Lead Solar Electrician - Staff Solutions

Our client is looking for a Lead Electrician to join their Industrial team at their branch in Elandsfontein, Gauteng. The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, testing and commissioning of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems from project commencement through to completion, ensuring that all installations are completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with approved designs, quality standards and applicable regulations.

Solar installation experience is essential, and a valid Wireman’s Licence is a must.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4.
• QCTO Red Seal Electrician Certification.
• Valid Wireman’s Licence.
• Solar installation experience is essential.
• Experience with both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar PV systems.
• Experience with micro-inverters and string inverters.
• Experience setting up and configuring solar monitoring systems.

Advantageous

• National Diploma in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (NQF Level 6).
• AREP / SAPVIA PV Green Card certification.
• Experience with large-scale industrial and/or IPP solar installations.
• Experience with inverter testing, UPS and rectifier systems.
• Experience with lithium battery systems and Battery Management Systems (BMS).

Key Responsibilities

• Review project plans, drawings and specifications with the Projects Supervisor and Engineering Department.
• Ensure installations are completed according to approved designs and specifications.
• Install, assemble, test and commission solar PV systems and associated equipment.
• Assemble solar array racking and ensure roof penetrations are properly sealed.
• Install residential, commercial, industrial and IPP solar PV systems.
• Install and configure solar monitoring systems.
• Conduct fault-finding and troubleshoot system malfunctions and operational issues.
• Perform inverter testing, firmware updates and basic diagnostic procedures.
• Lead and coordinate assistants and installation crew members.
• Ensure all installation activities and outcomes are properly documented.
• Ensure all work complies with SANS requirements, applicable legislation, regulations and company procedures.
• Maintain high standards of quality control, with particular emphasis on electrical and site safety.
• Identify and report project risks to the Projects Supervisor.
• Communicate professionally with customers and stakeholders and address installation-related queries.
• Ensure projects are completed within approved budgets and agreed timeframes.
• Monitor materials, equipment and resources to minimise waste and unnecessary expenditure.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and minimise rework and equipment damage.

Technical Competencies

• Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, solar PV designs and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical regulations, SANS standards and solar PV installation requirements.
• Experience with solar inverter testing and fault-finding.
• Knowledge of UPS and rectifier systems and PCB replacement.
• Ability to read and analyse lithium battery BMS data via USB, RS232 and RS485 communication cables.
• Ability to analyse BMS alarms and protection events using Excel.
• Experience conducting inverter firmware updates.

Personal Attributes

• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Systematic and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Ethical and professional.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Customer-focused.
• Team player with strong leadership abilities.