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Solar Operation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Solar Service Coordinator

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 · 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 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 ...

Solar Carport Foreman

Escalon, CA · On-site

$45 - $65/hr

The Full Scope Solar Foreman will communicate with Superintendents, Engineers, Construction, Project and Operations Managers. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Works under direction of the Transform Energy ...

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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 Aug 20, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Solar Operations Technician - Henrietta Solar Project

Southern Company

Lemoore, CA • On-site

$51.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Solar Operations Technician - Henrietta Solar Project

JOB SUMMARY 

Looking for a new challenge? Join the growing solar industry as a Solar Operations Technician at the Henrietta Solar Project near Lemoore, CA. The project is located on approximately 670 acres in Kings County, California and produces 100 megawatts of electricity.

The responsibilities include operating and maintaining utility scale solar photovoltaic electric systems as well as monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing the plant's electrical and mechanical equipment and various other duties, including supporting other remote solar sites. In addition, the successful candidates will maintain plant maintenance records in the computer-based work order system, Maximo, and participate in the plant system owner program. The candidate will need to have the willingness to serve on any Operations Review Board (ORB) action teams when required. Shift work required, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Pursuant to California law, the reasonable wage expectation for this position is $ 35.58/hr - $51.13/hr. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

Education:

  • HS Graduate or Equivalent 
  • 2-year College/Technical Degree or equivalent relevant work experience required 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Electrical background is highly preferred 
  • Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical equipment are required 
  • Solar Utility Scale Inverter maintenance experience preferred (i.e. Advanced Energy, TMEIC, SMA, Power Electronics)
  • Strong technical background in electrical and electronic devices and equipment 
  • Instrumentation experience is a plus; Photovoltaic and experience with inverters or variable speed drives is desired 
  • Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with little to no direction as well as possess an ability to follow directions when required
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 
  • Ability to apply principle of logical thinking and deal with situations that will be encountered
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are required
  • Must be able to learn how to independently operate a solar plant and communicate effectively with plant stakeholders
  • Ability to perform physically demanding activities (i.e. climbing stairs and ladders, lifting heavy equipment) while working safely in all types of weather
  • Must be able to pass POET (Post Offer Employment Test) physical examination test
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment skills testing: TECH - Technician Occupations

Other Attributes:

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills; effective collaboration within a team
  • Capability to manage complex and high-pressure situations, with adaptability to changing work conditions
  • Availability for a 24/7 schedule, which may include holiday and night shifts as required

Demonstrate "Our Values":

  • Safety First - We actively care about the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities. Safely approaching every job, every day, always comes first.
  • Intentional Inclusion - We are One Team, working to foster a culture of belonging and ensuring our diverse team feels valued. Investing in an equitable culture benefits employees, customers, communities and shareholders.
  • Act with Integrity - We act with honesty, respect and fairness, demonstrating trustworthiness in all we do. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.
  • Superior Performance - We keep customers at the center of everything we do, with a focus on continuous improvement. We provide exceptional service, delivering innovative solutions that benefit our customers, communities, investors and the environment.

Practice Test 

Many of our tests have practice tests available; there is one available for the TECH test. 

Logon to: https://eeitests.org/onlineproducts/signin?token=233343b7b6244a829f2ee2fb914fa848

Practice tests: TECH - Technician Occupations 

Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other energy customers. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own 55 facilities operating or under construction in 14 states with more than 12,500 MW of generating capacity in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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