Commissioning Engineer - Commercial Solar Farms

Ardour Associates Ltd; Tyseley; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading solar energy company is seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer to oversee the commissioning of commercial solar farms across the UK. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience, a strong electrical engineering background, and the ability to work independently. Key responsibilities include system testing, stakeholder coordination, and compliance documentation. This role offers competitive rates and requires travel to various project sites.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years commissioning experience on commercial or utility-scale solar PV projects.
• Strong working knowledge of grid-connected PV systems and HV/LV systems.
• Familiarity with G99 commissioning requirements is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform full commissioning of solar PV systems including testing and verifications.
• Prepare commissioning plans, test records, and high-quality reports.
• Coordinate with stakeholders for compliance and operational readiness.

Skills

Commissioning of solar PV systems

Technical troubleshooting

Health and safety compliance

Communication and reporting

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA platforms

Transformers

Inverters (SMA, Huawei, Sungrow)

Job description

Job Specification: Commissioning Engineer - Commercial Solar Farms

Day Rate: circa £600 - £800/day

Location: UK-wide (with travel to project sites)

Contract Type: Contract / Freelance

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commissioning Engineer to support the end‑to‑point commissioning of commercial‑scale solar PV farms. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in electrical engineering, hands‑on commissioning experience with MW‑scale solar installations, and the ability to work independently to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Commissioning & Testing

• Perform full commissioning of solar PV systems, including DC strings, inverters, AC systems, protection equipment, transformers, and grid‑connected components.
• Conduct functional tests, insulation resistance tests, IV curve testing, and system performance verification.
• Ensure all equipment is installed and operates per design specifications, manufacturer standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues during the commissioning process.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and maintain detailed commissioning plans, test records, and handover documentation.
• Produce high‑quality commissioning reports for clients, DNOs, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure all commissioning activities are recorded according to H&S, QA/QC, and project compliance frameworks.

Technical & Stakeholder Coordination

• Work closely with EPC teams, site managers, grid operators (DNOs/IDNOs), and asset management teams.
• Support energisation procedures and liaise with the DNO for G99/G100 compliance testing.
• Provide technical guidance during the late‑construction phase to ensure the project is ready for commissioning.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all work is carried out safely in accordance with CDM, site rules, and industry H&S best practices.
• Lead by example in maintaining a strong safety culture across site teams.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Experience

• 3-5+ years commissioning experience on commercial or utility‑scale solar PV projects (5MW+ preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of grid‑connected PV systems, inverters (SMA, Huawei, Sungrow, or similar), transformers, HV/LV systems, and SCADA platforms.
• Demonstrable experience completing successful energisations and handovers on major solar projects.

Technical Skills

• Ability to perform advanced diagnostic testing and system performance verification.
• Familiarity with G99 commissioning requirements and grid compliance processes.
• Understanding of fibre, Comms, SCADA integration is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 18th Edition (desirable).
• CSCS / ECS, HV authorisations, or DNO-approved competencies advantageous.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Key Attributes

• Strong problem‑solving ability and technical initiative.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to lead commissioning activities with minimal supervision.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to safety and compliance