TECHNICIAN

Handle tools and equipment required for maintenance and repairs.

An Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Technician for solar systems focuses on the hands-on tasks involved in the maintenance, operation, and repair of solar power systems. The role is crucial to ensuring that solar plants or installations operate efficiently, safely, and reliably.

Job Scope:

1. Routine Inspections & Monitoring:

• Conduct daily, weekly, or monthly inspections of solar panels, inverters, electrical systems, and other components.
• Monitor solar plant performance through SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) or other monitoring systems.
• Identify and address any performance issues, irregularities, or system failures promptly.

2. Preventive Maintenance:

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the solar power system.
• Clean solar panels to remove dirt, debris, or other obstructions that may hinder performance.
• Lubricate moving parts (e.g: trackers) and replace worn-out components as necessary.
• Inspect and maintain electrical components, cables, and connections to prevent wear and tear or failures.

3. Troubleshooting & Repairs:

• Identify faults or malfunctioning components within the solar system (panels, inverters, batteries, etc)
• Troubleshoot electrical issues, system errors, or mechanical failures and repair them in a timely manner.
• Replace faulty components such as inverters, circuit boards, and other equipment when needed.
• Ensure all repairs and replacements meet safety standards.

4. Safety Compliance:

• Adhere to strict safety protocols, especially when working with high-voltage systems, during inspections, or when climbing to roof-mounted installations.
• Participate in safety audits and ensure that all tasks comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance to ensure safe working conditions.

5. Documentation & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs and system performance.
• Document the conditions of solar panels, inverters, and electrical systems during inspections.
• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly reports for senior management or engineers regarding system status and performance.
• Report any anomalies or issues that require immediate attention or escalation to higher management.

6. Coordination with Other Teams:

• Collaborate with senior engineers and other O&M technicians to resolve complex issues or implement major repairs.
• Work with contractors for specialized repairs or installations (e.g., panel replacement or inverter servicing).
• Assist in testing and commissioning new installations or upgrades.

7. Equipment Handling & Inventory:

• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of testing equipment.
• Maintain an inventory of parts and consumables, ensuring that essential parts are available when needed.

8. System Optimization:

• Report underperforming areas of the solar system and assist in implementing corrective measures.
• Assist in evaluating the system's energy production and efficiency.

Job Requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a technical certification or associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Specialized certifications in solar PV systems or electrical safety are a plus.

2. Experience:

• Typically, 1-3 years of experience working as a technician in the renewable energy sector, particularly with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with solar panels, inverters, electrical systems. and troubleshooting.
• Prior experience in operation and maintenance of solar systems or electrical equipment is a plus.

3. Technical skills:

• Basic knowledge of solar PV system components (e.g; panels, inverters, battery storage).
• Familiarity with testing tools and techniques used for solar system diagnostics.
• Understanding of electrical safety standards and procedurs.
• Ability to use monitoring systems (e.g; SCADA) to track system performance.
• Knowledge of wiring, circuit testing, and basic electrical theory.

4. Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in outdoor environments and on rooftops (if applicable) in various weather conditions.
• Ability to perform manual tasks such as lifting equipment, carrying tools, and climbing ladders or scaffolding.
• Comfort working with heights and electrical systems.

5. Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail in performing inspections and maintenance tasks.
• Good communication skills for reporting problems and interacting with team members.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

6. Certifications (Preferred but not mandatory):

• OSHA Safety Certification for working with electrical systems and maintaining safe work practices.
• First Aid and CPR Certification to handle emergencies on-site.

7. Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license (if travel to multiple locations or job sites is required).
• Willingness to work flexible hours or be on call if necessary, including weekends or holidays.
• Ability to travel to different sites, sometimes over long distances, depending on the job assignment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent