Application Guide

How to Apply for Solar Development Project Manager

at Municipal Solar Partners

🏢 About Municipal Solar Partners

Municipal Solar Partners (MSP) is a mission-driven developer focused exclusively on public-sector solar projects, partnering with municipalities to advance publicly-owned renewable energy infrastructure. Working here means contributing directly to the clean energy transition at the local government level, with a collaborative culture that values innovation and public service.

About This Role

As a Solar Development Project Manager, you will own the entire project lifecycle for municipal solar installations, from initial site evaluation through interconnection and completion. This role is impactful because you'll help cities and towns reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs, while navigating the unique challenges of public procurement and stakeholder management.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a call with a municipal client to discuss project milestones, followed by reviewing interconnection applications with a utility engineer. You'll spend time updating project budgets and timelines in your tracking system, then draft a scope of work for a new site evaluation. Afternoon could involve coordinating with an engineering firm on design plans and preparing a status report for an upcoming city council presentation.

🎯 Who Municipal Solar Partners Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of solar project development experience, specifically with public-sector or municipal projects.
  • Possesses strong knowledge of solar energy systems, project lifecycle, and utility interconnection processes.
  • Demonstrates excellent communication skills for interfacing with municipal officials and managing client relationships.
  • Is highly organized and experienced with project tracking tools like MS Project or Smartsheet.

📝 Tips for Applying to Municipal Solar Partners

1

Highlight any experience with municipal permitting, public procurement, or working with local government agencies.

2

Quantify your impact in previous roles, e.g., 'Managed 5 MW of solar projects from conception to COD, delivering 10% under budget.'

3

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'interconnection applications', 'pro formas', and 'RFP responses'.

4

Submit a cover letter that specifically references MSP's mission and a municipal project you admire.

5

Include a portfolio or case study of a past solar project you managed, emphasizing stakeholder coordination.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for renewable energy and experience with public-sector projects.', 'Specific examples of managing solar project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications.', 'Your familiarity with municipal processes like RFPs, permitting, and interconnection.', "How your project management skills align with MSP's collaborative, mission-driven culture."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review MSP's website for case studies or press releases about completed municipal projects.
  • Understand the specific challenges of municipal solar, such as tax-exempt financing and PPA structures.
  • Research recent solar policy changes in your target state that affect municipal projects.
  • Look up MSP's leadership team on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and company culture.
Visit Municipal Solar Partners's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a solar project you managed from start to finish. What were the key milestones and challenges?
2 How do you handle disagreements with municipal clients or utility partners?
3 Describe your experience with project tracking systems. What tools have you used and how do you ensure accuracy?
4 What is your approach to preparing pro formas and cost estimates for a new solar project?
5 How do you stay current with solar technology and regulatory changes in the public sector?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to show specific knowledge of municipal solar processes in your application.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention MSP or public-sector work.
  • Overlooking the importance of soft skills like diplomacy and public speaking, which are critical for client-facing roles.

📅 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 Municipal Solar Partners!