Remote Senior Solar PV Project Developer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Solar PV Project Developer for a fully remote role to identify, evaluate, and secure utility-scale solar projects. You will drive site acquisition, permitting, and interconnection efforts across regions, collaborating with internal teams and external partners.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in solar development, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a solid grasp of regulatory landscapes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in solar PV project development.
• Proven success in site acquisition, permitting, and interconnection for large-scale solar projects.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV technology, energy markets, and regulatory landscapes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for utility-scale solar PV projects.
• Lead site acquisition including landowner negotiations, leases, options.
• Manage permitting at local, regional, national levels.
• Facilitate and oversee interconnection with utility grid operators.
• Develop preliminary project designs, energy production estimates, and cost projections.
• Build relationships with landowners, stakeholders, and government officials.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and finance teams through the development lifecycle.
• Negotiate and secure PPAs or other off-take arrangements.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

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

Tools

GIS tools

Solar resource assessment software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding leader in the solar energy industry, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Solar PV Project Developer for a fully remote position. This role is essential for identifying, evaluating, and securing new utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. You will be responsible for site acquisition, permitting, interconnection processes, and early-stage development activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the solar development lifecycle, strong negotiation skills, and a proven track record of successfully bringing solar projects to fruition. As a remote employee, you will leverage advanced digital collaboration tools to work effectively with internal teams and external partners across various regions.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of clean energy and build a robust pipeline of solar assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess potential sites for utility-scale solar PV projects, evaluating solar resource, grid access, and environmental factors.
• Lead the site acquisition process, including landowner negotiations, lease agreements, and option contracts.
• Manage the permitting process at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate and oversee the interconnection process with utility grid operators.
• Develop preliminary project designs, energy production estimates, and cost projections.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, community stakeholders, and government officials.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, construction, and finance teams throughout the development lifecycle.
• Negotiate and secure power purchase agreements (PPAs) or other off-take arrangements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in solar PV project development.
• Demonstrated success in site acquisition, permitting, and interconnection for large-scale solar projects.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, energy markets, and regulatory landscapes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with GIS tools and solar resource assessment software is a plus.
• Proficiency in navigating local and national permitting processes.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers significant flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides an industry-leading salary, a substantial bonus program tied to project milestones, and comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Employees also have access to a competitive retirement savings plan and generous paid time off. Our client is dedicated to creating a dynamic and supportive remote work culture, empowering its team members with the latest technology and opportunities for career advancement in the growing solar energy sector.