PROJECT DEVELOPMENT/ORIGINATION INTERNSHIP - SOLAR POWER

Job Status: Full Time 

Location: San Francisco, USA

Company Description: Candela Renewables is a leading national developer of utility-scale solar and storage power projects. Our mission is to develop the most reliable, cost effective, environmentally beneficial and financeable solar power projects in the U.S. We have the most accomplished solar development team in the industry. Candela has a long-term partnership with Naturgy Energy Group, a global energy company based in Madrid, Spain.   

Summary: This internship opportunity is open for Winter, Spring and/or Summer 2025 with an opportunity for extension, and candidates are expected to work 20 to 40 hours/week. The position is based at our San Francisco headquarters, although exceptional candidates may be considered for some remote work. The position may lead to an opportunity to join Candela full time, though there is no guarantee for that. 

Education: Applicant should be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate, at the time of the internship (students expecting to graduate no later than 2025 are preferred) 

Scope of Responsibilities:

  • Perform market and policy research to prepare analyses that drive strategic solar development  

  • Support Development and Origination staff with power marketing and RFP responses to utilities, commercial/industrial customers, and other wholesale buyers of power to secure energy offtake agreements 

  • Collaborate with Development and Execution teams to perform project diligence including, but not limited to: landowner or property information, zoning areas, easements, right of way applications, title documents, mitigation land opportunities, tax abatements, previous biological and cultural studies, etc. 

  • Work with financial models and quantitative tools to guide analysis, pricing, and decision making 

  • Perform due diligence and screening for asset acquisitions 

  • Support key solar project development work including some or all of the following: siting, interconnection, engineering, permitting, zoning, power marketing and project finance 

  • Conduct research and produce memorandums and associated materials to be presented to upper management for review and approval of contracts and spend  

  • Lead reporting activities and associated data management 

Qualifications:

  • Applicant should be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate, at the time of the internship (students expecting to graduate no later than 2025 are preferred) 

  • Previous experience in or with the energy industry is preferred 

  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills 

  • Proven analytical and quantitative skills (must be comfortable managing large data sets and working nimbly in Excel) 

  • Technical understanding of solar development and power markets is a plus 

  • Ability to handle large amounts of incoming information, balance multiple projects and reprioritize on the fly 

  • Ability to work individually and in a group setting 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (specifically Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, and Outlook) required and previous experience with compliance management and/or CRM software a plus 

  • Previous experience with Google Earth, PVSyst, or ESRI ArcGIS a plus 

  • Self-motivated and strong work ethic 

  • Attention to detail 

  • A strong sense of personal responsibility and ownership of work product 

  • Desire to join a high-energy, evolving team at a small, growing company 

  • Fun to work with