ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Freelance Remote Solar Engineer Jobs in Sun Prairie, WI

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

Lead onsite and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of ... solar PV systems, protective relays, and switchgear * Thorough understanding of industrial ...

All JobsSolar Engineer JobsFreelance Remote Solar Engineer JobsFreelance Remote Solar Engineer Jobs in Sun Prairie, WI

Freelance Remote Solar Engineer information

See Sun Prairie, WI salary details

$14

$46

$128

How much do freelance remote solar engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance remote solar engineer in Sun Prairie, WI is $46.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $60.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance remote solar engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Remote Solar Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, solar energy system design, and relevant industry experience, often supported by a bachelor's degree and professional certifications like NABCEP. Familiarity with solar design software (e.g., PVsyst, AutoCAD), remote collaboration tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, self-motivation, and effective communication skills help you manage projects independently and coordinate with clients or teams remotely. These competencies ensure accurate system design, efficient project delivery, and successful client relationships in a remote work environment.

What does a freelance remote solar engineer do?

A Freelance Remote Solar Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and oversees solar energy projects while working independently and remotely. Their responsibilities often include creating solar panel layouts, conducting site assessments using digital tools, preparing technical documentation, and coordinating with clients or contractors online. This role requires strong knowledge of solar energy systems, electrical engineering, and the ability to use remote collaboration and design software. Freelance remote solar engineers often work with clients globally, providing expertise for both residential and commercial solar installations.

What is the difference between Freelance Remote Solar Engineer vs Solar Project Consultant?

AspectFreelance Remote Solar EngineerSolar Project Consultant
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like NABCEPEngineering or related degree, industry certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, freelanceRemote or on-site, consulting firms or independent
Employer & Industry UsageSolar companies, engineering firms, freelance platformsConsulting firms, solar developers, project owners

Freelance Remote Solar Engineers focus on designing and analyzing solar systems independently, often working remotely on specific projects. Solar Project Consultants provide strategic advice, project planning, and management support, typically working with clients or firms. While both roles require technical knowledge, Freelance Remote Solar Engineers are more involved in technical design, whereas Solar Project Consultants focus on project execution and strategy.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance remote solar engineers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance remote solar engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with clients and on-site teams across different time zones, accessing up-to-date site data, and ensuring clear communication during project development. To manage these, it's important to establish regular check-ins, use collaborative project management tools, and stay proactive in requesting site photos, measurements, or updates. Building strong relationships with local partners and maintaining organized documentation can also help streamline workflows and reduce potential misunderstandings.
Freelance Remote Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Remote Solar Engineer job openings in Sun Prairie, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,545 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Generac

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Generac Power Systems rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.


Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?


The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects endtoend-from sales handover through system development, commissioning, and ongoing operational support-while balancing handson technical execution with process improvement and crossfunctional collaboration.

This position plays a critical role in supporting a growing portfolio of microgrid projects, including live customer systems, and requires strong accountability, technical depth, and comfort operating in customerfacing, highpressure environments. In addition to project delivery, the Senior Controls Engineer contributes to team performance by mentoring peers, supporting knowledge sharing, and helping evolve project execution standards and processes. The role can be based anywhere in US or Canada and includes 30-40% travel for onsite commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects from sales handover through commissioning and ongoing support

  • Plan, develop, implement, test, and troubleshoot microgrid control systems to ensure successful project delivery

  • Lead onsite and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of commissioning test plans

  • Provide highlevel technical support for inprogress projects and operating microgrid systems, including triage and resolution of customer issues

  • Partner crossfunctionally with Controls Engineering, Service, Commissioning, and Sales teams to deliver strong customer outcomes

  • Balance handson project execution with continuous improvement of project processes, standards, and quality

  • Mentor and support team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration

  • Communicate project status, challenges, and progress clearly to internal stakeholders and customers

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering

  • 5 + years' experience with programming Industrial controls, PLC's, HMI's and Industrial communication protocols

  • Formalized training and/or education in Industrial Automation, Engineering, Computer Science or MIS

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5 + years' experience with three-phase AC power system controls and automation

  • 5 + years' experience with controls and automation of generators, energy storage systems, solar PV systems, protective relays, and switchgear

  • Thorough understanding of industrial communication protocols, primarily Modbus RTU/TCP and DNP3

  • Advanced technical understanding of power control philosophy in voltage-forming and voltage-following applications

  • Experience managing technical projects through the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, commissioning, close-out, and support

Great Reasons to work for Generac:

  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision,401kand many more

  • State-of-the-artfacility with an onsite gym, walking trails, cafe, freeparkingand manyemployeeactivities

  • Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, togather togetherand enjoy their time with their families and co-workers

  • Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits,many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line,while others go right intostorm-affected areas to repair generators

  • Make a positive impact. Generac has always been community-minded and dedicated to giving back.The company proudlyoffersa Volunteer Time Off program,invitingteam members toparticipateincharitable volunteer opportunities on company time.

  • We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.

Generac is committed to fair andequitablecompensation practices.The salary range for this role based in Fort Collins, Colorado is $115,000 USD- $155,000 USD. This compensation willultimately bein line with the location in which the position is filled.Final compensation for this role will bedeterminedbyvarious factorssuch as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills,certificationsand geographic location.This role is eligible for variablecompensationincludingshort-termand long-term incentives.

This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible spending and health savings accounts,accruedpaid time off, 8 paid Holidays and 401(k) retirement benefits."

"We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law."

What Generac Power Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply