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183 days ago

WHY WORK IN THE SOLAR INDUSTRY? THE ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR JOBS IN UTILITY-SCALE PV

The solar energy sector is growing fast, but not all solar jobs are the same. If you're looking at the benefits of solar careers, large-scale solar PV - solar farms that feed power into the national grid - offers high-impact work, good pay, and long-term prospects. This guide explores why working in the solar industry is a smart move, especially in the commercial and utility-scale side of the market.

What Is Utility-Scale Solar PV?

Utility-scale solar PV projects involve building and maintaining solar farms that power thousands of homes and businesses. These projects are large, long-term, and play a direct role in helping countries meet renewable energy goals.

Unlike residential solar, which focuses on rooftop systems, commercial solar careers are tied to infrastructure. Jobs range from planning and construction to electrical engineering and operations.

Why Work in the Solar Industry?

1. Job Security and Long-Term Demand

Solar energy comes from the sun, a free and endless resource. As governments and companies phase out fossil fuels, they invest more in solar farms. This shift is creating steady job demand across project lifecycles.

Many solar farms are backed by long-term contracts and government funding. This makes jobs more stable than in other energy sectors.

2. Clear Environmental Impact

Each solar farm helps reduce emissions and cut fossil fuel use. People working in the industry can see the results of their efforts, powering communities while helping the planet.

This is one of the top advantages of solar jobs: every task, from site prep to maintenance, supports cleaner air and lower carbon output.

3. Learn Skills That Matter

Solar PV roles are practical and teach valuable skills. Workers often start with basic tasks and build experience over time. Common skills include:

Electrical and mechanical knowledge
Health and safety awareness
Monitoring and diagnostics using modern tools

Many workers also get formal training and qualifications while on the job.

4. Competitive Pay and Career Growth

Jobs in solar PV tend to offer higher pay than entry-level roles in other sectors. Teams working on solar farms often receive:

10–20% more than standard trade roles
Project bonuses
Pensions and health cover

Career paths are clear. You can start on the tools and move into team leadership, site management, or even asset management roles.

5. Fast-Changing Technology

Solar PV evolves quickly. Workers now use drones, AI tools, and real-time monitoring systems. These tools make the job easier, reduce errors, and help teams spot faults early.

For people who enjoy learning and using modern tech, this is one of the key benefits of solar careers.

6. Help Local Areas Grow

Many solar farms are backed by long-term contracts and government funding. Insights from the Solar Finance & Investment Europe event highlight how investor confidence continues to drive large-scale solar development. This makes jobs more stable than in other energy sectors.

What Types of Jobs Exist in Solar PV?

There are many career paths, including:

Job Role	Typical Tasks
Site Technician	Install panels, wire systems, test output
Electrical Engineer	Design and oversee grid connections
Project Manager	Plan timelines, manage teams
Asset Manager	Monitor performance, handle faults
Operations Specialist	Oversee logistics, health and safety

This range gives people the chance to build a long-term career based on what they enjoy and do well.

FAQs

Q: What qualifications do I need to start in solar PV?
A: Entry-level jobs often require basic electrical or construction knowledge. Many companies provide on-the-job training and offer certifications over time.

Q: Is solar PV work only outdoors?
A: No. While site technicians work on the ground, many roles (like asset management or monitoring) are office-based.

Q: Are solar careers good for future job prospects?
A: Yes. Solar jobs are part of a global shift to clean energy. The skills gained in solar PV are useful across many energy and infrastructure roles.

Q: How is commercial solar different from residential?
A: Commercial solar involves large-scale farms connected to the grid. Residential focuses on rooftop panels for single homes. Utility-scale roles are more technical and often pay more.

Key Takeaways

Why work in the solar industry? It offers reliable work with real impact.
The benefits of solar careers include strong pay, skill development, and long-term demand.
Advantages solar jobs provide include job variety, local economic growth, and global mobility.
Utility-scale PV is fast-moving and future-proof.
Roles suit people with practical skills and a desire to grow.

Ready to Explore Commercial Solar Careers?

If you're ready to explore a career in commercial solar, partnering with a specialist solar recruitment agency can help you find the right role faster. Speak to our team today to learn more about current opportunities in the utility-scale PV sector.

Speak to our team today to learn more about commercial solar opportunities and current vacancies.

