Solar PV & BESS Solutions Engineer (Commercial & Industrial / Utility Scale)

Key Responsibilities

1. System Design & Simulation

• Yield Modelling: Generate high-accuracy solar energy yield predictions and battery degradation models using industry software (PVSyst, Helioscope, PVSol).
• BESS Integration: Architect containerized and modular Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for load shifting, peak shaving, and backup power applications.
• Component Specification: Evaluate, select, and specify Tier-1 PV modules, string/central inverters, battery cells, energy management systems (EMS), and mounting structures.

2. Electrical Engineering & Compliance

• Line Diagrams: Draft comprehensive AC/DC single-line diagrams (SLDs), three-line diagrams, and plant layouts in AutoCAD.
• Grid Code Compliance: Ensure all technical designs strictly conform to the South African Grid Code, NRS 097-2-1 (embedded generation), and SANS 10142-1 standards.
• Protection & Controls: Coordinate protection settings, select switchgear, and design low-voltage (LV) to medium-voltage (MV) substation integration footprints.

3. Commercial Support & Feasibility

• Load Profile Analysis: Analyze raw municipal and Eskom billing data (half-hourly interval data) to map customer consumption profiles against generated solar baseloads.
• Financial Inputs: Provide accurate Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and costing estimates to the commercial team for project return-on-investment (ROI) calculations.
• Technical Proposals: Draft detailed technical schedules and engineering reports for corporate tender submissions and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) proposals.
• Degree: BEng, BSc, or BTech in Electrical Engineering from a recognized South African university.
• Registration: ECSA registration as a Candidate Engineer is required; Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or Professional Technologist (Pr. Tech) status is highly advantageous.
• Certifications: SAPVIA PV GreenCard certification or specialized BESS design credentials are a major plus.

Professional Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of active, hands-on engineering design experience specifically within the South African solar PV sector.
• Project Portfolio: Proven track record of successfully designing and commissioning at least two rooftop or ground-mount C&I projects exceeding 500 kWp, with integrated battery storage.

Technical Skills & Software Proficiencies

• Core Software: Advanced proficiency in PVSyst, AutoCAD, and Helioscope.
• Financial/Analytical Tools: Mastery of Microsoft Excel for advanced data processing; experience with HOMER Pro or DigSILENT is beneficial.
• System Knowledge: Deep understanding of LV/MV electrical infrastructure, transformer selection, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network interfaces.