Senior Solar Farm Performance Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Travel opportunities

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Solar Farm Performance Engineer based in or near Polokwane, Limpopo, to optimize utility-scale solar assets. You will monitor, analyze, and improve performance, identifying degradation, and recommending corrective actions.

The role requires deep PV knowledge, data analytics, and troubleshooting, with responsibilities spanning diagnostics, modeling, and reporting to maximize energy output and financial returns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering.
• 7+ years in performance analysis and optimization of solar PV plants.
• Strong proficiency with solar monitoring and SCADA systems (e.g., SCADA, Helioscope, PVsyst).
• Experience with data analysis tools (Python, SQL, Excel).
• Deep understanding of solar PV tech: modules, inverters, BOS.

Responsibilities

• Monitor real-time performance of multiple solar farms using SCADA and monitoring platforms.
• Conduct performance diagnostics to identify underperformance and faults.
• Develop and maintain performance models to benchmark output vs. expected production.
• Investigate performance anomalies with O&M teams and suppliers.
• Prepare KPI reports, trend analyses and improvement recommendations.
• Support commissioning and operations across project lifecycle.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Helioscope

PVsyst

Python

SQL

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy assets, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Solar Farm Performance Engineer to be based in or near Polokwane , Limpopo . This role is crucial for maximizing the energy output and financial returns of their utility‑scale solar power plants. You will be responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of solar farms, identifying performance degradation, and recommending corrective actions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of solar PV technology, performance modeling, data analytics, and troubleshooting techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of solar energy in South Africa and play a key role in ensuring the efficiency and profitability of our client's operations. We are committed to operational excellence and driving sustainable energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze the real-time performance of multiple solar PV power plants using SCADA systems and other monitoring platforms.
• Conduct in-depth performance diagnostics to identify underperformance issues, equipment faults, and system losses.
• Develop and maintain performance models to benchmark actual output against expected energy production.
• Investigate and resolve performance anomalies, working closely with O&M teams and component suppliers.
• Perform root cause analysis for equipment failures and performance degradation.
• Prepare detailed performance reports, including key performance indicators (KPIs), trend analysis, and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and asset management teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the commissioning process of new solar farms, verifying performance against design specifications.
• Identify opportunities for performance enhancement through optimized operation, maintenance strategies, or technology upgrades.
• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology, performance monitoring tools, and data analytics techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the performance analysis and optimization of solar PV power plants.
• Strong proficiency with solar monitoring and SCADA systems (e.g., SCADA, Helioscope, PVsyst).
• Experience with data analysis tools and techniques (e.g., Python, SQL, Excel).
• In-depth understanding of solar PV technology, including modules, inverters, and balance of system components.
• Knowledge of meteorological data analysis and its impact on solar production.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with O&M contracts and performance guarantees is a plus.
• Membership in a relevant professional body is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced solar technologies.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of large-scale solar projects.
• Travel opportunities to various project sites.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment in the Polokwane region.
• Company vehicle or travel allowance.
• Contribution to the growth of renewable energy in South Africa.