Solar O&M Technician

Your responsibilities include promptly correcting site faults, diagnosing and repairing string faults, resolving DC cable issues, and fault-finding on communications boards and equipment. You'll also monitor and interpret data, work with various inverter types, and maintain our O&M vehicle. Maximizing the performance of the solar plant and working with grid-monitoring relays will be part of your role.

Requirements:

• Qualified electrician with solar PV experience or actively pursuing electrician qualification.
• Proficient in working with electrical systems and various forms of communications equipment (e.g., 3G routers, ethernet switches, data loggers, inverter managers).
• Familiarity with electronic equipment and common communications hardware used in the solar PV industry.
• Experience in using multimeters and solar string testers.
• At least 3 years of direct experience in the solar energy industry.
• Preferred: Valid Working at Heights certificate (training can be provided).
• Code B driving licence.
• Computer literate with proficiency in MS Office Suite and internet- and ethernet-based communications platforms. Competent in inverter software, able to research and upskill where necessary.
• Highly conscientious, attentive to detail, and proactive in problem-solving and process improvement.
• Self-motivated with a high level of initiative and ability to organise and work independently.

Typical Activities Include:

• Ensure efficient operation and optimal performance of solar PV assets by promptly correcting site faults.
• Diagnose and repair string faults on solar plants using string testers and Meteocontrol monitoring portal.
• Replace string home runs and resolve DC cable issues.
• Carry out detailed fault-finding on communications boards and equipment, identifying hazards, and faulty components and determining repair or replacement needs.
• Monitor and interpret data on 3G sim cards and inverter online portals.
• Understand inverter yield deviations, faults, and error codes.
• Safely and efficiently work with different types of inverters (SMA, Huawei, etc.), updating firmware (remotely or on-site) and downloading event logs.
• Replace faulty inverters and liaise with manufacturer support teams through to conclusion and resolution on site.
• Perform visual inspections, replace damaged solar panels, troubleshoot breakers, and work within electrical distribution boards.
• Troubleshoot and maximize the performance of the solar plant.
• Work with motor mechanisms on breakers and grid-monitoring relays.
• Maintain the Decentral O&M vehicle, including refueling and scheduled servicing.

Key Competencies:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to actively and skillfully conceptualise, apply, analyse, synthesize, and evaluate information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
• Project Management: Ability to manage the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure. This involves defining the project scope, objectives, and deliverables, developing, and managing the project schedule, budget, and resources, identifying, and mitigating risks, and communicating effectively with the project team, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills: Able to influence the views and behaviour of others through persuasion and encouragement. Manages conflict or other sensitive issues tactfully and effectively. Able to adapt behaviour to a wide range of people.
• Creativity: Ability to look at the issue from different and creative angles, using the right tools to assess it and develop a plan.
• Communication: Able to communicate information and ideas clearly and articulately both in oral and written form. Uses appropriate language, style and methods depending on the audience and the purpose of communication. Able to convey complex information clearly. Anticipates the information that others will need.

Location: Cape Town (On-site)

What you can expect from the company: Decentral Energy is a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions in South Africa. We design, install, own, and maintain energy assets, catering to customers in the retail, tourism, residential, and commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors.
Founded in 2009 by Executive Directors Christian Bode and Luel Culwick, Decentral has developed and operates over 20 MW of solar PV assets in South Africa. Our team has 100 MW of active development assets nationally, having closed approximately 300 MW of power assets globally. Our diverse client base ranges from listed organisations such as Spear REIT to large privately owned companies such as Pacific Paramount Properties and One Property Holdings.