Solar Lead Electrician – Pv System Install & Commission

Abantu Staffing Solutions; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Abantu Staffing Solutions is seeking a skilled Solar Electrician to install, test and commission solar PV systems for residential to IPP projects. The role involves setting up monitoring systems, configuring inverters, and coordinating crews on site.

The ideal candidate has experience with roof and ground-mount installations, knowledge of BMS and MS Office, and a strong safety mindset. Applicable SA regulations apply; on-site work expected.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF4; valid Red Seal is preferred.
• Diploma or higher in electrical engineering is advantageous.
• Strong ability to interpret electrical drawings and specs.

Responsibilities

• Review project plans with Projects Supervisor and Engineering.
• Install, test, and commission solar PV systems on various scales.
• Install solar monitoring systems and configure fault-finding procedures.
• Lead installation crew and ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Document work and manage materials to minimize waste.

Skills

Solar installation

Roof & ground-mounted PV

Micro and string inverters

Solar monitoring systems setup

Electrical drafting & specs reading

Education

Grade 12 / NQF 4

National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (NQF6)

QCTO Red Seal Electrician Certification

Tools

MS Office / Advanced Excel

Windows 10

ERP Systems

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Job description

• Solar installation experience is essential.
• Experience with both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar PV systems.
• Experience with micro-inverters and string inverters.
• Experience setting up and configuring solar monitoring systems.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
• QCTO Red Seal Electrician Certification.
• Valid Wiremans Licence.
• Solar installation experience is essential.
• Experience with both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar PV systems.
• Experience with micro-inverters and string inverters.
• Experience setting up and configuring solar monitoring systems.

Advantageous

• National Diploma in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (NQF Level 6).
• AREP / SAPVIA PV Green Card certification.
• Experience with large-scale industrial and/or IPP solar installations.
• Experience with inverter testing, UPS and rectifier systems.
• Experience with lithium battery systems and Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Key Responsibilities

• Review project plans, drawings and specifications with the Projects Supervisor and Engineering Department.
• Ensure installations are completed according to approved designs and specifications.
• Install, assemble, test and commission solar PV systems and associated equipment.
• Assemble solar array racking and ensure roof penetrations are properly sealed.
• Install residential, commercial, industrial and IPP solar PV systems.
• Install and configure solar monitoring systems.
• Conduct fault-finding and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues.
• Perform inverter testing, firmware updates and basic diagnostic procedures.
• Lead and coordinate assistants and installation crew members.
• Ensure all installation activities and outcomes are properly documented.
• Ensure all work complies with SANS requirements, applicable legislation, regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain high standards of quality control, with particular emphasis on electrical and site safety.
• Identify and report project risks to the Projects Supervisor.
• Communicate professionally with customers and stakeholders and address installation-related queries.
• Ensure projects are completed within approved budgets and agreed timeframes.
• Monitor materials, equipment and resources to minimise waste and unnecessary expenditure.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and minimise rework and equipment damage.

Technical Competencies

• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, solar PV designs and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical regulations, SANS standards and solar PV installation requirements.
• Experience with solar inverter testing and fault-finding.
• Knowledge of UPS and rectifier systems and PCB replacement.
• Ability to read and analyse lithium battery BMS data via USB, RS232 and RS485 communication cables.
• Ability to analyse BMS alarms and protection events using Excel.
• Experience conducting inverter firmware updates.

Personal Attributes

• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Ethical and professional.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Customer-focused.
• Team player with strong leadership abilities.

National Diploma in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering (NQF 6)

AREP/ SAPVIA PV Green Card certification (preferred)

Up to 3 years of solar installation experience (both roof and ground-mount systems)

Experience with micro and string inverters and setting up monitoring systems

Computer literacy (MS Office Suite – Advanced Excel)

Other relevant discipline-specific software programs such as Windows 10, ERP Systems, and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Sound exposure in solar inverter testing (UPS and Rectifier) and PCB replacement

Knowledge of reading lithium battery BMS data via USB – RS232/ RS 485 comms cable and upload to PC (screen clips and saving data)

Ability to analyse and mark MS Excel data for BMS alarms and protection events

RESPONSIBILITIES

Installation of solar installations and commissioning the photovoltaic system from beginning to end

Installation of equipment

Liaise with the project supervisor: industrial to review project plans and drawings

Ensures that the project is built according to design

Set up solar monitoring system

Diagnose and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues

Assemble the solar array racking, properly seal all roof penetrations, and install all relevant equipment