Latest Jobs

Solar

Asset Manager - Solar PV

Madrid, Spain - Spain

On behalf of our client, a leading investment fund in the renewable energy industry, LSP Renewables are recruiting for an Asset Manager in Madrid to manage the technical and commercial performance of large scale Solar PV assets in in Iberia. Our client own more than 800MW of Solar PV assets across 3 countries, and more than 50 projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimising cash flows and investment value on behalf of our client the their investors. Key Responsibilities Asset & Commercial Management: Be able to review and comment on plant lay-outs, design and yield calculations. Follow up daily performance of the assets – KPI monitoring and asset optimization of solar assets; Carry out regular site visits to ensure that the asset meets the correct quality, technical specifications and ensure their ongoing compliance with applicable legislations and regulations. Review maintenance plans and completion of works to ensure compliance, to the extent required implement improvements. Oversight of response to non-routine operational issues occurring at sites (material equipment failure etc) with the aim of maximizing production across the portfolio; Incident management and resolution including the closing out all logged incidents (including preventative maintenance). Assist during final stage of construction, permitting process, commissioning, Warranty process and operation phase; Oversight contract management – ensuring that all services required by the O&M or EPC contracts are actioned accordingly; Undertake periodic commercial reviews of contracts, including benchmarking to comparable services from alternative suppliers, to ensure contracted services and existing suppliers remain competitive and consistent with good industry practice; Identify cost saving opportunities and optimize performance of the projects including implementation of value enhancement projects; Manage and recover Liquidated Damages payable under the O&M Contract; Manage grid outages by liaising closely with the Grid and Distribution Network Operators; Support insurance claims (coordinate processing of claim, including sourcing of information and documents/supporting information from the Operational Compliance and Data teams); Responsible of negotiation and managing the of O&M contracts; Negotiation of commercial settlements to contractual disputes; Management of the PPA agreements, DNO, public entities, landowners, contractors, subcontractors and any other stakeholder, to ensure compliance of their obligations pursuant to the contracts in place; Management of EPC claims, negotiation with EPCs following commissioning; Identity, submit and process any Defect Notices and Warranty claims; Liaising with Grid operator to manage incidents and scheduled downtime; Good understanding of sub-station design, grid cable routes, high level design and cost estimations; Work with finance team managing processes around bonds and cash retentions; Stakeholder management: Commercially building and managing relationships with external stakeholder and key counterparties, from EPC contractors and O&M contractors to the Owner’s Engineer, Debt Providers, PPA Offtakers, Health & Safety Advisors, external legal counsel and grid operators. Collecting,compiling available Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) KPIs. Responsible for the operation of the allocated projects with a view of achieving the best commercial outcomes for the assets and therefore, the funds. Support with any matters arising from Debt provision including but not limited to: budget review, reporting (internal and external)etc. Accounts & Compliance: Co-ordinating with the London Portfolio Management and Finance team to have financial statements prepared for each Project SPV; Approving and co-ordinating payments from project accounts as required, following the management of a closed budget per SPV. Work with finance team managing processes around bonds, cash retentions, P&L, Cash flow, OPEX, etc. Monthly review and reporting to lenders on revenues, costs, EBITDA, etc; Preparing the annual budgets for the assets, assessing energy prices forecasts, contingency expenditures based on previous years costs, etc. Ensuring the compliance of the power purchase agreements reporting, annual reconciliation, monitor of escrow accounts, invoicing process, commercial review of T&C etc. Requirements Degree educated in an Engineering discipline 3+ years in asset management (preferably Solar PV but other renewables technologies will be considered) Solid commercial acumen - contract management (EPC, PPA, O&M, debt facility agreement etc.)

Solar

Senior Construction Manager - Solar PV & Onshore Wind

United Kingdom - United Kingdom

As the Senior Construction Manager, your main role will be to oversee and manage the construction of our clean energy installations. You will work closely with subcontractors, and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the construction projects. Key Responsibilities: Project Planning and Management: Develop comprehensive project plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocation for construction projects. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure project designs align with specifications and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation measures to ensure timely completion. Coordinate with stakeholders to address project issues and ensure adherence to project timelines. Construction Oversight: Supervise and coordinate all construction activities, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. Manage subcontractors and vendors, including the evaluation of bids, contract negotiations, and ongoing performance monitoring. Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, identify challenges, and provide guidance to construction teams. Ensure construction activities align with project plans and specifications. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Establish and maintain quality control procedures to ensure construction activities meet industry standards and project requirements. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, permits, and environmental guidelines throughout the construction process. Conduct inspections and audits to verify adherence to quality and safety standards. Identify and resolve any non-compliance issues promptly. Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, including clients, regulatory authorities, and local communities. Facilitate effective communication channels among project teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders. Provide regular updates on project status, milestones, and any potential issues to relevant stakeholders. Address stakeholder concerns or inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, electrical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Proven experience in managing construction projects, specifically in solar and wind energy installations. Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, project management principles, and relevant regulations. Familiarity with solar and wind energy technologies and their construction requirements. Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in project management software and tools. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proficiency in Italian, Spanish, and English languages would be advantageous. Additional language skills are a plus.

