Performance Engineer

Synopsis

Introduction to SOLA SOLA is a 100% South African, vertically integrated renewable energy solutions provider, specialising in the development, construction and operation of solar PV and battery energy storage projects. We focus on partnering with the private sector to deliver clean energy to businesses across South Africa using cutting edge clean energy generation and storage technologies. We help our clients to grow and prosper through the adoption of low cost and reliable renewable energy, enabling them to meet their carbon reduction and sustainability targets. For more information, visit www.solagroup.co.za. The overall purpose of the position: To ensure optimal performance of all Solar PV plants within the SOLA fleet through continuous monitoring, data and system analysis and remote technical support. To ensure that all projects meet their expected energy yield, system performance and plant availability on an annual basis. The fleet currently consists of 9 utility projects (approximately 630MWp, and growing). Reports to: O&M Engineer Location: Cape Town

Key Responsibilities

• Summary of Responsibilities: Technical Monitor all the Solar PV plants on a daily basis from the Cape Town Monitoring Room and via remote access to each site.
• Actively engage with site technicians via communication channels to point out and investigate site related issues that are affecting performance and/or plant availability.
• Engage with site technicians on concluding the site troubleshooting to ensure faults are resolved with a proper RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and reporting to O&M Engineer.
• Provide detailed explanations for variances or deviations from expected results.
• Conduct daily system performance analysis to monitor and report on plant health, efficiency, and output.
• Perform comprehensive daily checks to verify that all major equipment (inverters, trackers, etc.) and communication links to the SCADA system are fully functional.
• Ensure all equipment is operating at desired setpoints and that the Power Plant Controller (PPC) is accurately measuring and issuing commands.
• Perform detailed troubleshooting and root cause analysis for underperforming or malfunctioning equipment.
• Collaborate with on-site technicians and O&M engineers to guide and assist with complex fault-finding activities.
• Act as the primary liaison with the SCADA OEM to report and resolve data logging or reporting discrepancies, ensuring data integrity.

Qualifications / Minimum Requirements

• Minimum Requirements: At minimum, BTech (Electrical), but Electrical Engineering B.Eng/B.Sc Degree will be advantageous.
• Must have 3-5 years experience with renewable energy systems, control, monitoring, data analysis and reporting applications.
• Must be proficient in Excel and able to do complex calculations and analysis on large data sets.
• Must be in possession or be able to obtain a medical fitness certificate in terms of Annexure 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act Construction Regulations.
• Preferred office based work days are Monday to Friday Must be willing to travel to operational sites for on-site technical support.
• Must be willing to work standby shifts.
• Must be fully proficient in English (verbal and written communication).