Solar PV Modules Expert

ENGIE India; Pune District; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Job summary

ENGIE India is seeking a Technical Expert - Solar PV Modules in Pune, India. The role requires deep expertise in PV module diagnostics, failure analysis, and reliability engineering for utility-scale plants.

You will lead RCA investigations, coordinate with OEMs on warranties, and guide technical strategies for performance optimization and spare module planning. Ideal candidates have 12–15 years of hands-on experience with crystalline silicon modules (Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT, bifacial) and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Materials Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in solar PV module technology, diagnostics, reliability engineering, or utility-scale solar plant operations.
• Strong understanding of crystalline silicon module technologies including Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT, and Bifacial modules.
• Proven experience in module failure analysis and advanced diagnostic testing techniques.
• Experience working with PV module OEMs, laboratories, and quality assurance teams.
• Knowledge of module warranty management, insurance assessments, and performance guarantees.

Responsibilities

• Lead diagnostics, inspections, and reliability assessments of solar PV modules at utility-scale plants.
• Perform advanced diagnostics: EL, IR thermography, insulation, and drone-based inspections.
• Conduct RCA for module failures and document findings with corrective actions.
• Collaborate with OEMs on warranty claims, quality concerns, and technology changes.
• Support warranty, LTSA, and insurance reviews; recommend module replacement strategies.
• Analyze SCADA data and field measurements to optimize asset performance.

Skills

PV module diagnostics

Root Cause Analysis

Technical leadership

Stakeholder management

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Materials Engineering, Physics

Tools

EL Testing

IV curve analysis

Thermography tools

Drone inspection systems

SCADA platforms

Job description

Job Title: Technical Expert - Solar PV Modules

Department: Global Maintenance Services (GMS) AMEA

Location: Pune, India

Role Overview

The Technical Expert - Solar PV Modules is a senior technical role responsible for the diagnostics, performance analysis, reliability enhancement, and failure investigation of solar PV modules deployed in utility-scale solar power plants. The role requires deep expertise in photovoltaic technologies, module degradation mechanisms, advanced diagnostic techniques, and module repair/replacement strategies. The expert will lead failure investigations, support site teams, and manage technical aspects of warranty claims, module performance optimization, insurance assessments, and spare module strategies.

Key Responsibilities

PV Module Diagnostics, Inspection & Reliability Assessment

• Lead technical investigations and performance assessments of solar PV modules across utility-scale solar plants.
• Conduct advanced diagnostics using:
• Electroluminescence (EL) Testing
• Infrared Thermography (IR)
• Insulation Resistance Testing
• Drone-Based Thermal Inspections
• Visual Degradation Assessments
• Diagnose and assess module failures including:
• Microcracks and cell fractures
• Cell breakage due to mechanical stress
• Hotspots caused by defective cells
• Busbar and finger interruptions
• Delamination
• EVA discoloration and browning

Electrical Failures

• Open-circuit and short-circuit faults
• Connector failures and contact resistance issues
• Potential Induced Degradation (PID)
• Light Induced Degradation (LID)
• Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID)
• Corrosion and moisture-related damage
• Snail trails and backsheet deterioration

Mechanical Failures

• Glass breakage
• Backsheet cracking
• Wind and hail damage
• Analyze module degradation rates and validate long-term performance against design expectations.
• Conduct post-repair and replacement performance verification activities.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) & OEM Engagement

• Lead detailed RCAs for module failures, abnormal degradation, and performance losses.
• Identify failure mechanisms, environmental contributors, installation-related issues, and manufacturing defects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting findings, evidence, and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with module OEMs regarding technical clarifications, warranty claims, and quality concerns.
• Evaluate module technology changes and assess compatibility with existing assets.

Warranty, LTSA & Insurance Support

• Manage technical aspects of module warranty claims, including evidence collection, testing reports, and OEM coordination.
• Support technical reviews related to module performance guarantees and warranty obligations.
• Provide technical assessments for insurance claims related to weather events, fire damage, PID, manufacturing defects, and transportation damage.
• Recommend module replacement and repowering strategies for aging or underperforming assets.

Module Performance Analysis & Asset Optimization

• Analyze performance degradation trends using SCADA, monitoring platforms, and field measurements.
• Assess module mismatch losses, string underperformance, and degradation impacts on plant yield.
• Develop recommendations to improve energy generation and module reliability.
• Benchmark field performance against OEM guarantees and industry standards.

Spare Module Strategy & Procurement Support

• Define spare module requirements based on degradation trends and failure patterns.
• Recommend optimum spare inventory levels considering module technology, plant capacity, and OEM support.
• Support module procurement by evaluating:
• Technical specifications
• Reliability history
• Warranty coverage
• Supplier quality records

Site-Level Technical Support

• Act as the technical focal point for module-related issues across operating solar assets.
• Support site teams during module replacement campaigns and large-scale inspection activities.
• Provide technical guidance during commissioning, acceptance testing, and performance validation of new projects.
• Assist with troubleshooting plant underperformance linked to PV module issues.
• Utilize SCADA platforms, module monitoring tools, drone inspection systems, and IV curve analyzers to identify performance anomalies.
• Analyze thermal and electrical trends to detect early-stage degradation and reliability concerns.
• Develop condition monitoring methodologies for proactive module health assessment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Asset Management, Operations, and Procurement teams to improve module reliability strategies.
• Share field observations and RCA findings to influence future technology selection and procurement decisions.
• Support project teams in module technology evaluations and supplier qualification activities.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for module inspections, diagnostics, testing, and reporting.
• Standardize module failure classification methodologies across operating assets.
• Ensure all technical activities comply with safety requirements, industry standards, and internal governance processes.
• Maintain technical documentation and lessons learned databases.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Materials Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Minimum 12-15 years of experience in solar PV module technology, diagnostics, reliability engineering, or utility-scale solar plant operations.
• Strong understanding of crystalline silicon module technologies including Mono PERC, TOPCon, HJT, and Bifacial modules.
• Proven experience in module failure analysis and advanced diagnostic testing techniques.
• Experience working directly with PV module OEMs, laboratories, and quality assurance teams.
• Knowledge of module warranty management, insurance assessments, and performance guarantees.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, drone inspections, EL testing, IV curve analysis, and thermography tools.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Solar PV module diagnostics and failure investigation
• Electroluminescence (EL) and thermographic analysis
• IV curve interpretation and performance assessment
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) execution
• Module warranty and insurance claim management
• OEM collaboration and technical negotiations
• Module reliability engineering
• Asset performance optimization
• Spare module strategy and lifecycle management
• Technical leadership and site support
• SCADA and condition monitoring expertise
• Process standardization and SOP development