Solar & BESS Operations & Maintenance O&M Technician
Renewable Energy Partners, Inc. · Corona, CA · Yesterday
On-siteManagementFull-time
About the role
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Solar & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Operations & Maintenance Technician to support the maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and performance optimization of commercial and industrial solar PV and energy storage systems. The O&M Technician will perform preventative and corrective maintenance, troubleshoot electrical and controls issues, support equipment commissioning, and help ensure assigned solar and BESS assets operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Responsibilities
- Solar PV Operations & Maintenance:
- Perform scheduled preventative maintenance and inspections on residential, commercial and industrial solar PV systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical, mechanical, communication, and production-related issues.
- Diagnose inverter faults, grid-related issues, production deficiencies, and equipment failures.
- Perform PV string testing, including voltage and open-circuit voltage (Voc) testing, and document results.
- Verify string-to-MPPT configurations and identify potential performance or configuration issues.
- Inspect and troubleshoot PV modules, combiner boxes, disconnects, breakers, conductors, inverters, transformers, and associated balance-of-system equipment.
- Assist with inverter replacements, equipment RMAs, commissioning, and system restoration.
- Troubleshoot monitoring and communications systems and verify proper data reporting.
- BESS Operations & Maintenance:
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on Battery Energy Storage Systems.
- Inspect and troubleshoot battery cabinets, battery management systems (BMS), power conversion systems (PCS), inverters, disconnects, transformers, switchgear, and associated controls.
- Monitor system alarms, fault conditions, state of charge, operating status, and overall system performance.
- Assist with troubleshooting communication and control issues between the BESS, EMS, inverter/PCS, monitoring platforms, and other site equipment.
- Support commissioning, startup, shutdown, and operational testing of BESS equipment.
- Identify equipment failures and coordinate with manufacturers for technical support and RMA replacements.
- Assist with battery and PCS replacements, warranty repairs, and corrective maintenance activities.
- Perform visual inspections for abnormal conditions, including damaged equipment, loose connections, overheating, corrosion, moisture intrusion, and other safety concerns.
- Follow manufacturer procedures and company protocols for safely placing battery systems into and out of service.
- Support emergency response procedures and communicate any abnormal or potentially hazardous conditions immediately.
- General Responsibilities:
- Complete detailed service reports, work orders, inspection forms, test results, and photo documentation.
- Accurately document equipment failures, troubleshooting steps, corrective actions, and recommendations.
- Follow all company safety procedures, including arc-flash requirements, PPE, and electrical safety practices.
- Read and interpret single-line diagrams, electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, equipment manuals, and commissioning documentation.
- Coordinate with project managers, asset managers, manufacturers, subcontractors, utilities, and other team members to resolve technical issues.
- Communicate site conditions, safety concerns, equipment failures, and recommended corrective actions.
- Maintain company tools, test equipment, and assigned equipment.
- Travel to project sites as required.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or greater
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment maintaining a positive attitude in stressful situations
- Solution-minded, always looking for ways to improve efficiency
- Self-driven, highly motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision meeting multiple project deadlines
- High level of organization and professionalism with effective problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Ability to successfully pass pre-employment background check, including drug/alcohol screen and clear DMV report
- 2+ years of experience in solar PV, electrical, industrial maintenance, energy storage, or preferred related field
- Experience troubleshooting commercial or industrial 208V and 480V three-phase electrical systems
- Strong understanding of electrical distribution equipment, including breakers, disconnects, transformers, switchgear, and associated equipment
- Familiarity with solar inverters, PV systems, electrical distribution equipment, and monitoring systems
- Experience with BESS, battery systems, PCS equipment, EMS controls, or industrial energy systems is strongly preferred
- Ability to safely use electrical test equipment, including multimeters, clamp meters, insulation resistance testers, and other diagnostic equipment
- Ability to read and interpret electrical single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and construction drawings
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and documentation skills
- Comfortable working outdoors and in varying weather conditions
- Ability to climb ladders, access rooftops, and lift to 50 pounds
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
Preferred Qualifications
- Commercial and industrial solar PV O&M experience
- Hands-on BESS maintenance, troubleshooting, or commissioning experience
- Experience with battery management systems (BMS), energy management systems (EMS), and power conversion systems (PCS)
- Inverter and PCS troubleshooting and replacement experience
- Experience troubleshooting 208V and 480V three-phase electrical systems, including electrical distribution and switchgear
- Knowledge of electrical safety practices, including LOTO and arc-flash safety
- NABCEP certification, electrical license, OSHA training, NFPA 70E training, or other relevant certifications