Distributed Power Plant Technical Analyst - Solar Energy Analyst

Solar United Neighbors is seeking a Distributed Power Plant Technical Analyst to support policy and advocacy for solar and battery systems across the U.S. The role involves technical analysis, modeling tariffs, drafting educational materials, and participating in regulatory proceedings. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in the energy sector and a passion for expanding access to renewable energy. This position is remote and reports to the VP of Go Solar Programs.
Our energy system is on the brink of a major transformation, and we’re looking for someone to help us ensure this new system puts rooftop solar energy at the cornerstone!

About Us!

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit that started more than 15 years ago with a simple question. "Mom, can we go solar?" Since then, we've helped tens of thousands of people benefit from solar energy. We are dedicated to creating a clean, equitable, resilient energy system that benefits everyone — by helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.

About the Position

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has developed and implemented local solar purchasing programs for over a decade, and we’ve seen our supporters’ interest grow from just solar to solar, and storage, electric vehicle chargers, smart thermostats, and smart electric panels. Our priority is to expand equitable access to Distributed Energy Resources, and we advocate for the development of a policy landscape and markets that allow for widespread participation in the aggregation of those resources.

The Distributed Power Plant Technical Analyst will support SUN’s policy, regulatory, and advocacy efforts to implement solar + batteries Distributed Power Plant (or Virtual Power Plant) policy across the country and in targeted states. The Analyst will support and sometimes directly participate in advocating for SUN’s model distributed power plant (DPP) state policy in administrative proceedings and legislative campaigns. Our goal is to move the country from the current pilot program phase to rapid scaling and mainstreaming of DPPs.

This remote position reports to the VP of Go Solar Programs.

How to apply: If you think this job might be for you, please apply on our Careers.Place job board! Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

Job responsibilities include:
• Technical analysis and reporting on existing Distributed Energy Resources (DER) aggregation programs
• Modeling/simulation of proposed tariffs for participant savings using market and program-specific assumptions to communicate with policymakers and the general public on the economic value of these programs for potential participants
• Drafting and maintaining campaign education materials for a wide variety of audiences including the policymakers, regulators, and general public
• Participating in technical working groups organized by regulatory bodies and industry
• Testifying in administrative proceedings and legislative hearings
• Presenting in public and internal/SUN forums on a variety of technical levels from general consumer education to the highly technical
• Co-leading and moderating SUN’s DPP internal/external working group
• Contributing to funding pitches, updates, and summary reports
• Tracking and reporting program-related metrics to internal and external partners

Required Qualifications
• A minimum of 4 years of technical analyst experience in the energy industry
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working in a technical capacity for an organization focused on the DER aggregation space
• Experience communicating complex energy topics to a general audience
• Energy project modeling experience with residential or commercial tools like Energy Toolbase or similar
• Passion for expanding access to rooftop solar
• Project management experience
• Be a clear and consistent communicator and writer
• Be comfortable with office productivity, communication, and project management software
• Ability to travel periodically (~10%) to attend events such as in-person regulatory proceedings and conferences.

Preferred Qualifications
• Ability to use project management tools like Asana or Jira
• Experience working in an all-remote environment
• Experience in a cross-cutting/matrix organizational structure

We anticipate accepting applications until middle of March, with the first review of candidates beginning in early March. However, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible, as we may begin interviews on a rolling basis.

SUN welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and experience to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with a non-traditional education. We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply.