For more than 20 years, Globeleq has been a long-term investor, developer, owner and operator of diversified power projects in Africa, where the company is one of the largest Independent Power Producers., With nearly 1500MW of generation capacity in operation across 16 power plants in 7 countries, 488MW of new power projects in construction and >2,000MW in development, Globeleq is one of the largest independent power producers solely focused in Africa. Globeleq is 70% owned by British International Investment and 30% by Norfund, the development finance institutions of the UK and Norway, and has a proven track record for supporting the ongoing development of the African power sector.

Globeleq’s various generation technologies include gas, wind, solar PV, battery energy storage (BESS), hydro and geothermal. In South Africa, Globeleq owns and operates renewable energy (RE) power plants throughout the country.

The Senior Solar Technician is responsible for all preventative and corrective maintenance on the solar plant while making sure all HSE procedures are followed. The Technician must ensure maximum availability and performance ratio of the solar plant and draft technical reports on all events. Root cause analysis, identifying and implementing plant optimisation projects under guidance by the Site Manager and Engineering Manager.

This role is based on site at Boshof Solar Power Plant – Free State.

Key Responsibilities

Plan, prepare for, manage and execute activities pertaining to Preventative Maintenance on the solar plant assuring all HSE procedures are followed, activities include but are not limited to:
1. Substation maintenance as per annual maintenance schedule
2. CT building maintenance as per annual maintenance schedule
3. Ring main unit maintenance as per annual maintenance schedule
4. String combiner box (SCB) maintenance as per annual maintenance schedule
5. Tracker controllers maintenance as per maintenance schedule
6. Infrared Red scans of panels, SCBs, transformers and inverters
7. Inspections as scheduled on substation, CT buildings and SCBs
8. Inspect, test, diagnose and maintain CCTV system
9. Inspect, test, diagnose and maintain tracker system
Plan, prepare for, manage and execute activities and execute pertaining to Corrective Maintenance on the solar plant assuring all HSE procedures are followed, activities include but are not limited to:
1. Respond to all alarms triggered on the solar plant
2. Resolve all trips on the solar plant timeously
3. Attend to all breakdowns, do fault finding/root cause analysis and resolve, fix or replace faulty equipment with minimal energy loss
4. Diagnose and replace PV panels
5. Diagnose, test, repair and/or replace cables, cable inter-connections, PV junction/string boxes, connectors and fuses in PV systems
6. Diagnose, test, repair and/or replace transformers
7. Diagnose, test repair and/or replace HV yard equipment
8. Diagnose, repair and/or replace switchgear and control gear in PV systems
Operate up to 132kV
Apply root cause analysis techniques on all major and reoccurring faults
Investigate technical failures and prepare formal technical report
Generate Work Order (WO) requests for onsite intervention in CMMS/ERP system
Enforce HSE compliance with contractors
Work with Power Engineer on Plant optimisation (reliability and future CAPEX projects)
Perform standby duties
Train/mentor interns
Interact with Eskom Control as required
Prepare Requests for Quotes as needed
Record keeping and management of spare part movements
Report significant events to Site Manager and Engineering team, where necessary
Any other duties, as assigned by the Site Manager, in line with the role.

Skills and Competencies

Able to troubleshoot and analyse data including following various types of process charts, schematics and single line diagrams.
Have a good understanding and perception of integrated system and how to apply effect fault finding techniques in such a system.
Very good written and oral communication skills.
Well-organized and responsive in all communications including clear, concise e-mails; adept at writing technical reports and policies.
Good team player; able to balance team and individual responsibilities.
Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Able to manage stress and high-pressure situation.
Able to handle multiple projects, prioritize work and work effectively under limited supervision.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

Minimum National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or an N6 Certificate (or NQF equivalent) with electrical subjects is required.
Minimum 5 years’ utility experience in power plant or PV industry experience.
Experience in switching LV, MV and HV systems up to 132kV is required.
Experience with lock-out tag-out procedures.
Working knowledge of power system protection and testing.
SCADA: able to analyse data, investigate and report on trends.
General ERP/CMMS experience.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
Code B driver’s license is required as a minimum
Able to read and interpret single line diagrams and schematics.
Demonstrated experience in the maintenance of LV and 22kV cable, DC cable systems including fault location and diagnostics is an advantage.
Cable jointing qualifications and experience is an added advantage.
PLC troubleshooting and maintenance is an added advantage.

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Senior Solar Technician - Boshof Solar Power Plant