Description
SolAmerica Energy is a private equity-backed firm who develops, builds, owns, and operates distributed generation (DG) solar projects and energy storage solutions. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, SolAmerica has successfully developed and built solar power projects throughout the United States and has a growing pipeline of project opportunities in more than 20 states. SolAmerica is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and believes in attracting, retaining, and advancing employees who will best serve and represent its customers, partners, and communities. We promote fostering a work culture of mutual respect and teamwork, ensuring that everyone can grow and contribute at their greatest potential.
For additional information about SolAmerica, visit www.solamericaenergy.com.
Requirements
The company is seeking a forward-thinking and detail-oriented Interconnection Manager (IX Manager) that will be responsible for managing and overseeing the interconnection process for distributed generation projects, including solar and battery storage. This role ensures that all projects comply with regulatory requirements and technical standards while closely managing the interconnection process and all interconnection-related milestones throughout the lifecycle of the projects, from initiation to commissioning.
The successful candidate will be a member of the Development team and is supported by both the Development and Engineering teams to complete their daily tasks. The IX Manager will work closely with utilities, regulatory agencies, project developers, external teams (consultants and/or engineering firms), and internal teams (Accounting, Engineering, Development, Construction, etc.) to streamline interconnection applications and approvals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Interconnection Process Management
- Oversee the end-to-end interconnection process for SolAmerica’s pipeline of distributed generation assets.
- Prepare, submit, and track interconnection applications with utilities and regulatory bodies.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of all required documentation and studies.
- Coordinate and attend virtual site visits, in-person site visits, ribbon cutting events, or other project meetings with stakeholders, as necessary.
- Manage compliance with Interconnection Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, and other contracts prior to handoff with Asset Management Team, typically at system startup.
Regulatory Compliance
- Assist Development and Legal teams with preparation of contract documents, ensuring clarity and completeness. Assists with contract disputes to ensure resolution during cure periods.
- Stay updated on relevant regulations, standards, and policies affecting interconnection processes.
- Ensure all projects comply with federal, state, and local interconnection requirements.
- Liaise with regulatory agencies and represent the company in interconnection-related matters.
Project Management
- Collaborate with Engineering and Development teams to assess project risk and technical feasibility of projects, and manage consultants as necessary to support the interconnection process, including application deliverables and engineering review of utility schedules and cost estimates.
- Coordinate reviews of technical studies, including, but not limited to, interconnection feasibility, system impact, and facilities studies.
- Track invoicing and schedule payments with Accounting team.
- Develop and maintain interconnection project schedules and critical deliverable timelines.
- Monitor and report on project progress, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met.
- Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution.
- Conduct due-diligence review of potential project and portfolio acquisitions and related commercial transactions related to the interconnection and transmission risk, and provide recommendations to the acquisition team.
Stakeholder Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for and establish/maintain productive relationships with utilities, municipalities, electrical cooperatives, regulatory bodies, and other external clients regarding interconnection matters.
- Communicate interconnection status, risk, and challenges with internal stakeholders.
- Resolve conflicts and address concerns related to interconnection processes.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the interconnection process.
- Implement best practices and standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provide and incorporate lessons learned for future interconnection processes.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Experience working with renewable energy companies and a deep understanding of the solar industry.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to exercise judgment to appropriately balance risks with business objectives.
- Intellectual curiosity and a desire to constantly learn and improve.
- Self-starter with a strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a close-knit team.
- Strong project management skills with a proven track record of managing complex projects.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to address technical and regulatory challenges.
- Experience with smartsheets, Procore, Sitetracker, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Bluebeam, Utility portals
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management or related STEM field.
- Minimum of 3-5 years managing multiple solar development projects.
- Experience with distributed generation technologies such as solar and battery storage. Knowledge of grid operations and electric utility systems.
Office Location & Travel Requirements
Ideal candidates will be based out of the Atlanta, Georgia area and will be able to work from our HQ based in the Midtown area pursuant to the company's hybrid work policy. SolAmerica will consider remote candidates living within a manageable driving or flying distance from Atlanta within the Eastern Standard Time Zone. The position requires occasional travel to HQ and other meetings, as needed.
Benefits
SolAmerica Energy offers a competitive salary, benefits package (inclusive of equity-based compensation) and performance bonus opportunities with this position. Our total rewards strategy is designed to support our employees to thrive professionally and personally while seeking to create a culture of work/life balance as we work toward our collective goals as a business. We offer a monthly stipend to go towards communication expenses and all our health insurance benefits are effective from Day 1.
It’s a great time to join SolAmerica Energy!
Third Party Agencies & Candidate Submissions
SolAmerica Energy will only consider candidates for this position while it is active. SolAmerica Energy will not consider unsolicited candidate applications from third party agencies.
