Solar Energy Project Developer

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental and vision insurance

Generous PTO and flexible hours

Retirement savings plan

Remote work environment

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Solar Energy Project Developer to identify, evaluate, and secure solar development opportunities on a fully remote basis. You will manage the development lifecycle from site prospecting to PPAs, engaging with landowners, authorities, and internal teams to grow the project pipeline.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in renewable energy development, strong negotiation skills, and solid financial modeling capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with solar PV focus.
• Strong understanding of solar technology, permitting, and PPA negotiation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and project finance concepts.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for solar PV projects with feasibility studies.
• Develop relationships with landowners, authorities, and stakeholders.
• Negotiate land leases, option agreements, and property rights.
• Obtain permits, zoning approvals, and environmental clearances.
• Develop and negotiate PPAs with off-takers.
• Collaborate with engineering to meet technical and financial requirements.
• Develop project proformas and financial models to assess viability.
• Prepare proposals for investors and partners.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape.
• Manage development budget and project timelines.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking renewable energy company, is seeking a motivated and experienced Solar Energy Project Developer to join their expanding team. This fully remote position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing new solar energy development opportunities. You will manage the entire development lifecycle, from initial site prospecting and feasibility assessments to obtaining permits, land rights, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). As a remote-first organization, you will leverage advanced communication tools and a collaborative spirit to engage with landowners, authorities, and internal teams. This role is crucial for growing our project pipeline and driving the adoption of clean energy solutions. The ideal candidate possesses strong negotiation skills, a deep understanding of the solar development process, and a passion for sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for solar PV projects, conducting feasibility studies and due diligence.
• Develop and manage relationships with landowners, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Negotiate and secure land leases, option agreements, and other necessary property rights.
• Obtain all required permits, zoning approvals, and environmental clearances for project development.
• Develop and negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with off-takers.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure project designs meet technical and financial requirements.
• Develop project proformas and financial models to assess project viability.
• Prepare proposals and presentations for potential investors and partners.
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape in the solar sector.
• Manage the development budget and timeline for assigned projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a focus on solar PV.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and bringing solar projects to financial close.
• Strong understanding of solar technology, site assessment, permitting, and PPA negotiation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and project finance concepts.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote setting.
• Experience with GIS software and site assessment tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of the South African energy market and regulatory framework.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy.
• Supportive and collaborative remote work environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.