Solar Control Room Operator

Solarafrica Energy; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company is seeking a Solar Control Room Operator to ensure optimal performance of solar systems after commission. This role involves monitoring, data analysis, and proactive problem solving to maintain high operational standards. The ideal candidate should have experience in the Solar PV industry and a relevant engineering qualification. This position requires effective communication and the ability to work both independently and in a team.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in the Solar PV industry relating to asset and maintenance management.
• Proficiency in data analysis/Monitoring software.
• Experience in computer Maintenance Management systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily monitoring of solar assets to ensure optimal performance.
• Identify and address any system issues promptly.
• Log and report plant outages and abnormal events.

Skills

Data analysis

Experience in Solar PV industry

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Diploma or Degree in Electrical/Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

BSc IT (or equivalent)

Tools

SCADA

PowerBI

Microsoft Excel

Python

Job description

The Solar Control Room Operator will ensure the successful operations of our solar systems once commissioned.

Their role will include a variety of tasks in the Operations and Maintenance team, ranging from supporting the maintenance teams to developing and implementing maintenance plans and data analytics.

The Solar Control Room Operator will focus on corrective maintenance tickets, poor performance and system issues by conducting daily monitoring of the solar assets and BESS system for optimal plant performance.

Position of the job in the organisation :

The successful candidate will report directly to the O&M Data Analytics Manager.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily monitoring of solar assets to ensure optimal performance.

Identify and address any system issues promptly.

Reporting on accurate data and updating on the score card for availability, tickets management and performance tracking

Capture and analyse data for monitoring and reporting purposes.

Analyse real-time data and plant performance from the control center.

Perform remote fault diagnosis and initiate recovery procedures.

Download and analyse data for performance guarantees.

Report and accelerate newly handed over sites that are not meeting KPI's promptly.

Log and report plant outages and abnormal events.

Ensure systems are performing optimally and take appropriate actions for any identified issues.

Manage the monitoring portal, ensuring online status and data quality.

Gather, analyse, and interpret data to drive business decisions and provide recommendations.

Facilitate weekly discussions with maintenance teams to review outstanding issues.

Address performance issues and identify problems proactively.

Review and audit completed work for accuracy.

Make necessary corrections and provide timely status reports to management.

Perform ad-hoc data investigations to troubleshoot and optimise system performance.

Act as control officer during switching activities and ensure safety compliance.

Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Experience

2-3 years' experience in the Solar PV industry relating to asset and maintenance management.

Qualification in engineering : Diploma or Degree in Electrical / Chemical / Mechanical Engineering, BSc IT (or equivalent).

Proficiency in data analysis / Monitoring software (e.g. SCADA, VCOM, EPO, Python, Solaredge, Huawei and tesla portal Power-BI)

Experience in computer Maintenance Management systems

Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Microsoft Projects.

Good interpersonal skills in terms of communication and ability to contribute to a team.

Advantageous Skills Include

Experience in a similar role.

Experience in asset management software and tools.

Proficiency in introductory statistical techniques (e.g., distributions, regression).

Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. Python, Matlab, PowerBI)

Work Conditions

Overtime may be required to meet required deadlines.

After-hour monitoring of the PV / BESS assets will be required.

Specific Attributes

Demonstrates a drive for results and efficiency and embraces the value of continuous improvement.

Ability to learn new technology platforms (partner portals, reporting portals, etc.)

Strong organisational skills and document management skills with acute attention to detail

Ability to work both independently and as a team

Ability to navigate your workload by responding to customer system issues and implementing project-related initiatives in downtime.

By Month 3

I will become familiar with our solar software and internal processes.

I will actively participate in monthly 1 : 1s with my manager.

I will acquire the skills to gather data from Excel spreadsheets and databases for analysis.

I will gain an understanding of monitoring platforms and KPIs and offer my services for weekend monitoring.

By Month 6

Continued participation in monthly 1 : 1s and quarterly reviews, with a clear understanding and accountability for my KPIs.

Mastery of the solar asset monitoring platform, taking accountability for its performance.

Assisting the Technical maintenance manager in developing and implementing solar system performance issues solutions.

Ensuring optimal performance of all installed solar assets and taking appropriate action for system issues.

By Month 12

Ongoing management of the solar monitoring portal, ensuring that all asset data is online and of high quality.

Proficient in gathering and analysing data to drive business decisions and provide recommendations for improving solar system performance.

Monitoring the behaviour of solar systems, including degradation and production, to ensure optimal performance.

Developing user guides and job aids to assist team members in daily tasks and cross-training efforts.

Core Values

We are passionate and proud of what we do.

We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult.

We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together.

We are dependable and take accountability.

No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing