Solar Technician at CPF Financial Services

Job purpose:

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

Key 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.

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 authorised.

Clean and inspect modules as required.

Monitor system performance and identify abnormal generation or battery behaviour.

Respond to customer breakdowns and technical service requests.

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 synchronisation problems

Customer Support

Explain system operation to customers.

Train customers and operators in basic system 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.

Health, Safety and Environment

Comply with company HSE procedures and applicable Kenyan safety equirements.

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

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications required

Academic & Professional Qualifications/Memberships to professional bodies:

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 licence or certification

Registration or licensing with relevant Kenyan regulatory bodies

Knowledge of electrical wiring, protection systems and basic electrical engineering principles.

Ability to read electrical drawings and solar PV system diagrams

3 to 4 years of practical experience in solar PV installation, electrical works, commissioning or maintenance

Similar open roles

• Virtual Energy Manager – Nairobi, KenyaSummit Recruitment and Search · Nairobi
• Control and Dispatch Engineer-Kajiado, KenyaSummit Recruitment and Search
• Bess TechnicianMiale Solar Inventions Ltd · Nairobi
• HEAD – SOLAR DIVISION – NairobiHuman Capital Solution Services (HCSS) · Nairobi
• Geologist[2] - 4 PostsPublic Service Commission Kenya (PSCK) · Nairobi
• Geophysicist II - 4 PostsPublic Service Commission Kenya (PSCK) · Nairobi