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Solar Development Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Support Invenergy insurance team in coordinating insurance efforts from development through to ...

M&A Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

New Leaf Energy is seeking a M&A Associate to join our team ... This individual will participate in project development and financing of solar, wind, and energy ...

Associate, Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $120K/yr

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Support annual strategic planning processes, including development of strategic priorities, key ...

Associate, Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $120K/yr

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Support annual strategic planning processes, including development of strategic priorities, key ...

Associate, Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $120K/yr

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Support annual strategic planning processes, including development of strategic priorities, key ...

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Showing results 1-20

Solar Development Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$55K

$83.4K

How much do solar development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development associate in Chicago, IL is $55,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $61,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Solar Development Associates?

Solar Development Associates are professionals who support the planning, permitting, and development of solar energy projects. They assist with site selection, environmental assessments, regulatory compliance, and project coordination. Their work involves collaborating with engineers, landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to move solar projects from inception through construction. Solar Development Associates play a key role in ensuring that projects are feasible, compliant, and completed on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solar Development Associate, you need a solid understanding of renewable energy markets, project management, and site assessment, often backed by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, permitting software, and knowledge of regulatory frameworks are typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you navigate stakeholder relationships and address project challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial to successfully initiating, evaluating, and advancing solar projects in a competitive and evolving industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by Solar Development Associates during the permitting and site selection process?

Solar Development Associates often encounter challenges such as navigating complex permitting regulations, securing land agreements, and addressing community concerns. Each project may involve coordinating with local authorities, utility companies, and stakeholders to ensure compliance and smooth progress. Successful associates need strong problem-solving and communication skills to manage these hurdles and keep projects on track. Being proactive and detail-oriented is crucial when dealing with evolving policies or unexpected site constraints.

What is the difference between Solar Development Associate vs Solar Project Coordinator?

AspectSolar Development AssociateSolar Project Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, or related field; knowledge of solar industryBachelor's degree; project management experience; familiarity with solar projects
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; collaboration with development teamsOffice and field work; coordinating project activities
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, renewable energy firmsSolar project management teams, EPC contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Solar Development Associate focuses on early-stage project development, including site assessment and permitting, while the Solar Project Coordinator manages project execution, scheduling, and coordination during construction. Both roles require related skills and work within the solar industry, but they differ in their primary responsibilities and project phases.

Infographic showing various Solar Development Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,028 per year, or $26.5 per hour.
Associate, Finance and Capital Markets

Associate, Finance and Capital Markets

Invenergy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Invenergy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview

As an Associate, Finance and Capital Markets, you will supportcreating and updating complex financial models,transaction closings/funding's, andcompliance with covenants in finance documents. You will work closelywith otherInvenergyteamsincludingThermal and Renewable Development, Asset Management,Legal,and Accounting, as group external stakeholders. This position is located at our headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage project and portfolio-level financings for operating projects, including lender relationships and reporting activities.

  • Interpret terms in operating agreements, financing agreements, and power hedge agreements and communicate findings to management.

  • Develop and manage financial models to analyze the economic merits and risks associated with wind, solar, storage and natural gas projects.

  • Contribute to the development of project financing structures and analyze alternative approaches.

  • Collaborate with tax, accounting, and treasury teams for disbursements, tax returns, valuations, and project models.

  • Assist in due diligence processes for project finance, corporate finance and merger & acquisition transactions.

  • Support closings for construction financings, term conversions, and tax equityfunding.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in business,finance, engineering, or related field.

  • 3-5 years of experience in finance or banking.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop complex financing models in Excel.

  • Familiarity with project or corporate finance transactions and documentation.

  • Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with project or corporate finance equity transactions in power generation or energy/utilities sector preferred.

Base Pay

$115,000.00 - 140,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 20% - 30%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.