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Solar Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate combines expertise in product strategy, operational technology, and asset lifecycle management, with deep understanding of residential solar operations, installer ecosystems, and ...

The ideal candidate combines expertise in product strategy, operational technology, and asset lifecycle management, with deep understanding of residential solar operations, installer ecosystems, and ...

QSS Director, Product & Platform

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The ideal candidate combines expertise in product strategy, operational technology, and asset lifecycle management, with deep understanding of residential solar operations, installer ecosystems, and ...

Permit Coordinator

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

This position is essential to supporting the growth of our solar operations by maintaining accurate ... the direct manager's discretion in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Solar Field Manager

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$32 - $40/hr

... managing numerous installation teams to install all residential solar systems safely and ... day operations for project acceptance, installation, inspection, and homeowner satisfaction

Solar Field Manager

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$32 - $40/hr

... managing numerous installation teams to install all residential solar systems safely and ... day operations for project acceptance, installation, inspection, and homeowner satisfaction

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Showing results 1-20

Solar Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$62.6K

$116.9K

How much do solar operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar operations 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 are some typical challenges a Solar Operations Manager faces when overseeing multiple solar sites?

A Solar Operations Manager often contends with challenges such as coordinating maintenance schedules across geographically dispersed sites, managing real-time performance data, and responding promptly to system outages or technical issues. Balancing the demands of regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and cost efficiency is also crucial. To address these challenges, strong communication with technicians, clear documentation practices, and effective use of monitoring software are essential. Collaboration with engineering teams and external service providers further supports smooth operations and minimizes downtime.

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

A Solar Operations Manager needs expertise in solar energy systems, operations management, and a relevant engineering or technical degree. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance management software, and industry certifications like NABCEP is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential for managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient plant performance, safety compliance, and the successful delivery of renewable energy projects.

What does a Solar Operations Manager do?

A Solar Operations Manager oversees the daily operations and maintenance of solar energy facilities to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Their responsibilities include monitoring system output, managing maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating repairs or upgrades as needed. They also analyze performance data, prepare reports for stakeholders, and work to minimize downtime while maximizing the energy output of solar installations. This role requires a strong understanding of solar technology, project management skills, and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues quickly.

What is the difference between Solar Operations Manager vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectSolar Operations ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., NABCEP), experience in operationsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees daily operations, maintenance, and team managementDesign, planning, and technical analysis of solar projects
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, solar firms, project developersEngineering firms, project developers, EPC contractors
Search & Comparison IntentOperational roles, team management, maintenanceDesign, technical planning, project development

The Solar Operations Manager focuses on overseeing daily operations, maintenance, and team management within solar projects, ensuring smooth functioning. In contrast, the Solar Project Engineer concentrates on designing, planning, and technical aspects of solar projects during development. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different functions related to project lifecycle stages.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Operations Manager jobs in California? For Solar Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Solar Operations Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,625 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Journeyman Electrician - Bakersfield

Journeyman Electrician - Bakersfield

QE Solar

Bakersfield, CA โ€ข On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday


Job description

About QE Solar
We're making clean energy more efficient! For over a decade, the team at QE Solar has brought technical expertise, curiosity, and an investigative approach to the Solar Operations & Maintenance sector, maximizing asset uptime and return on investment while prioritizing safety. QE Solar manages well over 3GWs of PV/BESS projects and hundreds of employees, providing renewable assets owners the most reliable renewable asset service from coast-to-coast. QE Solar is known for an owner's mindset in delivering consistent quality and service to our clients with a sense of urgency because we know maintenance issues impact the bottom line.
As a Solar Electrician (Journeyman) you are responsible for providing hands-on technical expertise to multiple PV plant sites on a continual/on-demand basis in order to meet all project maintenance requirements and troubleshoot/repair/resolve equipment issues such as emergency repairs and provide O&M support. In this role you will be called upon for your specific electrical skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, battery storage (BESS) and other solar services. You will be responsible for conducting regular maintenance, equipment repairs/installations, and assistance with training/qualifying technicians as well as oversight and coordination of contractors/sub-contractors for field operations.
Essential Duties
Maintain, diagnose, and repair system failures on existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance in the future. Perform equipment assessments, diagnosis and modifications. Develop solutions to site operations issues and communicate with operations teams in executing such solutions. Diagnose/troubleshoot equipment failures and perform regular preventative maintenance on a variety of solar/electrical equipment. Qualifies equipment and systems for use or replacement, including warranty matters. Installs, removes, maintains and directs the maintenance of solar, BESS and other related electrical equipment.
Ensures a safe, event-free work environment through strict adherence to company and client protocols, safety procedures and regulations. Provides leadership, oversight and accountability in order to achieve desired safety results (e.g. lock-out/tag-out compliance, contractor and technical oversight, safety meeting attendance, recommending and authoring required changes in related policies or procedures and work practices).
Prepares and reviews service tickets and reports for site visits, emergency repairs, equipment modifications and equipment improvement investigations. Provides reports, written and oral communication in a timely and complete fashion.
Communicates with customers, engineers, technicians, project managers, client sub-contractors to ensure timely resolution to all required activities and maintenance requirements
Education & Certification Required:
  • CA Journeyman license required

Experience Required:
  • 1+ years of electrical experience with electrical license

Specialized or Technical Knowledge Licenses, Certifications Preferred:
  • Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers' certifications
  • Thermography certifications (Level 1)
  • IT/networking skills: familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
  • NABCEP PV Installer Certification
  • OSHA 30 Certification
  • Completion of NFPA 70E courses
  • CPR/First Aid

Functional Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Clear understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures; Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams as well as other construction/DAS/design drawings or permitting documentation

Company/Industry Related Knowledge:
  • Electric and related utilities and utility maintenance
  • Solar energy installation, maintenance, and optimization

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed primarily in field, construction, or industrial environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
This position requires:
  • Working in indoor and outdoor environments, including solar sites, construction sites, and industrial facilities, in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain, etc.)
  • Prolonged periods of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing on uneven terrain
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 50 pounds or more, with or without assistance
  • Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, testing equipment, and technical devices with precision
  • Ability to safely climb ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and near energized equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols
  • Visual acuity to read blueprints, schematics, and technical documents, and to identify potential hazards
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, harnesses, arc-flash protection, and other job-specific gear
  • Effective verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members, supervisors, and other trades in active work environments

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:
  • 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
  • Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
  • Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
  • Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
  • Learning & Development Opportunities
  • Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Workplace Type: On-site
Salary Range: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Bakersfield, CA United States
Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.
The pay range for this role is:
35 - 45 USD per hour (Bakersfield, California)