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Solar Business Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Business Development information

See California salary details

$13.3K

$74.5K

$127.8K

How much do solar business development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar business development in California is $74,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Business Development Managers (BDMs) in the solar industry often face stress due to targets, client negotiations, and project deadlines. The role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, which can contribute to a high-pressure environment. However, workload and stress levels vary depending on company size and individual experience.

What advancement opportunities are available for professionals in Solar Business Development?

Solar Business Development roles often offer clear paths to advancement, such as moving into senior business development manager, regional sales director, or even executive leadership positions over time. Professionals who excel may also transition into strategic partnership roles or expand their responsibilities to lead larger, more complex projects. Employers typically value a combination of successful deal-making, industry networking, and leadership capabilities when promoting within this field. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, there are increasing opportunities for career growth and specialization in areas like utility-scale solar, commercial projects, or international markets.

How much is a business development manager paid?

A business development manager in the solar industry typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Compensation may also include bonuses and commissions based on sales performance, and strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.

How to become a solar developer?

A solar developer is responsible for planning, designing, and managing solar energy projects. To become one, gain experience in renewable energy, project management, or engineering, and develop knowledge of solar technology and regulations. Certifications such as NABCEP can enhance credibility, and strong project management and communication skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Solar Business Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Business Development professional, you need a solid understanding of the solar energy market, sales acumen, and a background in business or engineering, often backed by a related bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CRM software, solar project management tools, and knowledge of industry certifications like NABCEP is highly valuable. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and presentation skills will help you excel in client-facing interactions and team collaboration. These abilities are critical for driving business growth, closing deals, and staying ahead in the rapidly evolving clean energy sector.

What is a Solar Business Development job?

A Solar Business Development job focuses on identifying and securing new opportunities in the solar energy sector. This includes building relationships with clients, negotiating contracts, analyzing market trends, and developing strategies to expand a company's solar business. Professionals in this role collaborate with sales, marketing, and engineering teams to drive revenue growth and promote solar energy adoption. Strong communication, industry knowledge, and strategic planning skills are essential for success in this role.

What solar jobs pay the most?

Senior roles in solar business development, such as Solar Sales Directors or Project Managers, tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive industry experience, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of solar technology and market trends.
What are the most commonly searched types of Solar Business Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Solar Business Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Solar Business Development jobs in California? For Solar Business Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Business Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Business Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Business Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Business Development job openings:
Solar Business Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Business Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,511 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Business Development Manager - Solar EPC

Conti Electric Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description

Business Development Manager – Solar EPC

Division: Renewables
Company: Conti LLC
Location: Remote
Territory Focus: Desert Southwest United States

About Conti LLC

Conti LLC is a national EPC, MEP, and energy services company delivering full‑lifecycle solutions across renewable energy, electrical, technology, and infrastructure markets. Conti’s Renewables Group focuses on utility‑scale solar and energy storage projects, offering full EPC capabilities that support developers and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) from early‑stage development through construction, commissioning and O&M.

This role represents a unique opportunity to grow a niche solar and storage EPC platform in one of the most active renewable energy markets in the country.

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager – Solar and Storage EPC is a senior, relationship‑driven role responsible for originating, positioning, and securing solar and battery energy storage (BESS) projects across the Desert Southwest and Western states. This individual will leverage deep industry experience, established developer and IPP relationships, and strong technical fluency to drive EPC opportunities through the pursuit and preconstruction phases.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years of solar and storage EPC and development‑side experience, understands the full project lifecycle, and knows how to effectively sell EPC capabilities to developers and IPPs.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Expansion

  • Pursue utility‑scale and large commercial solar and BESS EPC opportunities throughout the Desert Southwest and Western states
  • Leverage existing relationships with developers, and IPPs to drive qualified project pipeline
  • Represent Conti’s Renewables Group to external stakeholders, industry partners, and at‑risk development opportunities
  • Contribute to long‑term regional growth strategy

EPC Sales & Project Origination

  • Sell full‑scope EPC services including engineering coordination, procurement strategy, construction execution, and commissioning support
  • Collaborate with internal engineering, preconstruction, and operations teams to shape competitive EPC proposals
  • Lead early‑phase client discussions involving constructability, schedule, risk profile, and execution approach
  • Support contract negotiations and deal structuring alongside executive leadership

Technical & Development Interface

  • Demonstrate fluency in:
    • Solar and BESS project development lifecycle
    • Engineering concepts and system design considerations
    • Environmental and construction permitting processes
    • Utility interconnection and AHJ requirements
  • Serve as a trusted technical/business interface between Conti, developers, engineers, and owners

Internal Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Conti’s leadership, estimating, engineering, and project teams
  • Support handoff from business development to execution ensuring alignment on scope, risk, and client expectations

Required Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in solar and storage EPC, renewable energy development, or utility‑scale construction business development
  • Proven track record selling solar and/or BESS EPC services to developers and IPPs
  • Established relationships within the renewable energy development community
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Engineering and design considerations
    • Project permitting and entitlement processes
    • EPC contracting models (Lump Sum, GMP, EPCM, etc.)
  • Experience working in or pursuing projects across the Desert Southwest and Western States
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills
  • Ability to work remotely

Compensation & Growth

  • Performance‑based incentives / commissions tied to project wins
  • Significant long‑term growth potential within a specialized, expanding solar EPC platform

This role offers the opportunity to help shape and scale Conti’s Renewables Group in a high‑growth, technically complex, and relationship‑driven niche market.

Why Conti

  • Entrepreneurial division with executive access and decision‑making influence
  • Ability to build a regional market with real operational backing
  • Strong EPC capabilities across engineering, construction, and energy services
  • Long‑term career growth beyond a traditional “seller” role