Solution Architect - Solar PV & Battery Energy Storage

Jelocorp; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Jelocorp in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Solar Solution Architect to lead the scoping, design and delivery of commercial and industrial solar PV and battery storage projects.

You will assess energy needs, model yields, ensure Eskom grid compliance and coordinate with project teams, suppliers and clients across multiple sites. Travel to project sites is frequent, and a strong track record with Eskom-related approvals is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy or related engineering discipline.
• 3–5 years of proven experience designing and implementing commercial and industrial solar PV and BESS projects in South Africa.
• Proven involvement in Eskom projects, grid connections or Eskom-facing engineering approvals; describe project scope and responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of PVsyst, HelioScope, AutoCAD and HOMER Pro for solar yield, layout and energy storage modelling.
• Knowledge of Eskom tariffs, grid codes, municipal connection requirements and net-metering frameworks.
• Ability to translate technical findings into client-ready designs, reports and proposals.
• Valid South African Code B driver’s licence and willingness to travel frequently to project sites.
• ECSA registration (Pr.Eng/Pr.TechEng), SAPVIA PV GreenCard Trainer/Assessor or Certified Energy Manager qualification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end commercial and industrial solar PV solutions from ~100 kW to multi-MW with BESS and microgrid configurations.
• Assess energy consumption and load profiles to develop reliable backup, peak shaving and energy-cost optimization solutions.
• Conduct site audits, engineering walkthroughs and assessments of substations, distribution boards and rooftops.
• Prepare electrical layouts, system specifications, energy yield modelling and financial payback analyses.
• Ensure designs align with South African grid requirements and standards (SANS 10142-1, NRS 097-2-1 and interconnection rules).
• Coordinate technical submissions for SSEG, Eskom grid connections and NERSA registrations/licensing processes.
• Provide technical guidance through construction, testing, grid connection and commissioning.
• Collaborate with business development, procurement, engineering and client stakeholders on practical, viable solutions.

Skills

Solar PV design

BESS modelling

Grid interconnection

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Renewable Energy

Tools

PVsyst

HelioScope

AutoCAD

HOMER Pro

Job description

Introduction

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Solar Solution Architect to lead technical scoping, engineering and end-to-end solution design for commercial and industrial solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) projects in South Africa. The role involves assessing complex energy needs, developing technically sound and commercially viable solutions, working with utility and grid-connection requirements, and supporting delivery through commissioning. Experience on Eskom-related projects is particularly important. Frequent travel to project sites is required.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Design end-to-end commercial and industrial solar PV solutions, from approximately 100 kW to multi-MW scale, including integrated BESS and microgrid configurations.
• Assess energy consumption and 30-minute interval load profiles to develop reliable solutions for backup power, peak shaving, load shifting and energy cost optimisation.
• Conduct site audits, engineering walkthroughs and technical assessments of substations, distribution boards, rooftops and other installation infrastructure.
• Prepare electrical layouts, system specifications, energy yield modelling, technical proposals, cost-benefit assessments and financial payback simulations.
• Ensure designs align with applicable South African grid requirements and standards, including SANS 10142-1, NRS 097-2-1 and relevant utility interconnection rules.
• Prepare and coordinate technical submissions for municipal SSEG, Eskom grid connection and applicable NERSA registration or licensing processes.
• Provide technical guidance to project managers, installation teams, engineering partners and contractors through construction, testing, grid connection and commissioning.
• Work with business development, procurement, engineering and client stakeholders to present practical and commercially viable technical solutions.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 3–5 years of proven experience designing and implementing commercial and industrial solar PV and commercial or utility-scale BESS projects in South Africa.
• Proven involvement in Eskom projects, grid connections or Eskom-facing engineering approvals; ability to describe the project scope and personal responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of PVsyst, HelioScope, AutoCAD and HOMER Pro, particularly solar yield, layout and energy storage modelling.
• Knowledge of Eskom tariffs, grid codes, municipal connection requirements and South African wheeling or net-metering frameworks.
• Ability to conduct site assessments and translate technical findings into client-ready designs, reports and proposals.
• Valid South African Code B driver’s licence and willingness to travel frequently to project sites.
• Strong technical communication, problem-solving and cross-functional coordination skills.
• ECSA registration (Pr.Eng/Pr.TechEng), SAPVIA PV GreenCard Trainer/Assessor or Certified Energy Manager qualification would be advantageous.