Solar Project Developer

US Solar; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Solar is seeking a Solar Project Developer for its Minneapolis office. The role entails site acquisition, permitting, and supporting development activities in solar projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, problem-solving ability, and a passion for renewable energy. Join a high-growth team focused on community solar and distributed generation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to research processes related to permitting and interconnection.
• Strong communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated, organized, capable of handling multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Secure site control agreements with landowners.
• Coordinate with engineering firms on project deliverables.
• Navigate interconnection processes with utilities.
• Prepare projects for construction commencement.
• Cultivate relationships throughout the development lifecycle.
• Monitor and analyze market factors.
• Prepare budget requests for major project expenses.

Skills

Solar development experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented

Passion for renewable energy

Job description

US Solar is a developer, owner, operator, and financier of solar and solar + storage projects, with a focus on emerging state markets, community solar programs, DG BESS and other forms of distributed generation.

US Solar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe diverse teams and diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and breakthrough thinking, which are differentiators in any business and fundamental to our long-term success.

Project Developer

US Solar is seeking a Solar Project Developer in its Minneapolis office. The Project Developer will be responsible for site acquisition, permitting, interconnection, and other development activities for distributed-generation solar projects with a focus on community solar. This employee will understand the market they work in, strategize and execute the development strategy. The Project Developer will have the support of a small, close-knit development team and have a high degree of autonomy. US Solar is a high-growth company looking for a high achiever to fill this role.

Responsibilities

• Working with landowners who are interested in our offer to lease or purchase their land, ultimately securing site control agreements
• Coordinating with third-party engineering firms on due diligence and project deliverables
• Navigating the interconnection process with the utilities, tracking all milestones, due dates, fees, etc.
• Securing land use permits and other pre-construction approvals from Local Government Units (LGUs)
• Preparing projects for construction commencement in coordination with US Solar’s operations team
• Cultivating and maintaining positive relationships (with landowner, utility, and LGU) throughout the development lifecycle
• Monitoring and analyzing market factors, including new legislation/regulation
• Preparing budget requests to obtain internal approvals for major project expenses
• Supporting and coordinating with key functional teams, including Site Selection, Origination, Legal, Finance, Operations and Asset Management
• Previous solar development experience is preferred but not required
• Ability to research and learn a new process (e.g., studying a LGU’s ordinance for permitting or learning the interconnection application process of a new utility)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to tailor communication to different types of audiences, such as farmers, utility employees, and government employees
• Ability to forge relationships and build consensus with key stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving skills and can work through never-before-seen issues autonomously but knows when to seek support from teammates
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated achiever with ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to consistently stay organized
• Enthusiasm and passion for the renewable energy industry

Qualifications (additional)

• Demonstrated ability to research and learn new processes related to permitting, interconnection, or regulatory requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills tailored to diverse audiences
• Ability to build relationships and consensus with stakeholders
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of handling multiple priorities