Solar Design Specialist

~ Solar One's mission is to empower learning and innovation that result in more sustainable and resilient urban environments. ~

We change the way people think about energy, sustainability, and resilience by engaging and educating a diverse set of stakeholders and beneficiaries. Our programs help individuals and communities explore new ways of living and working that are more adaptive to a changing world. 

Position Overview

Solar One, a nonprofit organization that promotes the adoption of solar technology in New York City, is seeking a qualified individual to provide solar design and research support for a limited, multi-site solar and battery storage development project.

The job holder will assist the project lead in completing technical site assessment and pre-engineering and design documents for 5-7 solar + battery storage 'critical need' systems that will be located at non-profit facilities in Brooklyn and Queens communities heavily impacted by super-storm Sandy in 2012.

In this capacity, the job holder will be tasked with 1. completing technical and market research to confirm viable and market-ready battery chemistries for projects in the five boroughs; 2. advise and contribute to the design of site assessment protocols for battery + solar integrated projects; and 3. complete and contribute technical design drawings for planned solar photovoltaic systems, detailed site electrical service and usage data, and other storage-related technical site specifications for incorporation into the Request for Proposals (RFPs) for each of the 5-7 selected sites.

The duration of the consultancy will be approximately April 28, 2016 - July 30, 2016.

Due to the nature of the services required, the job holder's contribution to the project will vary between 5 - 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities 

The Solar Design Specialist will work closely with Solar One's Solar + Storage Project Manager at key phases of the project. Major tasks will include: 

• Technical and Market Research. The job holder will assist the Project Manager in carrying out research on battery storage technologies, and existing vendors capable of serving the local market. Following the instructions of the Program Manager, the job holder will independently engage Con Edison, the NYC Department of Buildings and the NYC Fire Department to determine current and evolving state of battery storage permitting and interconnection guidelines and rules in New York City.
• On-Site assessment protocol design: Solar One has advanced experience assessing buildings for solar PV viability, but requires assistance in augmenting its assessment protocols to include the battery storage component of the project. The job holder will research battery storage site assessment best practices and assist in the development of a battery specific assessment checklist.
• Site recommendation report preparation. The job holder will provide input and recommendations for the technical viability of each applicant site assessed which will help inform site reports submitted to the project sponsor, the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR).
• Technical system pre-design, drawings and site specification data. The job holder will complete all solar system technical drawings, and organize and prepare relevant technical site specifications that will be incorporated into the bidding documents for each site. 

Qualifications 

The position requires the job holder to have advanced experience in the technical aspects of solar assessment, installation and design and be a technically experienced solar energy professional with 4+ years of relevant experience in the industry, a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field are required. 

Qualifications include: 

• Advanced Solar system design and installation experience necessary. NABCEP PV Professional certification is required.
• Familiarity and advanced experience using Helioscope, a leading solar design software and assessment tool.
• Advanced understanding of NYC DOB electrical and construction permitting guidelines and submission requirements; and FDNY fire code rules for both solar PV and battery storage applications.
• Prior experience working on battery storage projects strongly preferred.
• Strong research, analytic and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively and to complete project deliverables in the required time frame.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to track schedules and metrics for multiple projects simultaneously.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email resume and cover letter in.doc, .docx or .pdf format.
• If you wish to share examples of previous work, please include links in your resume or on a separate page.
• No phone calls, please.
• Position will remain open until filled.

~ Solar One is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. We are committed to diversity and consider all applicants for all positions without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, creed, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. ~