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Solar Project Development Manager Jobs in California

LA Solar Group

Solar Project Manager

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Job Summary LA Solar Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Solar Project Manager ... Professional Development - Training, certifications, and growth into senior roles * Team ...

Simply Solar

Solar Project Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

Solar Project Manager Simply Solar Petaluma, California, United States About this position When you ... Opportunities for professional growth and development * Empowering our communities with renewable ...

LA Solar Group

Solar Project Manager

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

Job Summary LA Solar Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Solar Project Manager ... Professional Development - Training, certifications, and growth into senior roles * Team ...

Simply Solar

Solar Project Manager

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and development * Empowering our communities with renewable ... What you'll be doing Our Project Managers are the driving force behind our solar and energy storage ...

Simply Solar

Solar Project Manager

Petaluma, CA · Hybrid

$30 - $36/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and development * Empowering our communities with renewable ... What you'll be doing Our Project Managers are the driving force behind our solar and energy storage ...

Peak Energy

Project Development Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

... development (solar, wind, or storage). * Demonstrated track record advancing projects from site ... Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Peak Energy

Project Development Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

... development (solar, wind, or storage). * Demonstrated track record advancing projects from site ... Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Simply Solar

Solar Project Coordinator

Petaluma, CA · Hybrid

$30 - $35/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and development * Empowering our communities with renewable ... What you'll be doing Our Project Coordinators manage our solar and energy storage projects from ...

Simply Solar

Solar Project Coordinator

Petaluma, CA · Hybrid

$30 - $35/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and development * Empowering our communities with renewable ... What you'll be doing Our Project Coordinators manage our solar and energy storage projects from ...

I-Grace

Project Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW The Project Development Manager is a senior client-facing role based in our Los Angeles office, within I-Grace's Project Development Team, reporting to the Senior Vice President ...

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Solar Project Development Manager information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$93.3K

$140.1K

How much do solar project development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development manager in California is $93,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a solar project development manager do?

A Solar Project Development Manager oversees the planning, development, and execution of solar energy projects from inception to completion. Their responsibilities include site selection, permitting, securing financing, managing stakeholder relationships, and coordinating with engineering and construction teams. They ensure projects comply with regulatory requirements, stay within budget, and meet deadlines. This role requires strong project management skills and a deep understanding of the solar energy industry.

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

To thrive as a Solar Project Development Manager, you need expertise in renewable energy project management, financial analysis, site assessment, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), GIS tools, permitting systems, and knowledge of energy market regulations is highly valuable. Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully guiding complex solar projects from inception to completion, ensuring regulatory adherence, profitability, and stakeholder satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by solar project development managers during the permitting and approval process?

Solar Project Development Managers often encounter challenges navigating complex permitting and regulatory requirements, which can vary significantly by region. Coordinating with local authorities, addressing environmental impact concerns, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws can lead to project delays. Proactively building relationships with stakeholders and staying up-to-date with evolving regulations are crucial for success in this role. Effective communication and negotiation skills help streamline approvals and keep projects on track.

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

AspectSolar Project Development ManagerSolar Project Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related fields; project management certifications are commonUsually holds an engineering degree; may have specific technical certifications in solar or electrical engineering
Work EnvironmentFocuses on project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overseeing development phasesEngages in technical design, system analysis, and engineering implementation
Industry UsageUsed in project planning, development, and management within solar companies and EPC firmsFound in technical design, system integration, and engineering teams in solar projects

The Solar Project Development Manager primarily handles project planning, stakeholder coordination, and overall development, while the Solar Project Engineer focuses on technical design and engineering aspects. Both roles require relevant technical credentials and work closely within the solar project lifecycle, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What cities in California are hiring for Solar Project Development Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Solar Project Development Manager job openings:

Solar Project Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Solar Project Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,303 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Utility Scale Solar - Business Development Manager

Corona, CA

baker
See more jobs at bakerexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY: The Business Development Manager – Substations / Utility Scale Solar is responsible for driving strategic growth for Baker Electric across three core markets: substation construction, full-scope EPC solar services for developers, and Balance of System solar services for existing and prospective EPC partners. This role will build and manage a qualified opportunity pipeline, strengthen relationships with utilities, developers, owners, and EPC firms / BOS opportunities, and position Baker Electric as a trusted partner from early-stage pursuit through contract award. The Business Development Manager will work closely with estimating, preconstruction, engineering, operations, and leadership to identify opportunities, shape competitive solutions, and secure profitable work aligned with the company’s growth objectives.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop and execute a business development strategy centered on substation construction, EPC solar services for developers, and BOS solar services for EPC partners.
  • Identify, qualify, and pursue substation opportunities with utilities, developers, owners, engineering firms, and other strategic partners.
  • Originate full-scope EPC solar opportunities with developers and position Baker Electric’s engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project execution capabilities.
  • Expand the BOS solar portfolio by growing work with existing EPC clients and identifying additional EPC firms with needs aligned to Baker Electric’s construction capabilities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with utility representatives, solar developers, owners, engineering partners, and EPC decision-makers to create repeat and negotiated opportunities.
  • Maintain a disciplined pipeline of target accounts and projects, including pursuit stage, probability, anticipated award date, revenue potential, next actions, and internal support required.
  • Lead opportunity qualification and go/no-go discussions by evaluating strategic fit, client relationship, scope, schedule, risk, competition, and profitability.
  • Partner with estimating, preconstruction, engineering, procurement, operations, finance, and legal teams to develop competitive proposals, execution strategies, schedules, and commercial terms.
  • Lead client-facing pursuit activities, including discovery meetings, capability presentations, proposal reviews, negotiations, and handoff to project delivery teams.
  • Monitor substation and utility-scale solar market activity, including developer pipelines, EPC capacity needs, utility interconnection requirements, procurement constraints, and competitor positioning.
  • Provide regular pipeline forecasts and market updates to leadership and meet or exceed OG 10 targets for qualified opportunities, awards, revenue, and profitable backlog across the three focus areas.

 

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent relevant industry experience may be considered.
  • 5+ years of business development, sales, preconstruction, estimating, or project development experience in substations, utility-scale solar, EPC, or BOS construction.
  • Proven success developing client relationships, building qualified pipelines, and securing profitable construction or EPC work.
  • Working knowledge of substation construction, solar project development, EPC delivery models, BOS scopes, procurement strategy, constructability, commissioning, and utility interconnection requirements.
  • Established relationships with utilities, solar developers, owners, or EPC firms are strongly preferred.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM tools (Salesforce, etc.).

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