Job Details
Boston Community Solar Cooperative (BCSC)
Location: Greater Boston Area (Hybrid)
Position Type: Part-Time or Contract, approximately 4- 10 hours a week
About the Boston Community Solar Cooperative
The Boston Community Solar Cooperative is a mission-driven organization dedicated to expanding equitable access to clean energy across Boston’s neighborhoods. We aim to develop community-owned solar projects that reduce energy burdens, build local wealth, and create pathways into the clean-energy workforce. Our work blends technical innovation, community empowerment, and climate justice across Greater Boston. We are a start up organization, but our decision making is democratic: each worker member gets an equal say in strategic decisions.
We are seeking a skilled Solar Design & Financial Modeling Specialist to accelerate our pipeline of community solar sites and support the cooperative’s growth.
Position Overview
The Solar Design & Financial Modeling Specialist will lead technical and financial analyses that determine the feasibility of new community solar sites. This role is central to our site acquisition strategy, providing accurate system designs, production estimates, and financial models that guide decision-making with partners, property owners, and community stakeholders.
The Specialist will work closely with BCSC leadership, community partners, and external engineering teams to evaluate rooftops, parking lots, and land parcels across the Greater Boston area.
Key Responsibilities
Solar System Design & Technical Assessment
- Conduct preliminary and advanced solar PV system designs using industry-standard tools (e.g., Helioscope, Aurora, PVsyst, or equivalent).
- Perform initial site assessments using satellite imagery
- Generate production estimates, shading analyses, and layout options.
- Prepare technical documentation for proposals, permitting, and partner engagement.
Financial Modeling & Feasibility Analysis
- Build and maintain financial models for community solar projects, including:
- Capital costs
- Operating expenses
- Incentives (SMART, IRA tax credits, storage adders, low-income bonuses, etc.)
- Revenue projections
- Debt, payback periods, and Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
- Conduct sensitivity analyses to support decision-making.
- Prepare and present investment-ready project pro formas for internal and external stakeholders.
Site Acquisition Support
- Evaluate potential host sites and generate rapid-turnaround feasibility assessments.
- Collaborate with property owners, community organizations, and municipal partners.
- Maintain a pipeline tracking system for prospective sites.
Cross-Team Collaboration
- Work with community engagement teams to translate technical findings into accessible materials.
- Support workforce development initiatives by sharing insights with trainees and community members.
- Contribute to BCSC’s mission of equitable, community-owned clean energy.
- Support grant applications, funding proposals, and cooperative member presentations.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience in solar PV system design, engineering, or project development.
- Proficiency with solar design software (Helioscope, Aurora, PVsyst, or similar).
- Strong financial modeling skills (Excel, Google Sheets, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with Massachusetts solar incentives, interconnection processes, and utility requirements.
- Strong communication skills and ability to present technical information clearly.
- Commitment to clean energy, climate justice, and community empowerment.
Preferred
- Experience with community solar or low-income solar programs.
- Knowledge of IRA tax credit structures and transferability.
- GIS mapping experience (ArcGIS, QGIS).
- Experience working with cooperatives, nonprofits, or community-based organizations.
- NABCEP certification (PV Associate or PV Installation Professional).
- Residency in the city of Boston.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to shape Boston’s community-owned clean energy future.
- Opportunity to be part of a start-up organization, helping to shape its foundational principles and strategic direction
- Collaborative, mission-driven environment with deep community partnerships.
- Flexible, hybrid work model.
- Professional development opportunities
- Compensation: $15/hr (current worker-member rate across the organization)
How to Apply: Send your resume, a brief cover letter, and at least one example of past solar design or financial modeling work you have completed (if available) to hello@bostoncommunitysolar.coop with the subject line: Solar Design & Financial Modeling Specialist – Application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.