Current Jobs Openings

Job description

Position Title: Solar Design Consultant

Reports To: PV Sales Manager

Supervises (Yes/No): No

Our Mission

Northwind’s Vision is to transition our society to one powered by renewable energy. As a member owned cooperative, we are demonstrating a better way to build a successful business in Central Wisconsin. Our members are empowered, educated, and engaged. We work with our clients to install the highest quality solar power systems. Our community is more resilient because Northwind Solar is helping build it. Together we are powering forward a more democratic economy.

We are not your typical contractor. We are re-defining the contractor experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our installations and our client interaction. Our customers are our greatest source of future business. We treat all customers as we would like to be treated by contractors. 

Position Summary

The Solar Consultant position is responsible for marketing, lead generation, customer outreach and the sales of NWREC products and services. Solar Consultants work with prospective customers to identify their energy needs, create solutions, secure sales contracts and ensure an overall smooth sales process through the installation and commissioning of the project – and beyond. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develops relationships with prospective clients to understand their needs and offer product education and solutions.  Services existing customers and establishes new customers.
• Requires an in-depth understanding of company products, industry incentives, utility net metering policies and how to effectively communicate these with customers.
• Can seamlessly adjust content of sales presentations by learning customers' unique needs.
• Maintains records and documentation on customer sales.
• Effectively communicates projects with operations to ensure a smooth installation process.
• Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems and developing solutions. Knows where to get needed answers to problems. Keeps management informed. 
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Recommends changes in products, services, and internal policies by evaluating results and competitive developments.
• Assist other team members with transactions as necessary.
• Research potential leads from business directories, web searches, or digital resources.
• Create and maintain a list/database of prospect clients. Develop leads and follow-through with appropriate contact outreach schedule.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education and Requirements:

• High school or equivalent
• Valid WI Driver’s License
• Must be able to successfully pass pre-employment screenings

Preferred Certifications/Licensure:

• Associates degree or greater
• NABCEP Associates Certificate or Installer Certificate

Experience

Required: None

Preferred:

• 1-2 years solar sales or 2-4 years general sales

Knowledge and Skills That Lead to Success

• Customer Service Skills: Superb interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly build rapport with customers. You will need to be able speak in a friendly way to customers and potential customers, listening to their needs and helping communicate options for them. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will need to speak to customers about a product's different features and answer any questions they might have. You will also need to educate the customers on how grid-tied solar works, utility interaction and solar as a financial investment. 
• Sales skills: Including Prospecting Skills, Presentation Skills, Managing Client Relationships, Negotiation and Closing Skills.
• Flexibility: You might have to work long hours, nights or weekends.
• Persistence: Not every customer is going to be a sale. Being able to bounce back if you lose a sale will be key for this job. Tenacity to handle rejection and continue on with a positive attitude when reaching the next potential customer. Self-confidence will be a trait that will serve you well. Inner motivation to achieve sales goals. 
• Strong computer skills, specifically with Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to easily translate complicated technical jargon for the average consumer. Master of product knowledge.
• Knowledge of lead generating and customer prospecting methods. 
• Ability to work independently and as an active member of a team.
• Ability to professionally and confidently communicate with diverse groups of people.
• Negotiating contracts with prospective clients.
• A commitment to excellent customer service.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Solar Consultants will need to drive to prospective customer sites using NWREC vehicles. Once on site, Solar Consultant will need to climb a ladder to reach the rooftop, then evaluate the roof for solar resource and roof condition. Occasionally will need to inspect confined spaces like an attic or crawl space. May also need to work long hours at trade shows. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Total Benefits Package

• Membership in the Cooperative after 2 years. Members share equally in the prosperity of the cooperative and have an equal vote in the cooperative’s decision making.
• Cooperative-wide Performance Based Bonuses. Critical numbers are established in the beginning of each year and quarterly achievements can equal bonus payout.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 72 hours after 120-day introductory period. Adding 8 hours PTO per year of service.
• Disability Insurance both long and short term
• Group Health Insurance and Dental Insurance plans available
• $300 monthly contribution towards Group Health Care Insurance
• HSA Contributions of $100 per month
• Life Insurance
• Paid Education: Both Professional Development and Personal Enrichment
• Solar Installation on your home at cost
• Nine paid holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Monday through Friday 8 hour shift
• Occasional weekend work for events

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Intent and Function of Northwind Position Descriptions

This position description is intended to cover the most significant aspects of the position. There may be additional responsibilities assigned beyond those stated in this position description. Northwind reserves the right to modify the role, responsibilities, requirements and position status as compliance regulations or business needs dictate.

Position descriptions assist Northwind in assuring the hiring process is administered fairly and qualified candidates are selected. They are essential to effective performance management and compensation systems. 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the team member or others or which would impose undue hardship on the company. Position descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. Northwind maintains its status as an at-will employer and employment separations can occur for any reason not prohibited by law.