Overview
Site Technician for utility-scale solar installations. Role involves the operation, maintenance, and performance optimisation of large-scale solar photovoltaic power plants. Core duties include inspecting solar panels, conducting performance tests, troubleshooting and repairing electrical and mechanical faults, and replacing faulty or outdated components. Technicians monitor system performance to maximise output and energy production targets. They may also maintain records of maintenance activities and repairs and ensure compliance with safety protocols and site health and safety regulations. Responsibilities can include supervising contractors on-site, coordinating with other trades, and sometimes training junior staff or clients on system operation and maintenance procedures. Roles may also involve site appearance management, landscaping, and ensuring readiness and accountability of tools and equipment. New entrants are welcome.
Responsibilities
* Health and Safety: Understand and identify risks at site, follow company and site-specific risk assessment and method statements/statement of works, be aware of health and safety issues and report on-site concerns to relevant managers. Ensure tasks are performed in line with industry best practice and all relevant laws and regulations.
* Maintenance Activities: Perform scheduled maintenance and corrective maintenance works for solar plants to ensure ongoing operation.
* Site Responsibility: Take primary on-site responsibility for plant performance, work quality, site security and appearance, including electrical systems, basic landscaping and other elements. Ensure third-party visitors are inducted and safe at all times.
* Coordination: Maintain regular contact with planners, managers and supervisors to coordinate site works effectively and seek guidance as needed.
* Collaboration: Work with other site technicians to resolve tasks and provide necessary information to planners, managers and supervisors in a professional, complete and timely manner.
* Liaison: Coordinate with internal and external teams (e.g., LV/HV, ground maintenance), sub-contractors and other third parties as directed.
* Training and Development: Undertake required training and development opportunities professionally and diligently.
* Travel: Must be able to travel to site as required with all necessary tools and equipment.
Skills and Experience
* Experience of installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ideally at utility-scale level
* Experience of network diagnostics and remote communications
* Familiarity with earthing systems including measuring and monitoring relays
* Understanding of central/string inverters
* Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft applications (including Excel) and performance monitoring software
* Knowledge of power electronics and circuitry, power generation technologies and equipment
* Understanding of CCTV systems
* Commitment to continuing professional development
Qualifications
Essential:
* Level 3 Award in an Electrical, Mechanical or Engineering discipline, including AM2 end-point assessment
* Level 3 BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations (current edition)
* Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation, or equivalent
* Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Gold Card
Desirable:
* Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations
* Qualifications or training in relevant solar PV inverter technologies
* IOSH or NEBOSH certification
Details of industry recognised qualifications, including equivalents in devolved nations, can be found in the EAS Qualifications Guide
New Entrants
Typically, new entrants will require GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English and completion of a recognised apprenticeship (or vocational training programme).
Experienced
The typical pathway for an experienced electrician to become a utility-scale site technician is to achieve a relevant level 3 qualification. Minimum entry requirements include a UK driving licence, UK electrician's certification (e.g. Level 3 NVQ Award in the Requirements for electrical installation BS7671), and ECS Gold Card. Employers may require PV inverter technology training; NEBOSH or IOSH certification may be preferred.
Benefits
In addition to salary, benefits may include a company vehicle, overtime, performance bonuses, holiday allowance and support with further skills development.
Location and Application
Blaenavon, Wales, United Kingdom; other locations in Wales and England cited. Referrals may increase interview opportunities. For more information about careers in Solar Energy, visit solarcareersuk.org. Stay connected with Solar Careers UK on LinkedIn.
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