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Solar Development Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate, Renewable Development

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development you will support the department with the ... Advance existing wind or solar energy project developments within the region of the United States.

Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development you will support the department with the ... Advance existing wind or solar energy project developments within the region of the United States.

Associate, Renewable Development

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development you will support the department with the ... Advance existing wind, solar, and BESS energy project developments within the SPP region of the ...

Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development you will support the department with the ... Advance existing wind, solar, and BESS energy project developments within the SPP region of the ...

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development, you willbe responsible forleading ...

Associate, Development

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

... gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing ... Position Overview As an Associate, Renewable Development, you willbe responsible forleading ...

Strata Solar Development is seeking a Director and open to Senior Manager to support and lead a portfolio of complex, high profile utility-scale solar, energy storage and digital infrastructure ...

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Solar Development Associate information

See salary details

$29K

$53.4K

$81K

How much do solar development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar development associate in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 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.

More about Solar Development Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Solar Development Associate jobs? Cities with the most Solar Development Associate job openings:
What states have the most Solar Development Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Solar Development Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Solar Development Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Sr. Associate or Manager, Development

Sr. Associate or Manager, Development

Avantus

San Diego, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

ABOUT AVANTUS

Avantus develops, owns and operates utility-scale clean energy projects across California and the Desert Southwest. Our development pipeline of solar with integrated storage will generate enough dispatchable power to serve more than 10 million Americans, day and night. Backed by strategic investment from KKR and EIG, and building on more than a decade of industry leadership, Avantus is growing its position as an independent power producer, delivering affordable, reliable clean energy solutions to meet America's growing energy demand.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Sr. Associate or Manager, Development demonstrates sound industry knowledge, superior communications, and detail-oriented organizational skills. This position is responsible for the development of solar photovoltaic and energy storage projects through project management, economic analysis, document negotiation, and transaction support across a pipeline of projects targeting wholesale power markets in the US.ย  The Sr. Associate or Manager has extensive experience in the energy industry, specifically in energy infrastructure development; strong financial analysis skills; an ability to effectively communicate complex ideas; and the ability and enthusiasm to drive projects forward.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Greenfield development of utility-scale solar power generation facilities.
  • Engage community, local and state institutions for project support.
  • Assist in the preparation of permit applications for new and acquired solar facilities across multiple local, state, and federal jurisdictions.
  • Managing contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain project timeline and budget.
  • Negotiate tax abatements, land use agreements, mitigation settlements, and various other agreements.
  • Assist in negotiation of PPA's with utilities and other energy buyers/offtakers.
  • Work with the finance department during financial feasibility analysis, evaluation, and financing.
  • Assist with permitting and environmental compliance throughout the construction of projects.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Extensive knowledge of the full-cycle of utility-scale renewable power generation development and marketing.
  • 4+ years' experience required in renewable energy development.ย 
  • Working knowledge of interconnection, permitting, real estate, state/federal regulation, utility procurement goals, politics, law and other issues that impact development of renewable energy projects in the eastern energy markets.
  • Detailed understanding of the interconnection process (study process, contracting, utility requirements, financial obligations, and scope execution by utilities) to both site projects optimally and to advance them through COD.
  • Solid understanding of economic drivers within our business.
  • Concisely frame issues by providing context, analysis, recommendations and risk/benefit tradeoffs, both in written and verbal format, to project teams and to senior management.
  • Create control and influence over the costs, terms, and schedules of key project milestones that are heavily dependent on external counterparties, often without strong commercial recourse.
  • Strong understanding of the relationships within a project schedule in order to prioritize teams' resource allocation
  • Highly resourceful and able to design process for the advancement of project milestones and navigate through key risks where little structure is established.
  • Highly proficient in MS Excel (advanced proficiency required), Project, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Google Earth
  • Independent self-starter who can meet deadlines and deliver quality products with minimal oversight.
  • Substantial ability to recognize opportunities, identify and evaluate risks in a development context as well as effectively communicate the foregoing.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate contracts and financing agreements into concise financial and economic analysis.
  • Ability to manage a large workload, often providing support to processes managed by colleagues, while prioritizing tasks and effectively juggling competing deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership of work product.
  • Excellent personal organizational and pattern recognition skills

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