continuously enhance after‑sales service operations for solar inverter products in the UK. Manage, mentor, and support internal service engineers and external service partners. Oversee troubleshooting, repairs, replacements, and commissioning support activities. Serve as the escalation point for complex technical issues and customer concerns. Track and report on key service KPIs including response times, resolution times, customer satisfaction, and warranty costs. Coordinate warranty processes, RMA activities, and spare‑parts planning. Deliver technical training and support to customers, installers, and partners. Collaborate with Sales, Product Management, and R&D to communicate field insights and improve product reliability. Contribute to the development of service strategy and ongoing process improvements. Candidate Profile Qualifications & Experience Degree or technical qualification in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Power Electronics, or a related field. 5+ years’ experience in service, technical support, or field engineering roles, ideally within solar PV, inverters, or similar sectors. Strong technical understanding of solar inverter systems and PV plant operations. Demonstrated experience managing teams or service partners. Good knowledge of the UK solar market and regulatory landscape. Excellent customer‑facing and problem‑solving skills. Willingness to travel across the UK when required. Skills & Competencies Technical aptitude with strong analytical abilities. Effective people‑leadership and communication skills. Customer‑focused mindset. Ability to work independently and collaborate cross‑functionally. Proficiency with CRM and service-management systems.

Solar

Senior Asset Manager

Southwest UK - United Kingdom

The Senior Asset Manager will take responsibility for the overall performance, value, and long‑term reliability of a portfolio of renewable energy assets, including wind and solar installations. The role focuses on ensuring assets operate efficiently, achieve financial objectives, and comply with all regulatory and contractual requirements. This position suits someone with strong sector knowledge and a track record of improving operational and financial outcomes within renewable energy. Primary ResponsibilitiesOperational & Technical Oversight Track and evaluate ongoing performance across all assets. Implement initiatives that enhance operational reliability and energy yield. Undertake periodic site reviews to verify maintenance standards and operational practices. Financial Oversight Build and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans. Assess financial performance and identify opportunities to increase profitability. Maintain oversight of cash flow to ensure assets meet financial expectations. Stakeholder & Contract Coordination Manage relationships with O&M providers, contractors, and service partners. Lead contract negotiations and ensure agreements deliver expected outcomes. Resolve contractual issues and safeguard compliance with agreed terms. Risk Identification & Control Review operational, commercial, and regulatory risks across the asset base. Develop mitigation plans that protect asset value and operational continuity. Ensure all activities align with industry standards and regulatory obligations. Reporting & Insight Delivery Produce comprehensive operational and financial reports for internal and external audiences. Provide insights that support strategic planning and investment decisions. Communicate asset performance and key issues clearly to senior leadership and investors. Team & People Leadership Mentor and support asset management staff, promoting high professional standards. Encourage innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team. Provide training and development opportunities to strengthen team capability. Innovation & Technology Enhancement Stay informed about advancements in renewable technologies and asset management tools. Introduce new systems and approaches that drive efficiency and performance gains. Support the development of innovative asset‑management processes and solutions. Regulatory Compliance Ensure all assets meet regulatory requirements, permits, and industry standards. Monitor changing regulatory environments and implement necessary adjustments. Maintain strong engagement with regulatory bodies and oversee compliance reporting. Qualifications & ExperienceEducation Degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Finance, Business, or a related discipline. Experience At least 5 years’ experience in asset management, including a minimum of 3 years in renewable energy. Demonstrated success in managing renewable assets and improving performance. Experience developing financial models and analysing financial performance. Technical Competence Solid understanding of renewable technologies, plant operations, and maintenance practices. Capability with asset management software and digital monitoring tools. Strong data interpretation and analytical skills. Problem‑Solving & Analytical Ability Proactive approach to identifying issues and resolving complex challenges. Ability to develop and drive performance improvement initiatives. Strong quantitative and analytical decision‑making skills. Communication & Relationship Skills Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities. Strong ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Skilled at presenting complex information in a clear, concise manner. Leadership & Management Proven ability to lead teams and coordinate multiple workstreams effectively. Strong organisational skills and ability to meet competing deadlines. Commitment to personal development and continuous improvement.

