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Solar Project Development Manager Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Evs

Technical Civil Solar Project Manager

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$100K - $140K/yr

TECHNICAL CIVIL SOLAR PROJECT MANAGER Location: Eden Prairie, MN | Hybrid | Remote Schedule ... Strong understanding of civil land development engineering workflows, terminology, and project ...

Daikinapplied

Project Development Engineer

Osseo, MN · On-site

The Project Development Engineer will support the Turnkey acquisition process during concept ... Consult project management staff to outline work plans and delegate duties, responsibilities, and ...

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Solar Project Development Manager information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$44.9K

$98.7K

$148.2K

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for solar project development manager in Minneapolis, MN is $98,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $113,300.00 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Solar Project Development Manager, and why are they important?

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 cities near Minneapolis, MN are hiring for Solar Project Development Manager jobs? Cities near Minneapolis, MN 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 Minneapolis, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 54% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,682 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Project Development Manager

Apex Clean Energy

Lake Elmo, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
At the direction of the Regional Director of Development, the Development Manager will manage activities surrounding the procurement, management, and oversight of both external and internal resources required to develop utility-scale wind and/or solar energy projects. In this role, you must possess the experience and skills required to lead multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, preferably related to renewable energy projects. The position's work scope will encompass the entire life cycle of a project from early-stage development to construction.
Our ideal candidate will come into this role with a genuine passion for renewable energy, education in a related field, and at least 3 years of energy project development experience (preferably utility-scale project development experience). Our ideal candidate has a solid track record of exemplary teamwork and enjoys working on a dynamic and diverse cross-departmental team. You understand how to drive projects through key development milestones and can do so largely independently. You can interpret the technical intricacies, are proficient at negotiating contracts, and have no problem organizing, planning, and meeting deadlines for large multi-faceted projects. Our ideal candidate is a personable self-starter who loves to be involved in the project and field work, seizes the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, and thrives in an environment that requires flexibility and adaptation to constant change, shifting demands, and moving timelines.
In this role, you will lead community and client relationships throughout the development process, and you'll work together with our internal teams at every stage to help us successfully get our projects across the finish line. In addition to strategic project management and demonstrated technical acumen, the ideal candidate will have the ability to effectively communicate with a high level of precision and integrity to internal and external stakeholders presenting coherent arguments using facts and fact-based opinions following detailed research and analysis. The intended geographical region that this position will be developing projects includes Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and potentially the Southeast area.
Hours: Full Time
Department: Project Development
Travel: 40% to project sites (MI/IL/IN/Southeast)
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage and lead the development process of utility-scale wind and/or solar energy projects in the Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and potentially Southeast area of the United States
  • Represent Apex with federal, state and local officials, regulators, utilities, RTOs, and other stakeholders throughout the project development process
  • Oversee and manage state, federal, and local permitting efforts and approval processes for utility-scale electric generation projects
  • Manage the preparation and delivery of permitting documentation
  • Interpret technical engineering and environmental reports and studies to determine project impact and pertinence towards application requirements
  • Provide reports to management including updates on project status and changes to regulations
  • Manage project financial models, project design and generation interconnection activities
  • Lead landowner lease negotiations and relationships in projects involving large numbers of landowners
  • Help to coordinate the project interconnection process
  • Compilation and analysis of data for project stakeholders and partners
  • Organize and supervise project budget, schedule and proforma
  • Support the negotiation of power purchase and asset agreements
  • Develop and execute project marketing strategy in close collaboration with our Public Affairs Team
  • Oversee project consultants: environmental, engineering, transmission, etc.
  • Work cross-departmentally to maintain clear communication and smooth collaboration at all stages of the project development process
  • Travel to project site locations and attend stakeholder meetings

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Undergraduate degree in development related field with a strong academic record
  • 3+ years of development experience; direct utility-scale wind or solar development experience strongly preferred
  • Solid track record in project management and contract negotiations
  • Knowledge of commercial wind & energy storage markets
  • Understanding of renewable energy financing options and project financial models
  • Experience with county and state permitting processes. Experience in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and/or the Southeast preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and lead multi-disciplinary teams while earning buy-in from team members to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery of projects
  • Experience managing land agents or independent consultants
  • Strong organization skills and ability to handle time to meet frequently changing deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
  • Strong work ethic and ability to productively take ownership of projects while communicating collaboratively throughout the project's life cycle.
  • Adept at problem-solving
  • Articulate with the ability to lead and assist with management, client, and public presentations
  • Exceptional planning and organizational skills
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills
  • Strong passion for renewable energy.
  • Exemplary standards of safety, honor, ethics, quality, communication, and productivity.
  • Willing and able to travel up to 40% to the MI/IL/IN and Southeast region of the United States
  • Willing to work from our headquarters in Charlottesville, VA or satellite office in Lake Elmo, MN. Remote location will be considered for the right candidate.

BENEFITS
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Employer Match
  • 401(k) Pre-tax or Roth Deferrals
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Arrangements
  • Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Additional Term Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Holidays
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Progressive Parental Leave Plan
  • Milk Stork Travel Solution
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center - Corporate Discount
  • Company Paid Cell Phone
  • Company Paid Parking
  • United Van Lines - Relocation Discounts

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