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