What are the responsibilities and job description for the Solar Field Technician position at Vallum Associates?
Job Description
The Solar Field Technician – O&M is responsible for the operation, monitoring, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of solar photovoltaic systems at commercial and industrial sites. The role focuses on ensuring optimal plant performance, maximum system availability, and strict adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
The technician will monitor solar plant performance through SCADA and remote monitoring platforms, identify alarms and performance deviations, and carry out regular site inspections. The role involves performing scheduled preventive maintenance on solar modules, inverters, combiner boxes, junction boxes, cabling, switchgear, and associated balance-of-system components. The technician will diagnose and rectify electrical and mechanical faults, replace defective components, and coordinate with OEM service teams for inverter and equipment warranty support.
The position requires hands-on troubleshooting skills, including electrical testing such as insulation resistance measurement, string testing, and IV curve analysis. The technician will use diagnostic tools including thermal cameras and electrical test instruments to identify issues such as low generation, inverter faults, string failures, earthing issues, and module defects. Ensuring compliance with safety procedures, lockout-tagout practices, and the proper use of personal protective equipment is a core responsibility, along with reporting safety hazards, incidents, and near misses.
The Solar Field Technician will maintain accurate operational records and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and performance reports. The role requires coordination with site managers, utility representatives, and internal teams to support smooth plant operations, audits, inspections, and performance optimization initiatives. The technician may also support commissioning activities and performance testing as required.
The ideal candidate will have a diploma, ITI, or degree in electrical, electronics, renewable energy, or a related discipline, along with one to five years of experience in solar PV operations and maintenance, preferably in commercial or industrial projects. A strong understanding of solar PV systems, DC and AC electrical systems, and the ability to read electrical drawings and single-line diagrams is essential. The role demands strong problem-solving ability, effective communication skills, willingness to travel to multiple sites, and the ability to work independently in outdoor field conditions. Relevant electrical licenses, solar certifications, and safety training such as working at heights are preferred.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45.02 - $55.13 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45 - $55