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Solar Business Development information

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$13.3K

$74.5K

$127.8K

How much do solar business development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in solar business development?

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?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,511 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Business Development Manager - Solar Products

Vital Chemicals

Cupertino, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Business Development Manager - Thin Film Solar


Reports To: Vice President of Sales - Thin Film

Location: North America, Remote (Cupertino, CA preferred)

About Vital

Vital is a global leader in advanced materials, thin-film technologies, and critical material recycling. We partner with the world's leading photovoltaic manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and research organizations to develop materials supporting next-generation solar technologies.

Position Summary

Vital is seeking a Business Development Manager - Thin Film Solar to grow our business within the global photovoltaic industry. Reporting to the Vice President of Sales - Thin Film, this role is ideal for an engineer or technical professional with approximately 5 years of experience in thin-film photovoltaics who is interested in transitioning into a customer-facing commercial role.

The successful candidate will leverage their technical knowledge to develop new business opportunities, build customer relationships, and support the commercialization of materials used in Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem solar technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Develop new business opportunities across the thin-film photovoltaic supply chain.
  • Build relationships with solar manufacturers, equipment suppliers, material suppliers, and research organizations.
  • Support customer qualification programs from initial engagement through commercialization.
  • Coordinate technical and commercial discussions between customers and Vital's global engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Prepare quotations, forecasts, and customer presentations.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitive activity.
  • Represent Vital at customer visits, conferences, and industry events.
  • Travel approximately 25-40%, including international travel.



Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
  • Approximately 5 years of experience in photovoltaics, thin-film deposition, semiconductor materials, vacuum coating, or a related industry.
  • Strong technical aptitude with an interest in business development and customer engagement.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working with global teams.

Preferred Experience

Experience with one or more of the following:

  • Perovskite photovoltaics
  • HJT or CdTe solar
  • Tandem solar technologies
  • PVD sputtering, evaporation, ALD, or CVD
  • Thin-film materials or high-purity chemicals
  • Sputtering targets or evaporation materials

Who You Are

You're naturally curious, enjoy working with people, and are energized by solving customer challenges. You have a solid technical foundation and understand the photovoltaic industry, but you're looking for an opportunity to apply that knowledge in a commercial role where you can help shape business strategy, build customer relationships, and drive growth.

Why Vital?

  • Join a global leader in advanced materials and critical metals.
  • Work directly with the companies developing the next generation of solar technology.
  • Be part of a fast-growing business supporting Perovskite, HJT, CdTe, and tandem photovoltaics.
  • Build a long-term career with opportunities to grow into broader commercial leadership roles.

Apply