Solar

Financial Controller

Malta - Malta

LSP Renewables have partnered with a leading IPP to recruit a Financial Controller in Malta, who will be responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of financial accounting and reporting functions for Maltese entities and designated group subsidiaries (including Hungary, UK, and Poland). Our client specialise in the development, construction, and operation of solar power systems. With over 15 years of experience in structuring energy projects worldwide, they are among the largest owners of photovoltaic systems in Poland and Hungary, and are also entering the BESS industry. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Consolidation Prepare, review, and analyse standalone and consolidated financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and accompanying notes for all Maltese entities and selected group entities. Prepare financial statements and consolidations for group subsidiaries. Maintain and reconcile intercompany balances across Malta, Poland, and Hungary. Review trial balances and perform financial analysis using XERO accounting software. Group & Regulatory Reporting Set up, maintain, and review group reporting packages, including regular communication with Finance Teams in Hungary and Poland. Update borrowings in group-level internal ledgers and ensure IFRS-compliant reporting. Provide financial information to external lenders and stakeholders in line with financial covenant requirements. Compliance & Policy Ensure compliance with local accounting standards and IFRS. Research new IFRS disclosure requirements and propose necessary updates. Develop and update internal financial policies and procedures. Audit & External Liaison Coordinate and manage annual external audits, including liaison with auditors and implementation of recommendations. Support reporting to the Board and various external stakeholders. Transaction Processing & Financial Operations Oversee day-to-day financial transactions, including accounts payable, receivable, general ledger, and cash flow management. Maintain accounting schedules and manage bookkeeping reviews. Taxation & VAT Review tax computations and returns for Maltese and UK entities. Manage VAT reporting and reconciliation in liaison with external service providers, including quarterly submissions. Ad Hoc & Cross-Functional Support Handle invoicing, reconciliations, and support ad hoc reporting requests from local and group Finance Teams. Maintain strong communication with international Finance Teams to ensure upto- date reporting and timely financial updates. Support finance-related due diligence for any business or finance deals. Qualifications & Skills Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CPA, or equivalent). Minimum 5–7 years of experience in financial accounting, reporting, and consolidations. Strong understanding of IFRS and local accounting standards. Experience with group-level reporting and international finance operations. Proficiency in accounting systems (XERO or similar ERP). Excellent communication skills and ability to liaise with cross-border teams. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

Solar

Commercial Contracts Manager

United Kingdom - United Kingdom

Our client is recruiting for an experienced Commercial Contract Manager to support in all sales activities and provide guidance on legal and contractual matters during the development, tender, and execution phases. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and solution-oriented individual, demonstrate a confident and professional approach, thrive in an interdisciplinary role assigned to Sales Management and consistently keep the company’s strategic objectives in focus. Responsibilities Review and negotiate contracts during the tender phase, with a strong focus on EPC contracts Draft and revise contracts and legally relevant standard templates in collaboration with the legal department Prepare and present risk and opportunity assessments during the tender phase for internal stakeholders Develop and refine processes to minimize project-related risks Manage and defend against third-party claims, especially related to the supply chain Assert and enforce project-related claims Support the administration of contracts as well as legal proceedings and arbitration cases Develop and deliver training sessions on tender and project-related legal topics Act as an interface between sales and project teams as well as internal and external legal advisors Requirements Completed degree with a legal focus or additional legal qualification with excellent results, or a law degree (LL.B./LL.M., corporate or business law) or equivalent. Strong ability to quickly grasp complex issues and develop practical solutions Outstanding communication skills with the ability to provide pragmatic advice Confident and persuasive appearance, perseverance in negotiations Ability to adapt to different and changing negotiation settings and partners Strategic approach to successfully enforcing claims and defending against counterclaims Ability to draft comprehensive and convincing legal correspondence in disputes Excellent command of English, both written and spoken. Good command of German is a plus

Solar

Project Developer - Solar

Edinburgh or London - United Kingdom

Join the UK Onshore Solar Development Team Become a key contributor within our clients Solar Project Development team, where you’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary group to advance and deliver solar energy projects across the UK. Their mission is to drive the energy transition by developing a diverse portfolio of solar projects, ranging from under 50MW to large-scale developments of up to 1000MW. These projects are progressed through planning and integrated into their broader renewable energy strategy. The team thrives on cross-functional collaboration, continuous learning, and applying industry best practices to maximize value and impact. Key Responsibilities: Identify, secure, and develop a robust pipeline of solar energy projects across the UK. Collaborate with project originators, grid specialists, and GIS teams to progress projects from concept to development. Support commercial and M&A teams in evaluating and pursuing development acquisition opportunities. Define project scopes, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful delivery. Drive high-value opportunities through the planning process and into construction readiness. Navigate and apply knowledge of the UK’s planning and regulatory landscape for energy infrastructure. About You: You bring several years of experience in project development, energy infrastructure, or consultancy roles. You have a solid grasp of project management principles and demonstrate strong self-motivation and organizational skills. You’re comfortable working in dynamic, evolving environments and remain focused on achieving outcomes. You communicate effectively, work well in teams, and bring confidence to stakeholder engagement. You’re adaptable and thrive in the flexible, fast-paced nature of energy project development.

Solar

Solar Energy Analyst

Edinburgh - United Kingdom

Solar Energy Analyst Join a leading renewable energy developer as a Solar Energy Analyst, where you’ll bring your expertise to support the acquisition, development, and execution of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. In this role, you’ll lead the optimisation of solar designs, perform detailed yield assessments, and contribute to feasibility studies and due diligence, ensuring our solar analysis remains at the forefront of the industry. About the Team You’ll become part of the Project Delivery team, working alongside skilled professionals to support all phases of engineering design for solar PV developments. Our clients collaborative environment spans multiple markets and disciplines, with a strong focus on technical reviews, layout optimisation, and integration with other renewable technologies. They foster a culture of knowledge sharing, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Develop and optimise PV layouts and conduct energy yield assessments, including for hybrid renewable projects. Provide technical input for due diligence processes related to project acquisitions. Evaluate and implement innovative technologies to enhance solar project performance. Support feasibility studies, permitting processes, and early-stage engineering activities. Review third-party yield assessments and construction cost estimates. Collaborate with commercial teams by delivering technical insights for investment decisions. About You You hold a degree in engineering or a related technical field or possess equivalent practical experience. You are proficient in industry-standard tools such as PVSyst, AutoCAD, and PVcase. You have hands-on experience with solar yield modelling and field data collection. You possess a solid understanding of PV technologies, including modules, inverters, and mounting systems. You are familiar with relevant design and construction standards within the solar industry. You bring a problem-solving mindset and a strong sense of commercial awareness.

Solar

Land Manager - Onshore

London or Edinburgh - United Kingdom

Land Manager – Onshore Renewables Location: London or Edinburgh About the Opportunity Our client, a major player in the UK’s renewable energy sector, is seeking a Land Manager to join their Project Development team. This role plays a key part in the origination and delivery of land-based renewable energy projects, including Onshore Wind, Solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Power-to-X (PtX) developments. Working closely with the Senior Land Manager, you will be responsible for identifying and securing land for new development opportunities, while also supporting more mature projects through construction and operational phases. The team fosters a collaborative environment with a strong focus on continuous learning and development. Key Responsibilities Lead land acquisition, management, due diligence, and stakeholder engagement activities. Support the development of land assembly and management strategies across the UK. Manage commercial negotiations, land contracts, dispute resolution, and consultant coordination. Provide expert advice to internal stakeholders on land-related matters across renewable energy projects. Build and maintain strong relationships with external parties, including landowners, solicitors, and land agents. Ensure clear communication and transparency of deliverables and risks throughout the land delivery lifecycle. Candidate Profile Strong understanding of UK land contracts and legislation, including property rights, planning, environmental, and access regulations (ideally across both England and Scotland). Extensive experience in acquiring and managing complex land and property interests. Proven project management skills, particularly in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Familiarity with UK land markets, national/local policy frameworks, and commercial rental dynamics. Clear insight into the onshore renewables market, with a focus on commercial viability and landowner engagement. RICS qualification (essential). Benefits Package Our client offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being, including: Contributory pension scheme. Private healthcare and health cash plan. Enhanced parental leave policies. Life assurance. Employee assistance programme. Access to retail discounts and lifestyle perks. Cycle to work and salary finance schemes. Recognition and reward initiatives.

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