Solar Solutions Engineer at CVE (Changing Visions of Energy)

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Solar Solutions Engineer, you are responsible for all the technical and environmental studies associated with the development of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar projects in South Africa, from their initial qualification up to their transfer to the operation team at COD stage, including the construction follow up. You will work closely with the Business Developer and the Country Manager.

You will be notably in charge of:

• the qualification of the sites,
• the production studies and forecast (solar resource analysis; PVSyst report, discussion with third party companies about Energy Yield Assessment),
• the definition of the basic engineering layout and its optimization in regards with capex/opex costs and EYA (pitch / tilt angle optimization, module technology …),
• the overall project planning,
• the electrical studies: sizing and design of the solar arrays and choices of equipment (structures, inverters, modules, Scada system),
• the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) ’s request For Quote process,
• the connection studies and participation in the connection agreement contract if necessary,
• the environmental, structure and geotechnical studies: consultation of engineering firms, budget optimization, preparation of the purchase and service orders, results analysis…
• the costing of the retained solutions in liaise with the major suppliers and in collaboration with the company’s centralized procurement department,
• the initial pricing and subsequent updates of all the Capex and Opex budgets of the project,
• the presentation of technical alternatives and solutions to the client,
• the active collaboration in the establishment of the financial modelling tool,
• the active participation to the EPC and O&M contracts in collaboration with CVE group’s engineering, execution and operation department,
• the follow-up during construction stage with the EPC supplier,
• the handover to the operation team.

In case of a project acquisition, you will be in charge of:

•  the audit of all environmental, legal and technical documents;
•  the inspection of the solar equipment;
•  the verification of the solar electrical output forecast.

You will organize your own work by missions and goals based on the objectives assigned by your manager and on the operational constraints of the various projects. You are responsible for the technical choices made on the projects and for the producing all deliverables on time.

You stay intelligent on the various technologies related to the solar market. You suggest improvements or modifications in order to improve the profitability of the projects.

You identify new suppliers and build up technological partnerships, in collaboration with the Company Management, with companies who can bring solutions to your needs.

This position reports hierarchically to the Country Manager and will work closely with the Business Developer and the International Technical Director.

MAIN REQUIREMENTS

• You have a graduate degree in engineering, with 4 to 5 years experience in the solar sector.
• You are analytical. You have demonstrated successful capabilities in identifying and grasping the complexity of technical aspects of solar projects, mastering the knowledge of, and taking into account the constraints and issues at stake in the construction of solar projects.
• You are independent, organized and pay great attention to details.
• You have great interpersonal skills and are capable to adapt to the needs of your various contacts. You know how to make yourself available.
• You are convinced that renewable energy will play a major role in the future and you are an advocate of the transition to clean energy. You are willing to join a company experiencing very high growth and which sets for itself ambitious and captivating goals.
• Knowledge of PVSyst, SAM, PVSOL or any other PV system study software is mandatory.
• South African driver license is mandatory.