Solar

Contracts Manager

Edinburgh - United Kingdom

Your Role & Responsibilities: Drive Multi-Million Euro Contracts: Own the tender process, lead high-stakes negotiations, and manage claims for business-critical infrastructure projects. Bridge the Technical-Commercial Divide: You’ll lead on technical specs and schedules while supporting the broader commercial strategy. Optimize Project Flow: You won’t just manage one contract; you’ll ensure various work packages interface perfectly to maximize project efficiency. Expert Consultation: Act as a key advisor to site teams on claims and a partner to legal teams on contract selection. Your Profile: Industry Veteran: You’ve spent years in large-scale renewables and know how to prioritize safety in high-pressure environments. Contract Specialist: You are the "go-to" person for FIDIC and understand the nuances of the Irish and UK regulatory markets. Procurement Pro: You have hands-on experience with CBoP, EBoP, EPC, and TSA agreements. A Natural Negotiator: You can navigate complex discussions with multidisciplinary stakeholders and build lasting vendor relationships.

Energy Storage

Solar

Onshore Wind

Country Manager - Italy

Milan, Italy - Italy

Country Manager – ItalyResponsibilities:The Country Manager will report to the Managing Director for Southern Europe. Main duties and responsibilities are exclusively related to the Italian market and include: Lead the organization to develop, build and operate renewable energy projects Drafting and presenting annual budgets for the market Assessing project acquisition opportunities, incl. participation in potential M&A transactions Performing strategic market analysis Coordinating all the external and internal professionals from different departments in order to deliver on the company’s proposed targets Develop and foster strong working relationships with the local team to support business development Be the company’s institutional representative in the Italian market Be a daily link between the Italian team and the Managing Director for the Southern European Region Required Skills: Has at least 5 years of experience working with the development of renewable energy projects (wind/solar/BESS) Previous experience of managing teams of at least 10 people Is fluent in Italian and English, with strong communication skills in both languages Has solid and verifiable general management experience in construction or project-based industries Has proven leadership skills Has strong analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills Beneficial Skills: Managing the construction of large-scale wind or PV plants until commissioning phase Project Management Written and oral communication in other languages M&A, project finance and PPA negotiations

Onshore Wind

Solar

Construction Project Manager

Romania - Romania

Job Title: Construction Project Manager Location: Romania The Role Our client is searching for a Construction Project Manager to lead and support a 300mw + PV project in Brasov, managing all aspects throughout it’s life cycle ensuring timely completion within budget, while minimizing risks and maximizing margins. Responsibilities • Manage the development of the PV plant from site establishment through to Final Completion • Coordinate and manage the project engineering revisions • Budget and cash flow management • Direct interaction with the DNO/TSO to ensure the network connection of PV generation facilities • Verify the compliance of the Quality implementation of the construction activities • Supervise the compliance of the construction with the approved design • Ensure quality and timing in the construction, development, and closure of projects during implementation • Management of all local stakeholders • Check and manage the project timeline • Implement a risk management strategy to all the assigned projects • Identify the sources of likely problems and proactively take preventive measures to avoid any potential project risks, and determine response actions to mitigate any negative impact Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Project Management, or related field (Master’s degree preferred) • Minimum 2 years of experience managing utility-scale solar projects • Demonstrated experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and multiple stakeholders • Fluent in Romanian & English

Energy Storage

Solar

Senior Solar / BESS Project Manager

Germany - Germany

Job Title: Senior Solar / BESS Project Manager Location: GermanyThe RoleOur client is searching for an experienced Solar / BESS Project Manager to lead and support PV and BESS projects in Germany. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of the assigned projects throughout their life cycle and ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget, while minimizing risks and maximizing margins.Responsibilities Manage the construction process of the project from site establishment through to final completion. Facilitate the interface between the EPC contractor and the project sponsor. Coordinate and manage the project engineering revisions. Budget control of the works and cash flows management. Direct interaction with the utilities to ensure the network connection of the generation facilities, permitting, and other regulatory compliance issues. Verify the quality implementation of the subcontracted company. Supervise the compliance of the construction with the approved design. Ensure quality and timing in the construction, development, and closure of projects. Management of all local stakeholders. Logistic management of the material supplied. Identify the sources of potential problems and proactively take preventive measures to avoid any potential project risks and determine response actions to mitigate any negative impact. Issuing periodic reports to the Company boards. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other related engineering fields. Proven history of 3+ years of project management experience in the renewable energy sector. Electrical licensing strongly preferred, related to the Solar / BESS field and HV substations. In-depth knowledge of National Electrical Code, permitting, and other PV/BESS system regulatory codes. Strong leadership and communication skills, self motivated with demonstrated problem-solving capability. Flexibility to travel throughout Germany for project site visits. Fluent in both German and English.

Solar

Energy Storage

Project Manager

UK / London / Hybrid - United Kingdom

Solar & Battery Developer (C&I) – United Kingdom Location: London, UK (flexible/hybrid)Market: Commercial & Industrial Rooftop Solar & Battery Energy Storage (BESS)Project Lifecycle: Origination → Development → Financial Close → Contracting → Construction Handover The Opportunity The UK energy market is rapidly transitioning toward decentralised, low-carbon generation. Commercial and industrial customers are increasingly investing in onsite solar, co-located battery storage, and flexibility solutions to reduce energy costs, manage risk, and accelerate decarbonisation. As a Solar & Battery Developer, you will play a key role in originating, developing, and closing rooftop solar and BESS projects for large commercial clients across the UK. In the UK, we supply businesses with 100% homegrown wind and solar power and deliver high-impact commercial rooftop solar solutions that generate meaningful carbon reduction and energy savings. With a rapidly expanding solar portfolio across the UK and Europe, we are accelerating the transition to a cleaner, smarter, fully renewable energy system. About the Role You will act as the end-to-end owner of project development, managing the full lifecycle from initial customer engagement through to signed contracts and financial close. You will join a small, highly focused team of developers, engineers, and project managers based in London, supported by specialist functions including Procurement, Legal, and Investment Analysis. Key Responsibilities • Originate new C&I solar and battery opportunities with customers, property owners, and developers. • Lead technical and commercial feasibility assessments, including rooftop evaluations and battery modelling. • Manage all development activities and coordinate internal and external stakeholders across engineering, procurement, legal, and finance. • Build and maintain financial models and investment cases, including CAPEX, OPEX, merchant revenues, and grid connection costs. • Lead DNO grid connection applications (G99 / G100). • Manage due diligence processes, including structural surveys, grid studies, H&S and electrical assessments. • Negotiate commercial agreements, including roof leases, EPC and O&M contracts, PPAs, and flexibility agreements. • Prepare and present investment papers for internal approval and financial close. • Ensure a smooth handover to the construction team following financial close. About You • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or Business. • 5+ years’ experience developing solar, battery storage, or other energy projects within the C&I sector. • Strong understanding of DNO processes, UK planning regulations, HSSEQ standards, and commercial contracting frameworks. • Confident negotiator with strong commercial judgement and deal-closing capability. • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and analytical skills. • Fluent in English

Solar

Energy Storage

Project Director

Constanta, Romania - Romania

Project Director Solar PVRole objectiveThe project is a 1.2 GW ground-mounted solar project, set to be one of the largest and most significant renewable energy facilities in Europe. This landmark project will integrate a significant Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), making it a critical asset for regional energy stability. As the on-site leader, you will be directly responsible for the successful delivery of this flagship project.The OpportunityThis is a senior leadership role for an experienced Project Director who will hold the ultimate on-site accountability for the successful construction and commissioning of a large scale Solar Park. You will act as the principal representative on the ground, providing strategic oversight and managing the EPC contractor to ensure this critical project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the absolute highest standards of safety and quality.Key accountabilities / outcomes• On-Site Leadership & EPC Management: Act as the ultimate on-site authority, leading the execution of the entire construction and commissioning phase. You will rigorously control and evaluate all EPC works, manage contractual issues, and serve as the primary point of contact for all subcontractors.• Project Controls & Governance: Implement and manage a comprehensive control system for the EPC phase, ensuring that robust project controls for budget, schedule, quality, and risk are meticulously maintained.• HSE & Quality Assurance: Champion a world-class, incident-free safety culture across the entire site. You are responsible for ensuring all construction activities adhere to the highest quality standards through rigorous inspection, testing, and commissioning procedures.• Stakeholder & Authority Management: Lead all communication and coordination with key stakeholders, including the lender’s technical advisor, third-party consultants, local authorities, utilities, and community representatives to ensure seamless project delivery.• Reporting & Communication: Oversee the generation of all progress reports, inventory lists, and quality audits to track project milestones and ensure full accountability to the Head of Solar and executive leadership.Candidate ProfileEssential Experience & Qualifications:• A university degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.• 10-15+ years of hands-on experience in the construction of utility-scale renewable energy projects.• Vast experience managing integrated Solar PV and BESS projects is essential.• Proven track record as a Project Director or Site Manager on at least one utility-scale solar project exceeding 500 MW.• Expertise in managing EPC contractors in the field and successfully resolving complex contractual and technical issues.• Strong technical knowledge of solar technology and European distribution networks.• Fluency in English is required; fluency or professional proficiency in Romanian is a significant advantage.• A valid driving license.Leadership Competencies & Skills:• An autonomous and decisive leader, capable of managing a large, complex site with minimal supervision.• Strong strategic and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks.• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.• Must be willing to be based on-site for the majority of the working week (4-5 days).Technical / specialist expertiseEssential:• Strong technical knowledge in solar and distribution networks in Europe• Strong understanding of the requirements of stakeholders and industry.• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD?, PVsyst, MS Office Suite incl. MS Project, Visio.Desired:• Experience working in private equity-backed or fast-scaling IPP environments.• Experience managing large, multicultural teams in a cross-border setting.

Solar

Asset Manager

Switzerland - Switzerland

The OpportunityLSP are partnered with a premier European Independent Power Producer (IPP) and a dominant force in the renewable energy investment space. Their Commercial Trading Arm (responsible for PPA origination, route-to-market strategies, and fleet optimization) is scaling rapidly.We are seeking a senior-level Asset Manager to design, lead, and operate a centralized Performance Control function. This is a high-visibility role at the intersection of Energy Trading, Engineering, and Finance, managing a multi-GW global portfolio of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The MissionAs the Lead Asset Manager, you will be the primary authority on asset performance, responsible for the integrity of the data-to-revenue lifecycle. Strategic Oversight: Lead the "Control Tower" as the central hub for performance analytics and reconciliation across multiple European markets. Commercial Reconciliation: Ownership of the end-to-end reconciliation of production, revenue, and costs. You will ensure alignment between technical output and contractual settlements (PPA, VPPA, CfD). Operational Optimization: Proactively identify technical and commercial inefficiencies. You will not just report on gaps but drive cross-functional actions (O&M, Engineering, Trading) to capture lost value. Data Architecture & Governance: Lead the continuous improvement of Power BI platforms. Working with database experts, you will standardize KPIs (PR, Availability, Irradiation) and ensure all reporting is audit-ready and transparent. Forecasting & Evolution: Support the development of predictive models for production and revenue, integrating weather patterns and behavioral data to anticipate market risks. Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a "Technical-Commercial Hybrid"—someone who understands the physics of a solar farm and the economics of a power hedge. Experience: 5+ years in Renewables Asset Management, Energy Settlements, or Energy Analytics. Market Expertise: Deep understanding of European energy market mechanisms, including BRP/BSP processes and the financial mechanics of renewable energy contracts. Technical Stack: Advanced proficiency in Power BI and SQL is required. Experience with Python or advanced data modeling is a significant advantage. Mindset: A strong "ownership" mentality. You are comfortable challenging the status quo and coordinating multiple teams to drive measurable financial improvements. Education: A degree in a quantitative field such as Engineering, Finance, Economics, or Physics. Language: Professional fluency in English. Why This Role? Scale: Manage a high-growth, multi-GW portfolio including cutting-edge BESS integration. Impact: Direct influence on the profitability and operational strategy of a leading energy player. Environment: Work within a high-performance, international team that values transparency, technical excellence, and decisive communication.

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