Interconnection Strategy Lead (US)

Solar Provider Group•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

Solar Provider Group (SPG) develops medium and large-scale solar projects across North America and Europe. We identify suitable sites, secure land rights, advance projects through the interconnection process, and manage permitting and regulatory approvals through readiness for construction. By working closely with utilities, landowners, communities, and industry partners, we ensure projects are well-positioned for success. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and regulatory frameworks in each region, our team navigates the complexities of solar development to create viable, bankable projects that support the expansion of renewable energy. We are seeking a senior-level leader with the technical depth and commercial insight to shape SPG’s interconnection and market-entry strategy across utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. This role is instrumental in driving the company’s strategic growth. It involves prioritizing viable interconnection points, securing queue positions and advancing applications through close coordination with utilities and internal engineering teams, and assessing project values by providing inputs about the value increase of battery energy storage components to the finance team. The ideal candidate combines deep analytical and technical competence with strong commercial acumen, enabling them to synthesize grid studies, interconnection data, and market dynamics, including opportunities for co-located or standalone BESS, into compelling business cases that drive portfolio-level and market expansion decisions. They excel at utility and ISO engagement, interconnection process management, and steering interconnection strategy through robust research, feasibility assessments, and cross-team alignment.

Requirements

5 –10 years’ experience with distribution-level interconnection for solar and BESS.
University degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field.
Demonstrated ability to combine strong analytical and technical competence with solid commercial acumen to interpret grid studies and interconnection data, including opportunities for co-located or standalone BESS and synthesize these inputs into clear, compelling business cases.
Familiarity with utility interconnection procedures in MISO, PJM, ISO-NE and other regions and FERC.
Experience working with publicly owned utilities, investor-owned utilities, independent system operators, regional transmission operators, load-serving entities, local distribution companies, public utility commissions, and regulatory bodies in the United States is preferable.
Experience working closely with engineers and other technical teams, with a deep understanding of technical requirements and product development cycles.
Experience with BESS integration and utility scale interconnection.
Understanding of cluster studies, flexible interconnection, curtailment and generation shifting.
Thorough understanding of technical consideration and electrical theory, paired with strong social skills and the ability to explain complicated technical matters to laypersons.
Proficiency with grid modeling and simulation tools (e.g., CYME, PSCAD, PowerFactory, or similar).
Strong Excel skills; experience with financial models for PV and BESS and data analysis tools such as Python or Power BI is a plus.
Comfortable navigating utility interconnection portals and hosting capacity maps.
Strong network of key industry stakeholders, including transmission operators, local utilities, public utility commissions, and leading BESS and PV vendors.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the United States and Canada to support project development activities.

Nice To Haves

MBA is a plus.
Experience working with publicly owned utilities, investor-owned utilities, independent system operators, regional transmission operators, load-serving entities, local distribution companies, public utility commissions, and regulatory bodies in the United States is preferable.
Strong Excel skills; experience with financial models for PV and BESS and data analysis tools such as Python or Power BI is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead integration of battery energy storage with solar projects or standalone battery energy storage, including understanding and quantifying the business case.
Develop value propositions by understanding financial incentive programs in key target markets focusing on BESS.
Identify regions within utility territories with available hosting capacity and favorable queue conditions for generation and BESS, coupled or standalone. Perform load flow and injection studies and complex analyses on distribution and potentially transmission networks.
Understand project financing models as a means to inform the impacts of interconnection costs and/or design changes on the financial viability of a project.
Analyze all available resources about the grid to identify regions suitable for solar development and land acquisition campaigns (e.g. IX application throughput, interconnection queues, trackers, pre-apps, integrated resource plans, etc.)
Support strategic decision-making for interconnection projects, advising on cost allocation, congestion risks, and mitigation strategies.
Build relationships and liaise with utilities to develop creative solutions and secure favorable access to the grid.
Develop analytical tools and displays to examine the status and dynamics of distribution grids.
Interpret technical studies provided by utilities and advise on potential project downsizing to secure quick and inexpensive access to the grid.
Review pre-applications and advise the project development and land acquisition teams regarding interconnection viability at prospective sites.
Review and manage interconnection contracts and provide information to de-risk projects, facilitate utilities’ to drive desired outcomes, and reduce project risk and costs.
Suggest flexible interconnection arrangements to utilities/grid operators (e.g. curtailment) and enable larger capacity project development with less expensive upgrades.
Participate in interconnection working groups hosted by utilities and public utility commissions and stay current with latest developments in interconnection procedures.
Track & influence transmission policy changes, supporting Government Affairs in interconnection advocacy.
Provide regular reporting on project-specific interconnection information to inform project schedules, budgets, and key decision-making.
At the beginning 20/80 division of labor between administrative and strategic tasks.
Manage interconnection team, as applicable