Application Guide

How to Apply for Performance Engineer II

at SOLV Energy

🏢 About SOLV Energy

SOLV Energy is a leading solar energy company with a mission to pioneer cleaner power and brighter futures across North America. Working here means contributing to large-scale solar and battery storage projects that have a tangible impact on renewable energy adoption. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it an exciting place for engineers passionate about the clean energy transition.

About This Role

As a Performance Engineer II, you will be the technical backbone for operational solar and battery storage projects, ensuring they meet performance and contractual obligations. Your work directly influences project profitability and reliability by analyzing data, identifying issues, and driving optimization. This role offers a blend of hands-on data analysis and cross-functional collaboration, making it impactful for both the company and the broader renewable energy landscape.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by checking performance dashboards for multiple solar and storage sites, identifying any anomalies. You'd then collaborate with field technicians to troubleshoot issues, perhaps analyzing PVsyst models to compare expected vs. actual output. Afternoons could involve generating performance reports for stakeholders and updating commissioning plans for new projects.

🎯 Who SOLV Energy Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of experience in PV performance engineering or data analytics, with a strong grasp of solar PV system modeling (e.g., PVsyst) and energy yield assessments.
  • Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel for data analysis, and comfortable with programming languages like Python or VBA for automating reports or data processing.
  • Possesses a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field, with a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical aspects of solar and battery storage systems.
  • Is a proactive problem-solver who can collaborate effectively with field teams and internal stakeholders to resolve performance issues and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Tips for Applying to SOLV Energy

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with solar PV performance modeling (PVsyst) and data analytics, including any projects where you improved performance or resolved issues.

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with battery storage systems and how you've handled contractual compliance or acceptance testing in previous roles.

3

Showcase your programming skills by describing a specific project where you used Python, VBA, or MATLAB to automate reporting or analyze large datasets.

4

Research SOLV Energy's recent projects and mention them in your application to demonstrate genuine interest and industry knowledge.

5

Prepare to discuss a time you identified a performance issue and the steps you took to resolve it, including data analysis and collaboration with field teams.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your experience with PVsyst or similar modeling tools and how you've used them to optimize solar project performance.", 'Highlight your ability to generate and track performance reports and acceptance tests, tying them to contractual compliance.', 'Demonstrate your collaborative skills by describing how you worked with field personnel and internal teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues.', "Show passion for renewable energy and SOLV Energy's mission, connecting your personal values to the company's impact."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review SOLV Energy's project portfolio, particularly any large-scale solar or battery storage installations in North America.
  • Look into the company's recent news or press releases about new projects, partnerships, or technological advancements.
  • Understand the typical contractual performance guarantees for solar and storage projects (e.g., P99, availability guarantees) to speak knowledgeably.
  • Familiarize yourself with industry standards like IEC 61724 for PV system performance monitoring.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach performance monitoring for a solar PV system? Walk us through your process for identifying and resolving underperformance.
2 Describe your experience with PVsyst. Can you explain how you would validate an energy model against actual production data?
3 Tell us about a time you had to collaborate with field technicians to diagnose a performance issue. What was the outcome?
4 How do you prioritize multiple projects or tasks when overseeing several active solar and storage sites?
5 What programming languages are you comfortable with? Give an example of a script you wrote to automate a reporting task.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't apply with a generic resume that lacks specific solar or battery storage experience; ensure your technical skills are clearly highlighted.
  • Avoid being vague about your programming proficiency; if you list Python, be ready to discuss a concrete application.
  • Don't overlook the importance of collaboration skills; emphasize your ability to work with field teams, not just data analysis in isolation.

📅 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 SOLV Energy!