Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Grid Strategy & Utility Planning

at Solar Landscape

🏢 About Solar Landscape

Solar Landscape is a mission-driven company that transforms commercial rooftops into community solar gardens, directly reducing energy costs for low-to-moderate income households. Their focus on grid innovation and DER integration makes them a leader in the renewable energy transition, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of distributed energy.

About This Role

This role is pivotal in bridging Solar Landscape's solar and storage projects with utility grid planning, ensuring that distributed energy resources can be deployed at scale. You will lead engagements with utilities to increase hosting capacity, pilot advanced technologies like DERMS, and translate complex grid data into strategic business decisions, directly impacting the company's growth and the clean energy transition.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning call with a utility planning team to discuss hosting capacity on a constrained feeder, followed by analyzing grid data to identify opportunities for non-wire alternatives. Afternoon could include a cross-functional meeting with project developers to align on grid requirements, and drafting a recommendation report for leadership on a new DERMS pilot.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Solar Landscape

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Solar Landscape Is Looking For

  • A seasoned utility planning professional with 10–20+ years of experience in transmission/distribution engineering or grid modernization, who has deep knowledge of utility planning methodologies and system constraints.
  • Someone with a proven track record of engaging utility stakeholders to advance DER integration, such as hosting capacity analyses, interconnection processes, or non-wire alternatives.
  • A strategic thinker who can translate technical grid data into actionable recommendations for leadership, and who is comfortable working cross-functionally with development, policy, and finance teams.
  • A strong communicator and influencer, capable of representing Solar Landscape in utility planning meetings and advocating for progressive grid policies.

📝 Tips for Applying to Solar Landscape

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific utility planning frameworks you've worked with (e.g., IRP, distribution planning, hosting capacity) and quantify your impact (e.g., 'Increased hosting capacity by 20% on constrained circuits').

2

In your cover letter, mention a specific utility or ISO you've successfully engaged with to advance DER integration, and explain how you can apply that experience to Solar Landscape's projects.

3

Showcase any experience with pilot programs like DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, or flexible interconnection, as these are central to the role.

4

Include examples of how you've translated complex technical data into presentations or reports for non-technical leadership or external stakeholders.

5

Research Solar Landscape's current projects and markets (e.g., New Jersey, Maryland) and mention how your experience aligns with the specific grid challenges in those regions.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your deep expertise in utility planning and DER integration, with concrete examples of successful utility engagements.', 'Demonstrate your ability to drive innovation by highlighting experience with pilot programs or new grid technologies.', "Connect your work to the mission of community solar and reducing carbon footprints, showing alignment with Solar Landscape's values.", "Mention your strategic thinking skills and how you've used grid data to influence business decisions."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Solar Landscape's current project pipeline and the utilities they work with (e.g., PSE&G, BGE, ComEd) to understand specific grid challenges.
  • → Study their recent press releases or blog posts about community solar and grid innovation to get a sense of their strategic priorities.
  • → Look into the regulatory environment for community solar and DERs in key states (NJ, MD, IL) to understand the policy landscape.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the company's competitors and how Solar Landscape differentiates itself in the market.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you successfully increased hosting capacity on a constrained circuit. What steps did you take?
2 How would you approach a utility that is resistant to adopting dynamic hosting capacity or flexible interconnection?
3 Explain your experience with DERMS or non-wire alternatives. Can you walk us through a pilot you led?
4 How do you prioritize which grid constraints to address first when multiple projects are in development?
5 What metrics would you use to measure success in this role, and how would you report them to leadership?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Solar Landscape or the specific role. Tailor it to show you understand their mission and technical needs.
  • Avoid focusing solely on solar experience without demonstrating deep utility planning expertise; this role is about the grid side.
  • Don't overlook the importance of communication skills. In interviews, be prepared to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Solar Landscape!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →