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Solar Project Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qcells

Senior Counsel, M&A

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$190K - $220K/yr

Strong background in renewable energy (solar/storage) M&A work * Experience working for a renewable project development and finance business preferred * Experience with federal, state and/or ...

Qcells

Senior Counsel, M&A

Irvine, CA · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Strong background in renewable energy (solar/storage) M&A work * Experience working for a renewable project development and finance business preferred * Experience with federal, state and/or ...

TransGrid Energy

$125K - $155K/yr

Relevant work experience in the design and development of utility scale solar and battery storage ... Experience with Gantt charts (MS Project or equivalent) * Strong in Microsoft Office Suite

Planted Solar

Solution Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will own critical pieces of our early-stage project engineering and business development process and apply your knowledge of Planted's technology, the energy market, and solar development and ...

Planted Solar

Solution Engineer

Oakland, CA

You will own critical pieces of our early-stage project engineering and business development process and apply your knowledge of Planted's technology, the energy market, and solar development and ...

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Solar Project Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Solar Project Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Solar Project Development, you need a solid understanding of renewable energy technologies, project management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with solar design software (such as PVsyst or AutoCAD), permitting processes, and financial modeling tools is often required. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help professionals coordinate with stakeholders and navigate project challenges. These competencies ensure successful project execution, risk mitigation, and alignment with environmental and financial goals.

What are some common challenges faced during the early stages of solar project development?

In the early stages of solar project development, professionals often encounter challenges such as securing land rights, navigating complex permitting processes, and obtaining interconnection agreements with utility companies. Developers must also conduct thorough site assessments to ensure the location meets technical and environmental requirements. Proactively engaging with local stakeholders and regulatory agencies can help address these hurdles and keep the project timeline on track.

What is solar project development?

Solar project development is the process of planning, designing, financing, and constructing solar energy systems, such as solar farms or rooftop arrays. This role involves tasks like site selection, securing permits, arranging financing, coordinating with stakeholders, and overseeing installation and commissioning. Solar project developers work to ensure that projects are completed efficiently, comply with regulations, and deliver reliable, clean energy. They also often handle negotiations with landowners, utilities, and government agencies.

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

AspectSolar Project DevelopmentSolar Design Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications, engineering degreesEngineering degrees, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentField visits, client meetings, project planningDesign labs, software modeling, technical analysis
Employer & Industry UsageSolar developers, EPC firms, project ownersEngineering firms, solar equipment manufacturers
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on project execution and managementFocuses on technical design and system layout

Solar Project Development involves managing the entire project lifecycle, including site acquisition, permitting, and financing. In contrast, a Solar Design Engineer concentrates on creating technical system designs, layouts, and ensuring engineering standards. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Solar Project Development jobs in California? For Solar Project Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Solar Project Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Solar Project Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Solar Project Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Solar Project Development job openings:
Solar Project Development jobs near you
Development Manager - Project Development (West)

Development Manager - Project Development (West)

Luminant

Moss Landing, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader, take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

This role serves as Development Manager for power generation projects of various technologies - simple and combined cycle gas turbines, utility scale solar, and energy storage projects or other power development projects in the West and regulated power markets. The successful candidate will have lead responsibility for overseeing all project development activities through a transition to construction including supporting real estate negotiations, securing land use, special use and environmental permitting approvals, interfacing with Local and State officials, and overseeing and advancing projects through the interconnection process. Additionally, this role coordinates with internal teams and external consultants and stakeholders on interconnection, power marketing, engineering, legal, procurement, as needed to ensure effective execution of projects. The Development Manager will be responsible for managing schedule and budget and reporting to Vistra management.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities
Execute project development strategy in the region.
Accountable for all related aspects of project development for an assigned site, including, customer and utility relations, permitting, land acquisition, general stakeholder relations, project schedule, etc.
Work with origination team to cultivate customer relationships in the region and support offtake negotiations.
Support development of regional growth strategies.
Work closely with internal and external resources on project transactions.
Responsible for budget and driving profitability of utility-scale projects on assigned sites
Education, Experience, and Skill Requirements
5+ years project development experience. Experience in development in the West and regulated territories is strongly preferred
General business knowledge and acumen, with broad-based knowledge of the development processes
Strong written and oral communication; proven ability to negotiate and persuade others
Advanced Microsoft office capabilities (PowerPoint, Word and Excel)
Ability to work with and manage confidential information
Strong organizational, analytical, project, process, and budgeting skills
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience gained through college degree programs and/or certifications is applicable to above skills
Key Metrics
Develop and deliver commercial and utility scale power generation projects to successful close
Work with internal Construction and Operations teams on executing efficient "hand-offs" throughout the Development lifecycle

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Job Family

Corp Dev & Planning

Company

Vistra Corporate Services Company

Locations

Irving, TexasTexas
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations, Great People, Teamwork, Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you, then apply today!
If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries, please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment, including in selection for job opportunities, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, protected veteran status, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation, please email usatassistance@vistraenergy.comtomake a request.

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