PV SOLAR TECHNICIAN (OIL and GAS EXPERIENCE)

Position: PV Solar Technician / O&M Technician
Department: Operations & Maintenance (Renewable Energy)
Experience Required: 3+ years in PV solar plant O&M
Certifications Preferred: NFPA 70E, OSHA 30, NABCEP PV Associate/Technician
Location: [Site/Project Based]
Reporting To: O&M Manager or Site Supervisor

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and skilled PV Solar Technician specializing in Operations & Maintenance to ensure the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of our photovoltaic solar power plants. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs of both DC and AC sides of utility-scale or commercial PV systems. You will play a key role in maximizing plant availability and energy output while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations Monitoring & Performance Analysis

• Monitor SCADA systems and plant performance data to identify underperforming strings, inverters, or combiner boxes.
• Analyze energy production reports and performance ratios (PR) to detect anomalies and efficiency losses.
• Conduct thermal imaging (IR) inspections using drones or handheld cameras to identify hot spots, faulty connections, or module defects.
• Perform I-V curve tracing and power quality measurements to diagnose array performance issues.

2. Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) tasks per OEM guidelines and plant O&M manuals.
• Inspect and maintain:
• PV modules, mounting structures, and tracking systems (if applicable).
• Combiner boxes, DC disconnects, and wiring.
• Inverters (central, string, or micro), transformers, and MV/HV equipment.
• AC switchgear, protection relays, and grid connection points.
• Replace faulty components such as fuses, breakers, contactors, fans, and communication cards.
• Clean PV arrays using appropriate methods (manual, robotic, or water-efficient systems).

3. Troubleshooting & Repairs

• Diagnose and rectify faults in DC/AC circuits, grounding systems, and communication networks (RS485, Ethernet, fiber).
• Troubleshoot inverter alarms, grid faults, and monitoring system failures.
• Repair or replace damaged modules, junction boxes, and cabling.
• Coordinate with grid operators for outage management and re-energization protocols.

4. Safety & Compliance

• Strictly adhere to LOTO (Lockout-Tagout), arc-flash safety, and confined space entry procedures.
• Follow PPE requirements and site-specific safety protocols.
• Maintain compliance with NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and local electrical codes.
• Ensure environmental compliance (e.g., stormwater management, vegetation control).

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Log all maintenance activities, findings, and corrective actions in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Update as-built drawings, single-line diagrams, and equipment records.
• Generate daily work reports, incident reports, and RCA (Root Cause Analysis) for major failures.
• Manage spare parts inventory and submit procurement requests.

Qualifications & Requirements

Mandatory:

• Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in O&M of grid-connected PV solar plants (utility-scale >1MW or commercial rooftop systems).
• Strong electrical knowledge with experience in:
• DC systems up to 1500V.
• Inverter and transformer maintenance.
• AC systems up to 35kV (MV experience is a plus).
• Proficiency with electrical testing equipment: multimeters, megohmmeters, clamp meters, IR cameras, and I-V tracers.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, SLDs, and site plans.
• Physically capable of working at heights, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 25kg.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to remote sites.

Preferred:

• NABCEP PV Installation Professional or O&M Specialist certification.
• NFPA 70E and OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with:
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Solar tracking systems.
• Drone-based thermographic inspections.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems (e.g., AlsoEnergy, PowerFactors, METSCO).
• Familiarity with medium-voltage switching and substation equipment.
• Experience in the GCC region, understanding of local regulations and desert environment challenges.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good communication skills for reporting and coordination.
• Safety-first mindset and proactive attitude.

Working Conditions

• Location: Primarily field-based at solar plant sites.
• Schedule: Full-time, may include weekends, on-call rotations, or overtime during peak maintenance periods.
• Environment: Outdoor work in various weather conditions (extreme heat, dust, etc.). Requires working on rooftops, elevated platforms, and in electrical rooms.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with overtime opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vehicle or transportation allowance.
• Per diem for travel assignments.
• Continuous training and certification support.
• Career growth opportunities in the fast-growing renewable energy sector.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent