Solar Service Technician

Job DescriptionJob Description

The Solar Service Technician - Commercial, is responsible for ensuring operational excellence within the maintenance and commissioning (Cx) aspects of the solar industry through a focus on troubleshooting, diagnosing, and maintaining a variety of PV and Solar Thermal systems. This position requires living in the SF Bay Area/Northern CA.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Troubleshoot PV and Solar Thermal system communication and performance issues. Locate / isolate faults and implement code compliant fixes in the field in a safe / efficient manner.
• Document results and provide a technical report and concise descriptions of any quality issues, including those which have noted deficiencies requiring corrective action.
• Inspect properties and materials for compliance with plans, specifications, and manufacturers’ requirements.
• Perform training education program by rolling out our training program to different customer groups, such as PV asset owner, EPC teams, and/or installers.
• Demonstrate understanding of and ability to follow operating, switching, maintenance, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Working knowledge of industrial or power facility operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of local and national electrical and/or plumbing codes.
• Provide feedback to sales/design/install teams for best practice improvement.
• Coordinate warranty RMA process.
• Commission PV systems to include testing such as IR scans, IV curve trace, torque checks, and visual inspections.
• Conduct corrective maintenance – solar panel replacement, inverter replacement, and communication problems.
• In-depth experience testing and troubleshooting standard building voltage up to the Utility meter level or interconnection point, including transformers (potential & current), breakers, relays, contactors, motors, and inverters.

 

TEAM BUILDING & CULTURE

• Embody and promote the Cal Solar core values and demonstrate those values in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster open communication, team building, and sharing of best practices amongst all employees, to help create a continuous learning environment that drives team knowledge & preparedness.
• Encourage employees to take an active role and be accountable for their career growth.

• Continually evaluate Cx and O&M processes, finding new means and methods (out-of-the-box thinking) & share best practices to help increase safety, profitability, quality, efficiency, etc. that can be captured within Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Support the Field Training Manager by rigorously promoting high-quality standards that are consistently utilized by all, while also proactively working to help refine/improve these standards.
• Support efforts to recruit and hire field employees that fit our core values and safety/quality culture.
• Champion Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Programs.

 

TECHNICIAN LEVELS:

TECH LEVEL 4: Requires a technician with an expert level understanding, experience, and proficiency with PV and Solar Thermal systems.

• Ability to meet and exceed all requirements of Tech Level 3.
• Highly Proficient in 2 or more Manufacturers (i.e. SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, Yotta, CPS, etc.).
• Ability to commission and troubleshoot multiple Solar Thermal & PV systems.
• Master of AC/DC as it relates to troubleshooting.
• OSHA 30 Certification, NFPA70 (Arc Flash).
• Advanced experience in reading and understanding plans, manuals and documents.
• Strong knowledge of Building, Electrical, and Plumbing Code as it relates to PV and Thermal systems.
• Proficient in Google Applications Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.) and PDF/Bluebeam, Miter, and Raken Pro.
• Capable of working in an office setting, communicating with manufacturers, clients and internal Cal Solar staff.
• Inspect properties and materials for compliance with plans, specifications, & manufacturers’ and/or AHJ requirements.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose any system with site specific visits or via the multiple monitoring platforms currently utilized, and train field or office staff on these platforms.

 

TECH LEVEL 5: Requires a technician with an expert level understanding, experience, and highly proficiency with PV and Solar Thermal systems.

• Ability to meet and exceed all requirements of Tech Level 4.
• Expert knowledge in 3 or more Manufacturers (i.e. SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, Yotta, CPS, Fronius, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple Service projects simultaneously while completing day to day tasks.
• Master of AC/DC in all aspects.
• OSHA 30 Certification, NFPA70 (Arc Flash), and possibly NABCEP or JW.
• Superior experience in reading and understanding plans, manuals, & documents. Ability to quickly recognize differences or deviations of an installed system compared to the contract documents.
• Expert in Building, Electrical, and Plumbing Code as it relates to PV and Thermal systems.
• Strong knowledge / expertise in Google Applications Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.) and PDF/Bluebeam, Miter, and Raken Pro.
• Adept at working in an office setting, communicating with manufacturers, clients and internal Cal Solar staff.

 

Key Qualifications & Required Skills/Abilities

• Four-year college degree and/or equivalent work experience (preferred).
• OSHA-30 certification (preferred) and a strong safety background with experience in Lockout Tag Out & Job Hazard Analysis.
• Field experience in construction, Cx, operations, and maintenance of commercial, industrial, & utility solar construction projects.

• Experienced in Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) throughout PV project life cycle.
• Extensive technical knowledge of at least 3 different inverter manufacturers.

• Strong understanding of the NEC (wire sizing, equipment ratings, installation requirements, theory, etc.), NFPA 70E electrical safety guidelines, and plumbing code, with ability to reference these codes as required.

• Working knowledge of Uniform Building Code (UBC) and building materials/techniques.
• Strong understanding of grid-tied PV, solar domestic hot water, piping systems, pumped fluid circuits, and closed-loop heating systems.
• Ability to read, understand, problem-solve, implement site-redesign, and mark-up (redline) electrical, plumbing, and structural plans.
• Experience working directly with city/county permitting offices and inspectors.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to write technical reports & communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Possess a positive attitude, ability to work independently, show initiative, and operate with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent time management skills - ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, delegate, and support multiple projects in various stages of construction.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train, motivate, and hold others accountable.

• Punctual and able to attend regular team meetings and arrive at the job site on time.

• Experience with Google Applications Suite (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.), PDF/Bluebeam, Miter, and Raken.

• Ability to use fieldwork software technology tools and navigate numerous computer applications and technology independently.

• Must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle record check. Valid California Driver’s License is required.

• Ability to work inside tight spaces, as well as outside, on various roof surfaces, and in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to safely lift and carry 50+ pounds to chest height.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to work extended hours required for optimal/efficient execution daily.
• Able to travel at least 50% of the time within the state of CA.

 

About Cal Solar, Inc.:

 

Passionate About Renewable Energy? Then we’re looking for you

 

For more than 10 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar Inc.) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.

 

We are always seeking talented individuals Join a focused and motivated team. Cal Solar Inc is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) committed to a culture based on respect and performance.

 

Cal Solar, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

 

The starting hourly base pay for this role is between USD $50.00 to $60.00/Hr. The actual base is dependent upon many factors, such as: location, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

 

Benefits:

Competitive salaries, Health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k) plan with 6% match, Paid holidays, and Flexible PTO.

Company DescriptionFor more than 14 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar Inc) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.Company DescriptionFor more than 14 years, California Solar Integrators, Inc. (Cal Solar Inc) has developed multi-family and commercial solar projects throughout California. Our systems reliably deliver low-cost solar energy to businesses and multi-family housing communities. We are revitalizing the solar industry with the help of Utility Incentive Programs as well as supporting the state and federal legislative push towards renewable energy. Our experienced sales and estimating teams, engineers and installers, combined with our post-installation system support, provide complete turn-key solutions for new construction and retrofit properties. Service streams include Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Hot Water, EV Chargers, and Energy Storage.

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