Solar Installer Salary Jobs in Rochelle, IL (NOW HIRING)

Energy Support Services, a New Energy Equity company, keeps solar and energy storage systems safe, reliable, and producing clean power. As our Special Projects O&M Technician (Level 2), you will take your field experience to the next level, working independently to perform advanced inspections, specialized project execution, and core system diagnostics. In this role, you'll operate safely in high-voltage environments without direct supervision, oversee subcontracted labor, help guide junior technicians on-site, and follow a clear, defined development pathway with advancement to Technician Level 3.
Pay: $75,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Travel Notice: This position requires up too 75% travel on short notice, including flexibility to work outside traditional business hours.
What We Offer

• Bonus: Up to an 8% performance bonus paid out annually.
• Equipment: Company truck, company credit card, vehicle maintenance card, tools, and equipment provided.
• Apparel: Company-provided PPE and Fire Resistant clothing kit provided (including bibs, jackets, pants, and shirts).
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, the company pays 80% of health insurance premiums, plus a 401(k) with up to a 7.5% company match.
• Time Off: Paid time off accrued each pay period, 120 hours per year (years 0-2), 160 hours (years 3-9), and 200 hours (10+ years), plus 11 paid holidays.
• Family: 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Insurance: Company-provided Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance at one times your annual salary.
• Growth: Company-paid certifications and training, including OSHA, NFPA 70e/70b, FAA Part 107, and the O&M Tech course series.
• Pathways: A transparent Field Tech Development Pathway with defined advancement to Technician III, progression based on demonstrated capability, not tenure.
• Education: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 annually for approved educational programs.

Essential Functions
Safety & Leadership

• Promote and lead by example in establishing a culture of safety in all aspects of special project work.
• Safely perform approved hazardous electrical energy control procedures and select the exact PPE required for each task.
• Participate in and actively critique Pre-Job Briefs and Job Safety Analyses (JSA); utilize personal LOTO as a worker, or act as the work leader when approved.
• Identify, mitigate, and report hazardous situations immediately.

Special Projects Execution

• Assist in the planning and execution of special projects, ensuring strict adherence to project procedures and guidelines.
• Perform comprehensive visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections, testing, and advanced preventative maintenance of various commercial and industrial PV systems.
• Conduct advanced preventative maintenance tasks, including infrared thermography, insulation resistance testing, and I/V curve tracing.
• Conduct on-site work observation, inspections, and provide technical direction when required.
• Oversee and support subcontracted labor and junior technicians on-site to ensure work meets quality, performance, and safety standards.

Diagnostics & Project Support

• Use Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) to identify system performance issues and conduct in-depth system diagnostics.
• Independently diagnose and troubleshoot system and operational issues, operating safely in 600Vac and 1500Vdc environments without direct supervision.
• Support the Director, Special Projects in the tracking and communication of project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and the development of technically accurate client proposals.
• Provide input into project budgeting, track project-level expenditures, and communicate project risks with potential mitigation strategies.

Documentation & Reporting

• Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and nonconformances observed during site activities.
• Create and maintain detailed, accurate documentation of inspections, maintenance, and repairs with minimal oversight using the company's CMMS platform.
• Accurately document time, materials, and travel expenses associated with daily work.

Learning & Knowledge Sharing

• Stay abreast of industry best practices, safety updates, and emerging technologies.
• Share knowledge, technical expertise, and supportive guidance with junior technicians on-site.
• Contribute to improving the quality, clarity, and safety content of company training materials.

Qualifications

• Travel & Schedule (Core Requirement): 75% to 100% travel on short notice, including flexibility and willingness to work outside traditional business hours.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or certification in an electrical field highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 to 4 years of demonstrated experience working with electrical systems, with specific experience in solar O&M, installation, or commissioning.
• Technical Skills:
  • Demonstrated understanding of electrical systems, solar energy principles, grid-tied systems, power generation, and solar technologies.
  • Skilled with specialized electrical and PV-specific tools and testing equipment (e.g., I/V Curve Tracers, Meggers, and Isolation testers).
  • Ability to read, interpret, and work from PV system as-builts, electrical schematics, and single-line drawings.
• Certifications:
  • OSHA 10-Hour certification required (OSHA 30-Hour preferred).
  • NFPA 70e certification preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Certification (and familiarity operating drones for aerial thermographic purposes) is a plus.
  • NABCEP certification (PV Installer or PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist) is a plus.
• Requirements: Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate or ask for guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities with high attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive a vehicle confidently and with a high degree of safety.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk distances up to three miles a day.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps while maintaining three points of contact.
• Visual acuity for depth perception, full field of vision, and the ability to differentiate colors.
• Comfortable working in a variety of extreme climate conditions (above 100°F or below 32°F) for extended periods.
• Capable of exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.
The expected annual compensation range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000, encompassing base pay and potential incentive target opportunity. This range is a good faith estimate based on the position's requirements. Specific compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary depending on factors such as relevant knowledge, skills, training, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, this position may qualify for a comprehensive benefits package, including Retirement Benefits, Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences, and more.
About Us:
At New Energy Equity, a proud subsidiary of ALLETE, we're leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape with innovative solar solutions . As a top player in the renewable energy sector, we've successfully developed over 600MW of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments . Our projects deliver sustainable electricity to a wide range of clients, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers . But there's more to us than just impressive numbers. We pride ourselves on a dynamic and engaging work environment where teamwork, continuous learning, and environmental stewardship are at the core of what we do . Our inclusive and collaborative culture encourages creativity and innovation, making our office a place where every idea is valued, and growth is a priority . At New Energy Equity, you'll join a passionate team that not only drives the clean energy future but also enjoys celebrating our successes together . With over 250 projects across the U.S. , our supportive atmosphere ensures a balanced work-life dynamic ⚖ and a fun, fulfilling career path . Join us and be part of a forward-thinking company where your contributions are celebrated, and your professional development is supported as we work towards a brighter, sustainable future .
The statements above outline the essential functions, nature, and level of work expected as of the document's preparation date. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties and responsibilities. New Energy Equity reserves the right to modify this job description at any time, without notice.
New Energy Equity is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR department at amekonnen@newenergyequity.com