Commercial Solar Project Developer

~ Namaste Solar is an employee-owned cooperative with a democratic, progressive, and unique work environment. ~

We value earned leadership, strong teamwork, the process of building consensus, transparency, and accountability. We enjoy each other's company, share aligned values, and appreciate working in a respectful, positive, and rewarding environment.

Position Overview

The Commercial Solar Project Developer is responsible for driving revenue growth and quality offerings in assigned geographical or industry vertical territories through establishing and maintaining key relationships with potential customers, project developers, financiers, and policy-makers. The Solar Project Developer will be expected to be a regional expert in the company, and must either have or quickly develop fundamental market knowledge.

This is a Seller-Doer position that can involve a wide variety of diverse assignments including: resource assessment, due diligence, siting, feasibility studies, new technology evaluation, project proposal evaluation, market assessments, strategic planning, policy evaluation, pro forma economic analysis, project design.

The position will entail interaction with clients including: utilities, energy project developers, financial institutions, energy end-users, investors, government agencies, and other organizations. The Solar Project Developer will need to simultaneously work as a Co-owner and participate in company direction, big picture decisions, and solar projects that make a positive impact on our community.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages business partnerships with key commercial customers
• Composes sales proposals for government and commercial solar projects that lead to successful solar projects for all stakeholders
• Contributes to the sales team and organization's success by guiding commercial solar prospects through sales cycle
• Conducts analysis of customer's current and projected electrical usage and financial ROI
• Follows a proven business development process, leveraging proprietary software tools for CRM, system design and solar project management
• Performs presentations for commercial solar customers
• Works to establish and maintain relationships and develop a high level of trust and credibility with key clients
• Manages client communication and liaises internally throughout the sales and installation process
• Communicates with project manager regarding project details
• Conducts initial site evaluations and discusses solar financing options
• Attends solar industry trade shows and marketing events
• Attends construction and pre-construction meetings for specific projects
• Attends pre-bid meetings for specific solar projects

Qualifications

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced understanding of commercial solar PV system design
• Knowledge of jurisdictional requirements for commercial solar PV system design
• Thorough understanding of NEC code and building standards
• General construction experience, i.e. ability to read electrical and structural plans
• Expertise on new solar industry products, applications, and system designs
• Effective communication with engineering contractors, jurisdictions, Project Managers, and installation crews
• Ability to problem solve and proactively research potential concerns or issues
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Sketch-up, Satellite Imaging software, Visio and AutoCAD
• Must have an advanced understanding of commercial and residential PV solar system design
• Must have a proven track record of developing commercial scale solar projects
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of PM processes
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of Financial Project Models
• Demonstrated understanding and application of contract commercial terms
• Knowledgeable of tax credit and rebate incentives as well as system financing options available to reduce overall system cost

Non-Essential (Valued but not required skills and experience):

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university
• Familiarity with formal project management methodologies and ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings a plus

Standards and Expectations:

• Ability to deliver outstanding presentations to customers
• Professionally represent the company to key clients
• World-class client service skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Effectively coordinate and communicate with System Designer, electrical engineering contractors, and Commercial Project Managers
• Ability to manage multiple solar projects in parallel and prioritize competing demands
• Must maintain expertise on new solar industry products, applications, and system designs

Success Factors:

• Tenacious problem solver that can accurately assess, solve, implement, and communicate outcomes of complex challenges
• A strong applicant will be smart, articulate, motivated, creative, and organized, with the ability to learn the technical and financial details of our business quickly
• Understanding of finance / business concepts (NPV, ROI, IRR, etc)
• Successful track record in a complex sales environment (over 5 years' of $1MM sales transactions), preference for commercial or public-sector photovoltaic sales experience. Complex sales include technical, construction and/or financial products with mid-to-long sales cycles: including relationship building, lead generation and closing skills, and demonstrated account growth and project advancement abilities

Compensation:

• Salary depends on experience
• Position is full-time and based in Ventura, California, though remote work may be possible for the right candidate
• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, and Accident Insurance, 401(k)
• Generous Paid-time off package
• Flexible work schedule