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Solar Operation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Service Coordinator

Murrieta, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Overview We are seeking a proactive and organized Solar Service Coordinator to manage service ... Work closely with Billing, Collections, and Operations teams * Review service reports, photos, and ...

Technician 2, Solar

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$39 - $45/hr

Technician 2, Solar Location: Bakersfield, CA Department: Operations About Us TerraForm Power is a ... Our experienced team manages every aspect of our operations - from power generation and asset ...

Operations Excellence Manager

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Operations Excellence Manager Magenta Solar, LLC. is a solar and energy company that strives to grow our solar installation projects and build customer rapport. We strive to help to combat climate ...

Coordinate with installation and operations teams to ensure smooth project completion * Maintain ... Sales/ account management experience preferred * Spanish is a plus * Willingness to commute all ...

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Solar Operation Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do solar operation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar operation manager in California is $62,625.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar operation manager do?

A Solar Operation Manager oversees the daily operations and maintenance of solar power plants or facilities. Their responsibilities include ensuring optimal performance of solar equipment, managing maintenance schedules, supervising technical staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. They also analyze system data to maximize energy production and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Effective Solar Operation Managers play a key role in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and profitability of solar energy assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solar operation manager?

To thrive as a Solar Operation Manager, you need a solid understanding of solar energy systems, project management experience, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and industry certifications like NABCEP are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, regulatory compliance, and the long-term success of solar projects.

What are some common challenges faced by solar operation managers, and how can they be addressed?

Solar Operation Managers often face challenges such as maintaining optimal plant performance, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and managing unexpected equipment failures. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective preventive maintenance schedules, and close collaboration with engineering and technical teams. Keeping up-to-date with industry best practices and investing in staff training can also help managers mitigate these issues and ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Solar Operation Manager vs Solar Maintenance Technician?

AspectSolar Operation ManagerSolar Maintenance Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related field; certifications like NABCEP are commonUsually requires technical certifications in solar system installation and maintenance; relevant experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees operations, manages teams, and coordinates projects; office and site visitsPerforms hands-on maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on solar systems at various sites
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by solar companies, utilities, or project developers; focuses on operational efficiencyEmployed by solar installation companies or maintenance firms; focuses on system upkeep and repairs

The Solar Operation Manager focuses on overseeing solar projects, managing teams, and ensuring operational efficiency, while the Solar Maintenance Technician handles the hands-on maintenance and repair of solar systems. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Operation Manager jobs in California?

For Solar Operation Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Solar Operation Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Solar Operation Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Solar Operation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar Operation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Solar Operation Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Solar Operations and Maintenance Manager

Petaluma, CA โ€ข On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Solar Operations and Maintenance Manager

Simply Solar Petaluma, California, United States

About this position

When you join the Simply Solar team, you join an amazing culture of people who care deeply about the work they do. You join an organization committed to empowering people to make positive, measurable changes in their personal lives and our communities.

We also offer competitive pay with excellent benefits, company trips/events, PTO, 401K, and more. Plus, weโ€™re pet-friendly!

Join our team, and do work that matters!

Simply Solar has over a decade of experience designing, building, and maintaining solar systems across California. We are expanding our service and maintenance division to deliver even more value to our customers and partners.

We're looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Operations & Maintenance Manager with technical solar experience to join our team. In this role, you'll serve as the key connection between our customers, field technicians, and manufacturers. Successful candidates will oversee the lifecycle of service requests, troubleshooting, quoting, scheduling, and follow-up. This is a great opportunity to help build out a fast-growing department and collaborate directly with our executive team to develop processes that deliver outstanding service and support.

General Responsibilities:
  • Ensure solar systems are functioning and maintained as intended.
  • Coordinate and carry out pre-energization, commissioning, warranty repairs, and oversee technical and field support.
  • Foster a positive company image through service quality, professionalism, and a sense of urgency.
  • Recruit, train, and oversee departmental staff.
  • Provide helpful and timely performance evaluations.
  • Develop, implement, and carry out policies and procedures to ensure quality post-installation customer service.
  • Set service standards and requirements for the department.
  • Develop and implement methods to track, evaluate, and analyze client feedback.
  • Develop and implement training and quality assurance programs for the Client Service team.
  • Identify and recommend upgrades to technology and equipment that could improve customer service and retention.
Daily Duties:
  • Manage the department's daily workflow, including scheduling and dispatching maintenance crew members.
  • Provide leadership to the Client Services Administrator and Maintenance crew members.
  • Serve as a liaison between the Client Service Department and other divisions within the company.
  • Maintain the work schedule and three-week look-ahead, providing regular job status reports to the Director of Operations.
  • Coordinate and/or respond to service calls as dispatched.
  • Diagnose issues in photovoltaic inverters and monitoring systems.
  • Review project plans, specifications, and installation instructions to confirm the project is built according to approved design and specifications.
  • Coordinate additional field support as needed.
  • Track case progress and log communications with clients and manufacturers in the CRM.
  • Work with OEMs to determine warranty status of installed equipment.
  • Complete Service Work Orders to track travel, labor time, and materials used.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
  • Solid understanding of grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid PV system design and installation, commissioning procedures, shutdown/LOTO procedures, programming, troubleshooting, monitoring, and repair.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and keen attention to detail.
  • Strong critical thinking and organizational abilities.
  • At least 1 year of experience in the solar industry.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field preferred.
  • Knowledge of industrial communications and networking, including wired and wireless networks and system topologies.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient with Google Suite, Salesforce, and related software.
  • This role is based in a professional office environment, routinely using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.
  • Must be able to sit or stand in a stationary position while operating a computer for extended periods.
  • Must be able to transport materials and equipment needed to complete assigned tasks: up to 50 pounds individually, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
Compensation:
  • $65,000 - $75,000 / year DOE
  • Full medical/dental/vision benefits + 401k
The pay range for this role is:

65,000 - 75,000 USD per year(Petaluma Office)

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