Permit & Utility Interconnections Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

At Sugar Hollow Solar, we are fueled by the belief that humans can flourish on this planet in an ecologically sustainable way, and the pathway to get there starts with abundant clean energy!

Based out of Asheville, NC, Sugar Hollow Solar offers energy solutions for homes, farms, small businesses and other commercial properties by designing and installing solar electric systems (rooftop or ground-mounted), battery backup systems and EV charger stations, as well as, systems maintenance.

Sugar Hollow Solar has grown into Western North Carolina's largest solar installer, having completed over 900 installations with an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. Our mission is to preserve this beautiful planet for ourselves and future generations by transitioning our community to clean, renewable energy, using business as a positive force for change!

Sugar Hollow Solar is hiring a Permit & Utility Interconnections Specialist!   The Permit & Utility Interconnections Specialist supports our residential and commercial solar projects by managing both the utility interconnection and permitting processes, ensuring that all solar PV systems are approved, compliant and connected to the grid in a timely manner.  This position serves as the primary point of contact between internal teams, utility providers and permitting authorities, coordinating documentation, submitting permit and interconnection applications, and addressing technical and regulatory inquiries.  The specialist is responsible for tracking the progress of applications from initial submission through final approval, and resolving any issues that arise. This role is critical to the successful deployment and activation of solar installations across multiple jurisdictions.

Our ideal candidate for the role has previous experience permitting in the solar industry or related industry like construction, is a motivated self-starter with excellent communication skills, is highly organized…and believes in the power of renewable energy!

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares and submits interconnection applications for residential and commercial solar projects and tracks those applications, proactively following up with utility providers to ensure timely approval of those applications.
• Reviews and verifies technical documentation including single-line diagrams (SLDs), site plans and interconnection packages, ensuring documentation is compliant with utility and AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requirements. Works with internal teams including operations and design to ensure all interconnection requirements are met and maintains accurate records of interconnection statuses, documentation and utility communications.
• Compiles and submits complete and accurate permit packages for residential and commercial solar projects and tracks those applications, proactively following up with the AHJ to ensure timely approval of those applications. 
• Coordinates and prepares post-install documentation for inspections related to permitting and utility interconnections.
• Monitors and manages permitting and utility approval timelines to minimize delays in project execution. Provides interconnection and permit updates and results to internal project managers and external customers or commercial clients and initiates corrective actions if needed.
• Stays informed about regional utility interconnection requirements, application platforms and policy updates and applies that knowledge across utility service areas and monitors changes in permitting requirements to advise internal teams accordingly.
• Maintains our internal database of utility rate structures and alignment of rates entered in our proposal design software. 
• Communicate with customers regarding questions about utility incentive programs.
• Help resolve customer questions regarding production issues by analyzing estimated monthly production values versus actual monthly production values.
• Assist the Design & Engineering Manager with special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in solar interconnection or related utility coordination role
• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate’s degree in Renewable Energy, Electrical Technology, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Construction Management or similar discipline preferred
• Valid driver license required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Solid understanding of how solar energy systems interact with the electrical grid
• Excellent knowledge of electrical system components
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection methods
• Familiarity with NEC 690, NEM programs and utility interconnection policies
• Experience working with local utilities, municipalities and permitting authorities
• Strong proficiency with utility portals, project management software and Google Workspace
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization skills
• Exceptional time-management skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Highly adaptable with a customer service mindset
• Proficient with project tracking tool like spreadsheets, CRM systems and project management software

Rate:  $20-23/HR