Solar Technician

Job purpose 

• To install,  commission, operate,  maintain and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and associate electrical equipment safely and efficiently. The role ensures that installations comply with approved  designs, applicable Kenyan electrical requirements, manufacturer specifications a n d customer expectations. The Solar Technician will support the delivery of reliable solar PV, battery energy-storage a n d related electrical systems for  residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Solar PV Installation 

• Install rooftop, ground-mounted and other solar PV systems. 
• Install PV modules, mounting structures, DC cabling, connectors and protection equipment. 
• Install and connect inverters, charge controllers and battery systems. 
• Install DC and AC isolators, combiner boxes, distribution boards and protection devices. 
• Route, terminate, crimp, gland and label cables correctly. 
• Ensure appropriate panel orientation, inclination and shading considerations. 
• Verify the mechanical integrity of mounting structures and installed equipment. 

Electrical Installation 

• Complete electrical wiring and connections associated with solar  systems. 
• Install AC distribution systems and protection equipment. 
• Earth and bond PV and electrical equipment. 
• Install surge-protection devices and appropriate circuit protection. 
• Interface solar systems with existing electrical installations and utility supplies where applicable. 
• Assist with generator, grid, battery and solar hybrid-system integration. i i i . Testing and Commissioning 
• Conduct pre-commissioning inspections. 
• Test DC voltage, current, polarity, insulation resistance and continuity. 
• Verify AC voltage, frequency, phase sequence and protection settings. 
• Commission inverters, batteries and monitoring systems. 
• Identify and rectify installation defects before handover. 
• Record commissioning results, equipment settings and performance  checks.  

Operation and Maintenance 

• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on solar PV systems. 
• Inspect modules, mounting structures, cables, connectors, inverters and batteries. 
• Diagnose faults using appropriate testing instruments and monitoring software. 
• Replace faulty components where authorized. 
• Clean and inspect modules as required. 
• Monitor system performance and identify abnormal generation or battery behavior. 
• Respond to customer breakdowns and technical service requests. v. Troubleshooting - Diagnose and resolve faults, including: 
• Inverter faults and alarms 
• Low PV generation 
• DC insulation and earth faults 
• Over-voltage and under-voltage 
• Battery faults 
• Communication and monitoring failures 
• Loose or damaged connections 
• Circuit-breaker and protection-device trips 
• Poor system performance 
• Grid/inverter synchronization problems

Customer Support 

• Explain system operation to customers. 
• Train customers andoperators in basic operation and safety. 
• Provide technical advice on system performance and maintenance. 
• Communicate professionally with customers during site visits. 
• Escalate complaints and technical issues to the relevant supervisor.

 Documentation 

• Complete installation and maintenance checklists. 
• Prepare site inspection reports. 
• Maintain equipment, maintenance and fault records. 
• Record materials and spare parts used. 
• Complete commissioning and handover documentation. 
• Document corrective actions accurately. 
• Submit daily and weekly technical reports as required. viii. Health, Safety and Environment 
• Comply with company HSE procedures and applicable Kenyan safety requirements. 
• Use appropriate PPE at all times. 
• Apply electrical isolation and lockout/tagout procedures where applicable. 
• Follow working-at-height requirements when working on rooftops or  elevated structures. 
• Handle and install batteries safely. 
• Maintain safe work areas and control electrical and construction  hazards. 
• Report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately.

Technical competence 

• Solar PV installation 
• Interpretation of solar PV designs 
• DC and AC electrical wiring 
• Inverter installation and configuration 
• Battery energy-storage systems 
• Electrical protection systems 
• Earthing and lightning/surge protection 
• Use of electrical testing instruments 
• Fault diagnosis 
• Preventive maintenance 
• Solar monitoring platforms 
• Reading single-line diagrams 
• Basic system-sizing calculations 
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time 

Requirements for appointment 

• Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic 
• Engineering, 
• Renewable Energy Engineering or a related technical field 
• Relevant solar PV installation and maintenance training or certification,  
• valid electrical installation license or certification 
• Registration or licensing with relevant Kenyan regulatory bodies 

Experience Required: 

• 3 to 4 years of practical experience in solar PVinstallation, electrical works, commissioning or maintenance 
• Knowledge of electrical wiring, protection systems and basic electrical  engineering principles. 
• Ability to read electrical drawings and solar PV system