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Solar Development Apprentice

Posted 01/28/2025

about solarstone

SolarStone is a solar project developer formed in 2012 by power sector veterans with deep experience in land acquisition, permitting and development around complex interconnection and regulatory requirements. Our team has a strong track record of developing large-scale community solar projects across Illinois. Recognizing the growing need for renewable energy professionals in Illinois, we actively seek out, train, and mentor qualified candidates from various clean energy educational and training programs made possible through the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), and Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC).

Job Description

SolarStone seeks a passionate and motivated individual to join our team as a Solar Development Apprentice. This opportunity offers hands-on experience and on-the-job training in early-stage development of solar projects, providing a unique chance to build professional skills while contributing to the clean energy industry.

This program will equip apprentices with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch a successful career in solar project development through on-the-job training. As a Solar Development Apprentice, you will work closely with our experienced team of developers to gain a comprehensive understanding of early-stage project development in a dynamic industry.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience by taking on responsibilities such as:

    • Conducting market research to identify potential sites for solar projects, including evaluating land characteristics. These responsibilities will be conducted remotely and will account for about half of your time on the job:
    • Participation in key solar project development activites including:
    • Visits to potential project sites across Illinois (in-State travel will be required for these site visits.)
    • Analysis of land and utility infrastructure.
    • Landowner engagement
    • Assisting in contract negotiations through stewarding projects to operational close.
    • Collaborating with the SolarStone team, you will help implement market based strategic plans and project specific development plans.
    • Working with experienced Development Managers to submit utility pre-applications, review results and work to execute final interconnection agreements.

Apprentice Profile

This is a tremendous opportunity for entrepreneurial and ambitious individuals seeking to gain complex sales and/or development experience in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. Successful candidates will be/have:

  • Self-motivated with enthusiasm for renewable energy and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future.
  • Familiar with the basic concepts of PV systems and their components, general sizing, and technical design requirements.
  • Team players with good interpersonal and communication skills and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Proficient working with computers (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe, Google Earth, and Zoom).
  • Business or sales experience preferred, but not required.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license and proper insurance.
  • NABCEP or equivalent solar industry certification preferred.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, LOCATION, & COMPENSATION

Time Commitment: Full-time (i.e., 8-hours per day) for 10-12 weeks.

  • 50% Site visits
  • 30% Computer work for activities such as market research, information related to site visit, and landowner contact
  • 15% Participation in electronic meetings and
  • 5% Other

 Compensation: $30/hour, plus reimbursement for travel-related expenses such as meals, mileage, and lodging.

 Work Location: Remote, must be located within Illinois. With remote work, one should plan on having an Internet connection, headphones, and a reasonably quite area when you need where you can participate in training calls and meeting. The Company can provide a laptop with a webcam, and a corporate credit card for incidentals. No further office peripherals are required.