Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Solar Project Developer

Do you want a sales career that helps make the world a better place? You can find that fulfillment when you bring clean energy to local communities with StraightUp Solar! Find job satisfaction, career growth, and an inclusive and safety focused culture, all in one place.

StraightUp Solar is seeking a Commercial & Industrial Project Developer to originate, develop, and close large and mid sized commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic projects in IL and MO.

About StraightUp Solar:

StraightUp Solar is Missouri’s largest and longest-running solar installation company. We are dedicated exclusively to PV design, installation, operations, and maintenance. We have installed more than 3,000 solar projects for businesses, homes, schools, farms, churches and government buildings throughout Missouri and Illinois.

St. Louis-founded and owned, we are a fully-licensed and insured electrical contractor, a BBB A+ business, B-Corp Certified, and a St. Louis Post Dispatch Top Workplace award winner since 2020. We care deeply for the environment, our communities, and our team. StraightUp Solar is a focused team of 115 solar professionals across 3 offices (St. Louis, MO; Bloomington IL; Marion, IL). Half of our team members have a NABCEP Advanced Certification or an Associate-Level Credential, proving our dedication to quality solar.

Expectations of All Employees:

- Live StraightUp Solar’s CLEARE values and embrace our goal of “inspiring a solar community to create a sustainable world.”

- Always work toward shared understanding and engage in “crucial conversations” when needed.

- Be self-sufficient and supportive of other team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Develop and close 50kW - 3MW commercial projects

- Identify potential commercial customers, channel partners, vertical sectors, and commercial market trends in the Northern IL (NIL) region.

- Develop a compelling value proposition that highlights the financial, environmental, and operational benefits of solar energy for small to large commercial businesses in NIL.

- Implement collaborative and independent lead generation strategies.

- Work closely and collaboratively with operational and sales management teams to provide commercial customers with tailored financial solutions.

- Attend local networking events, join industry associations, and participate in relevant community activities.

- Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, such as building owners, facility managers, sustainability officers, and local business owners.

- Participate in periodic public speaking, marketing, outreach or other community presentations (presentations, booths, trade shows, etc).

- Prospect for and qualify personally-developed leads as well as develop Company-assigned leads.

- Log all communications with leads and clients in CRM database.

- Conceptualize, price, and formally propose solar electric systems and O&M agreements.

- Analyze Customer’s current and projected electrical usage and financial return on investment.

- Obtain and document on-site project details (eg. site and electrical system photos) necessary to support accurate preliminary designs and proposals with assistance from SUS estimating and design team as required.

- Follow StraightUp Solar business rules and policies.

- Report to and meet weekly with the VP of Sales and/or VP of Development.

- Sales target goals, performance, and commission payment accounting will be reviewed with the VP of Sales quarterly, and compensation agreements will be reviewed at annual employee evaluation.

- Attend Sales Team and relevant Project Review meetings.

Qualifications:

- 3+ years’ previous experience in Solar Sales: prospecting, qualifying, presenting, negotiating, and closing.

- Knowledge of solar technology, market trends, Illinois/Missouri and federal incentive programs

- Strong self-starter, with excellent time management and prioritization skills

- Strong background in relationship building and business development

- Ability to effectively track a large volume of leads, manage timelines and deliverables, and complete accurate documentation within a CRM

- Efficient, clear and consistent verbal and written communication and follow-up

- High performance, both in quality and pace, with a desire to meet and exceed personal and team sales goals

- Excellent teamwork skills – ability to foster a positive team environment

- Proactive mindset - seek new opportunity and creative strategies

- Competency of the use of email, Word, Excel, Google Drive, and CRMs

- Clean driving record and valid driver’s license

- Must be able to work outside of normal business hours on occasion

Education:

- Bachelor’s degree or higher

Physical Requirements:

- The ability to communicate effectively.

- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Position Information:

Department: Sales

Must be able to work outside of normal business hours on occasion

Exempt: Yes

Pay Structure: Base salary plus a performance-based commission structure

Annual Salary starting around $90,000. Total compensation consists of a fixed base salary and a performance-driven commission, where overall earnings are tied directly to sales achievements.

What We Offer:

- Competitive hourly rate and advancement opportunities

- Quarterly Profit Sharing

- 2% Employer Matching 401(k) that is 100% vested

- Company paid Life Insurance $50,000

- Monthly insurance stipend for all full time employees

- Health (United Health Care), Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Life, Legal, and Dependent Care FSA coverage options

- Wellness Program with Headspace App Stipend

- Paid Time Off, 9 Holidays, Parental and Bereavement Leave, 8 hrs paid Volunteer Time

- Per Diem and lodging covered if / when there is out of town travel

- Ongoing solar education and training classes

StraightUp Solar Culture:

We provide a supportive team environment which allows everyone the opportunity to collaborate on ideas to improve the company. StraightUp Solar is committed to ongoing training and professional development, promoting from within as much as possible. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer celebrating our employees' differences regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Diversity makes us better.

StraightUp Solar has 6 core values (CLEARE) that guide the company and team members.

CLEARE Values:

- Care for Community

- Lead the Energy Transition

- Educate Everyone

- Advocate with Purpose

- Respect People & Planet

- Embody Excellence

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Mileage reimbursement

- Paid time off

- Paid training

- Parental leave

- Professional development assistance

- Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

- How many years of solar sales experience do you have?

License/Certification:

- Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person