site technician

A solar PV utility‑scale site technician is primarily responsible for the operation, maintenance, and performance optimisation of large‑scale solar photovoltaic power plants. Their core duties include inspecting solar panels, conducting performance tests, troubleshooting and repairing electrical and mechanical faults, and replacing faulty or outdated components. Technicians also monitor system performance to ensure the plant operates at maximum efficiency and meets its energy production targets. In addition to hands‑on technical work, technicians may also maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, system performance, and repairs, and are expected to comply strictly with safety protocols and other site‑specific health and safety regulations. They may oversee contractors on‑site, coordinate with other trades, and sometimes provide training to junior staff or clients on system operation and maintenance procedures. Their responsibilities can also extend to managing site appearance, landscaping, and ensuring the readiness and accountability of tools and equipment. The role demands a strong technical background in electrical systems, familiarity with industry codes and standards, and the ability to use diagnostic tools for testing and troubleshooting. Solar PV utility‑scale site technicians play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and longevity of solar assets, directly supporting the transition to renewable energy by maximising the output and uptime of utility‑scale solar installations. New entrants welcome.

Responsibilities

• Health and Safety: Understand and identify risks at site, follow company and site‑specific risk assessment and method statements / statement of works, be aware of health and safety issues and report any on‑site concerns to relevant managers. Ensure that tasks are performed in accordance with industry best practice and in line with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Maintenance Activities: Perform scheduled maintenance and corrective maintenance works for solar plants to ensure their successful ongoing operation.
• Site Responsibility: Take primary on‑site responsibility for plant performance, work quality, site security and appearance, including electrical systems, basic landscaping and other elements. Ensure that third‑party visitors are inducted and safe at all times.
• Coordination: Maintain regular contact with all relevant planners, managers and supervisors to co‑ordinate site works effectively and seek guidance where needed.
• Collaborate with other site technicians to resolve tasks and provide necessary information to all relevant planners, managers and supervisors in a professional, complete and timely manner.
• Liaise with internal and external parties such as in‑house low voltage (LV), high voltage (HV) and ground maintenance teams, sub‑contractors and other third parties as directed.
• Undertake all required training and development opportunities professionally and diligently.

Qualifications

• Must be able to travel to site as required with all necessary tools and equipment.
• Experience of installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ideally at utility‑scale level.
• Experience of network diagnostics and remote communications.
• Familiarity with earthing systems including measuring and monitoring relays.
• Understanding of central / string inverters.
• Excellent computer skills with a high degree of proficiency in common Microsoft applications (including Excel) as well as performance monitoring software.
• Knowledge of power electronics and circuitry, power generation technologies and equipment.
• Understanding of CCTV systems.
• Commitment to continuing professional development, Level 3 Award in an Electrical, Mechanical or Engineering discipline, including AM 2 end‑point assessment.
• Level 3 BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations (current edition).
• Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation or equivalent.
• Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Gold Card.

Desirable Certifications

• Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations.
• Qualifications or training in relevant solar PV inverter technologies.
• Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) certification.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• UK driving licence.
• UK electrician\’s certification (e.g. Level 3 NVQ Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installation BS 7671).
• Hold a Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Gold Card.
• Obtain specific PV inverter technology training as required.
• Possess either NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or the IOSH Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health Leadership and Management.

Company Background and Benefits

With the UK government\’s ambitious goal of delivering 60GW of solar power by 2030, Solar Careers UK are on a mission to help recruit, train, and place over 43,000 new professionals into rewarding careers within the solar and battery storage industry. Solar Careers UK is a division of Solar Energy UK, the trade association representing over 425 solar businesses across the country. Many of these companies specialise in delivering high‑quality solar installations for domestic, commercial and utility‑scale projects. For the industry\’s most in‑demand jobs, we have been asked to assist with the recruitment of full‑time, permanent installation teams from across all regions of the United Kingdom.

In addition to salary, other benefits might include a company vehicle, overtime, performance bonuses, holiday allowance and support with further skills development.