Solar Design Engineer

Network2; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network2 is seeking a Solar Design Engineer to join our growing renewable energy team. You will design grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid solar PV systems for commercial, industrial and utility-scale projects, delivering technically sound and cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities include energy yield assessments, SLDs, BOQs, site assessments and ensuring compliance with SANS, NRS and local electrical codes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree in electrical/renewable disciplines.
• 3–5 years of Solar PV design experience.
• Experience with commercial/industrial or utility-scale solar projects.

Responsibilities

• Design grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid solar PV systems.
• Prepare electrical layouts, SLDs, cable schedules, and drawings.
• Perform energy yield, sizing, shading analyses, and simulations.
• Select PV modules, inverters, BESS, mounts and BOS components.
• Develop BOQs, specs and project documentation.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS, NRS and local codes.
• Support project managers, procurement and installation teams.
• Assist with commissioning, troubleshooting and optimization.
• Collaborate with clients, suppliers and EPC teams.

Skills

AutoCAD

PVsyst

Helioscope

PVSol

Microsoft Office

Education

BEng/BSc/BTech in Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Solar Design Engineer to join our growing renewable energy team. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who is passionate about sustainable energy and has experience designing high-performance solar PV systems for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications.

As a Solar Design Engineer, you will be responsible for delivering technically sound, cost-effective, and compliant solar solutions from concept through to construction support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design grid-tied, hybrid, and off-grid solar PV systems.
• Prepare electrical layouts, single-line diagrams (SLDs), cable schedules, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Perform energy yield assessments, system sizing, shading analysis, and performance simulations.
• Select PV modules, inverters, battery energy storage systems (BESS), mounting structures, and balance-of-system components.
• Develop Bills of Quantities (BOQs), technical specifications, and project documentation.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS standards, NRS regulations, municipal requirements, and applicable electrical codes.
• Support project managers, procurement teams, and installation crews during project execution.
• Assist with commissioning, troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Collaborate with clients, suppliers, and EPC teams to deliver successful renewable energy projects.

Minimum Requirements:

• BEng/BSc/BTech/National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years' experience in Solar PV system design.
• Experience with commercial and industrial (C&I) or utility-scale solar projects.
• Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD
  • PVsyst
  • Helioscope or PVSol
  • Microsoft Office
• Strong understanding of:
  • Solar PV design principles
  • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
  • Grid integration
  • LV electrical systems
  • Protection, earthing, and cable sizing
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and electrical schematics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to project sites