Remote Solar Farm Development Lead — From Site to Close

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement planning options

Generous paid time off

Remote-first work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Solar Farm Project Developer to lead utility-scale solar projects from initiation to financial close in a fully remote role. You will identify viable sites, conduct feasibility studies, and secure land rights while navigating regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement.

The candidate should have 6+ years in renewable energy project development, strong financial modeling, and proven success bringing projects to financial close.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required
• Master's degree is a plus
• Minimum 6 years in renewable energy project development, especially utility-scale solar
• Proven track record in originating, developing, and financing solar projects
• Strong knowledge of land acquisition, permitting, environmental reviews, and interconnection processes
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Familiarity with South African renewable energy policies and market dynamics
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple remote projects

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure utility-scale solar sites
• Conduct feasibility studies including environmental, geotechnical, and grid interconnection assessments
• Negotiate land leases and option agreements
• Develop budgets and financial models for solar developments
• Lead permits, licenses, and regulatory approvals
• Coordinate with EPC partners through project lifecycle
• Engage communities, government agencies, and utilities
• Manage relationships with investors and lenders during financing and PPAs
• Monitor market trends, policy changes, and tech advancements
• Contribute to strategic business development and pipeline growth

Skills

Financial modeling

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Project management

Renewable energy

Site feasibility

Education

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

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Project management software

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Solar Farm Project Developer to lead utility-scale solar projects from initiation to financial close in a fully remote role. You will identify viable sites, conduct feasibility studies, and secure land rights while navigating regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement.

The candidate should have 6+ years in renewable energy project development, strong financial modeling, and proven success bringing projects to financial close.