Remote Solar Farm Performance Engineer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote position

Flexible hours

Health & wellness benefits

Pension contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly analytical Remote Solar Farm Performance Engineer in South Africa to monitor and optimize solar farms. The role emphasizes data-driven performance enhancement, root cause analysis, and collaboration with on-site teams to maximize energy output and reliability.

The successful candidate will work remotely across South Africa, using SCADA and advanced analytics to drive yield improvements and efficiency, while complying with contractual guarantees and regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years in performance analysis or engineering within solar PV.
• Experience analyzing solar farm data with PVsyst, Helioscope or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technology, inverters, and BOS components.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistics, and performance modelling.
• Independent and proactive problem-solver with strong communication.
• Experience with SCADA and remote monitoring platforms.

Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor solar PV plant performance using SCADA and software.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, and issues affecting generation.
• Perform root cause analysis for underperformance and downtime.
• Develop strategies to optimize plant performance and reduce costs.
• Prepare detailed performance reports with forecasts and KPIs.
• Coordinate with O&M to plan corrective actions and maintenance.
• Evaluate new technologies for monitoring and enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with contracts and performance guarantees.

Skills

PVsyst

Helioscope

Data analysis

SCADA systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Custom analytics platform

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in the solar energy sector, is seeking a highly analytical and dedicated Remote Solar Farm Performance Engineer to join their growing team. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility to individuals passionate about optimizing renewable energy generation. The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and improving the performance of solar farms across South Africa , contributing significantly to maximizing energy output and operational efficiency. You will leverage advanced data analytics tools and methodologies to identify underperformance issues, diagnose root causes, and recommend effective solutions. This role requires a proactive approach, strong technical acumen in solar PV technology, and the ability to work autonomously. You will collaborate closely with on-site operations teams and project managers to ensure the optimal functioning of solar assets, playing a key role in the company's mission to deliver clean, reliable energy. This role is ideal for an experienced professional seeking a challenging and rewarding career that can be performed from anywhere.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuously monitor the performance of solar PV power plants using SCADA systems and specialized software.
• Analyze large datasets to identify performance trends, anomalies, and potential issues affecting energy generation.
• Conduct root cause analysis for underperformance, equipment failures, and system downtime.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize plant performance, including yield improvement and cost reduction measures.
• Prepare detailed performance reports, including energy production forecasts, availability assessments, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Collaborate with O&M teams to schedule and oversee corrective actions and preventative maintenance activities.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies for performance monitoring and enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and performance guarantees.
• Maintain accurate records of plant performance and operational data.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in performance analysis or engineering roles within the solar PV industry.
• Proven expertise in analyzing solar farm operational data using tools such as PVsyst, Helioscope, or custom analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of solar PV technologies, inverters, and balance of system components.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and performance modeling.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Strong communication and reporting skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technical findings.
• Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring platforms is essential.
• Familiarity with the South African solar market and regulatory environment is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary offered for a remote position.
• Flexible working hours and location independence.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in cutting-edge solar technologies.
• Be part of a leading company driving sustainable energy solutions across South Africa .