Solution Architect – Solar PV & Battery Energy Storage

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Title / Role: Solution Architect – Solar PV & Battery Energy Storage Location: Sandton Vacancy: Permanent | Probation period applies | Salary range: To be confirmed Seniority: Senior / Specialist Overview: We are seeking an experienced Solar Solution Architect to lead technical scoping, engineering and end-to-end solution design for commercial and industrial solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) projects in South Africa. The role involves assessing complex energy needs, developing technically sound and commercially viable solutions, working with utility and grid-connection requirements, and supporting delivery through commissioning. Experience on Eskom-related projects is particularly important. Frequent travel to project sites is required. Responsibilities: • Design end-to-end commercial and industrial solar PV solutions, from approximately 100 kW to multi-MW scale, including integrated BESS and microgrid configurations. • Assess energy consumption and 30-minute interval load profiles to develop reliable solutions for backup power, peak shaving, load shifting and energy cost optimisation. • Conduct site audits, engineering walkthroughs and technical assessments of substations, distribution boards, rooftops and other installation infrastructure. • Prepare electrical layouts, system specifications, energy yield modelling, technical proposals, cost-benefit assessments and financial payback simulations. • Ensure designs align with applicable South African grid requirements and standards, including SANS 10142-1, NRS 097-2-1 and relevant utility interconnection rules. • Prepare and coordinate technical submissions for municipal SSEG, Eskom grid connection and applicable NERSA registration or licensing processes. • Provide technical guidance to project managers, installation teams, engineering partners and contractors through construction, testing, grid connection and commissioning. • Work with business development, procurement, engineering and client stakeholders to present practical and commercially viable technical solutions. Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy or a related engineering discipline. • At least 3–5 years of proven experience designing and implementing commercial and industrial solar PV and commercial or utility-scale BESS projects in South Africa. • Proven involvement in Eskom projects, grid connections or Eskom-facing engineering approvals; ability to describe the project scope and personal responsibilities. • Strong working knowledge of PVsyst, HelioScope, AutoCAD and HOMER Pro, particularly solar yield, layout and energy storage modelling. • Knowledge of Eskom tariffs, grid codes, municipal connection requirements and South African wheeling or net-metering frameworks. • Ability to conduct site assessments and translate technical findings into client-ready designs, reports and proposals. • Valid South African Code B driver’s licence and willingness to travel frequently to project sites. • Strong technical communication, problem-solving and cross-functional coordination skills. • ECSA registration (Pr.Eng/Pr.TechEng), SAPVIA PV GreenCard Trainer/Assessor or Certified Energy Manager qualification would be advantageous.