Effective Project Management in the Commercial Solar PV Industry: What It Really Takes!

Prior to ASTRO Renewables, I’ve worked very much at a site level - actually building systems on rooftops. I’ve then managed individual sites and teams, and then managed multiple sites, teams and projects for some well-known, demanding Clients. I’ve seen good and bad and learnt a vast amount. I still am.

This has led me to ASTRO Renewables, where we strive to consistently deliver excellence in what we do. Here are some of my thoughts around the PM role, based on my own industry experiences. I’d love to hear your thoughts and some of your experiences, too.

The Real Job Description of a Commercial Solar PV Project Manager

Hint: It’s Not Just Gantt Charts and Spreadsheets!

In the fast-paced world of commercial solar, project management is much more than task lists, Gantt Charts and spreadsheets. It’s a complex balancing act that blends technical expertise, practical experience, and strong interpersonal skills - all under constant pressure.

To be truly effective, a Project Manager in this sector needs to be both highly knowledgeable and highly adaptable.

1. A Strong Technical Foundation

Surface-level knowledge simply isn’t enough. A successful Project Manager must have a deep understanding of a wide range of technical components and how they all fit together in practice. This includes a working knowledge of various roof types, different mounting systems and the many inverter technologies and associated components, such as monitoring systems and platforms.

It’s not just about knowing what’s out there; it’s about understanding how these elements interact on a real-world site. The ability to make informed technical decisions, foresee potential issues, and engage credibly with engineers and installers is a core part of the role.

2. Hands-On, Practical Experience

Theory only gets you so far. The best Project Managers have spent time on-site, tools in hand, walking the walk. You need to understand how the job actually gets done, not just how it’s supposed to. They understand how installations actually happen, not just how they look on paper. That includes everything from scaffolding installations and cable runs to connection timelines and grid approvals to commissioning and testing the installed system.

This experience enables a Project Manager to spot problems early, coordinate more efficiently with contractors, and keep projects moving smoothly even when unexpected issues arise (and they will). It also builds credibility with the wider delivery team, which is vital for maintaining momentum and morale.

3. Exceptional People Skills

Project management is, at its heart, a people-focused discipline. A great Project Manager needs to be able to engage positively with a wide range of stakeholders, from contractors and suppliers to clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies.

Every stakeholder has different priorities, working styles, and expectations.

The ability to communicate clearly, manage relationships diplomatically, and build trust across the board is critical. Whether it’s calming client concerns, motivating teams, or resolving site-level issues, interpersonal skills often determine whether a project runs smoothly or becomes a real challenge.

4. Keeping Everyone Safe

In this industry, safety management isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a fundamental pillar of responsible project delivery. As Project Managers, we carry more than just timelines and budgets; we carry the duty of care for every individual who steps onto that site. That includes the teams of contractors, engineers, plant operators, delivery drivers and crucially the day-to-day staff who continue to operate in and around what we’re doing.

A rooftop install on a large manufacturing unit or warehousing, a carport above a retail park or a ground-mount all bring unique risks that must be assessed, controlled, communicated, and constantly reviewed.

It's not enough to “tick the RAMS box.” A good PM ensures that safety is embedded into the workflow from day one. Comprehensive site inductions, toolbox talks, pedestrian and vehicle access control, exclusion zones, fire safety, PPE compliance, and thorough daily site checks aren't just formalities.

They’re lifesaving disciplines. And when the environment is shared with non-construction personnel, it’s our job to keep them protected and informed, even when the risks seem invisible to them.

A well-run solar project doesn’t just deliver clean energy; it does so without incident because someone took ownership of the safety culture and never let it slip.

5. Project Management Tools and Being Proactive

Aside from strong personal attributes as previously discussed, one of the most essential tools in a commercial solar Project Manager’s toolkit is the Programme of Works.

When combined with clearly defined processes, well-documented procedures, and a proactive mindset, it becomes the backbone of successful project delivery. A well-developed Programme of Works does more than just outline timelines. It provides a structured overview of the entire project lifecycle, identifies critical paths, and highlights dependencies before they become risks.

Alongside the Programme of Works, a well-maintained project budget, most typically managed through detailed spreadsheets, is fundamental to effective project management. These spreadsheets serve as the financial nerve centre of a project, tracking costs, forecasts, variations, and margins in real-time.

They allow the Project Manager to monitor spend against a carefully constructed budget with precision, identify early signs of potential overspend, and make informed decisions to keep the project financially on track. But it’s not just about logging numbers. It’s also about using that data proactively to drive accountability, challenge unexpected costs, and protect the commercial viability of the project as a whole.

In a sector where material prices, labour rates, and delivery schedules are in constant flux, a clear and disciplined approach to budget management is absolutely non-negotiable.

However, even the most detailed plans are only as effective as the day-to-day execution behind them. Proactive project management means anticipating challenges, engaging regularly with stakeholders and contractors, and maintaining momentum through every phase.

It’s not about simply reacting to problems; rather, it’s about staying ahead of them. In my experience, being proactive is not just a nice idea; it’s a critical indicator (and mindset) of success.

6. Composure Under Pressure

Commercial Solar projects rarely go 100% to plan. Weather delays and interruptions, supplier setbacks, and shifting client requirements all happen. And when they do, all eyes are on the Project Manager.

Remaining calm, solution-focused, and decisive under pressure is an essential quality. Great PMs know how to absorb stress without passing it down the line, how to prioritise effectively, and how to keep a project and its people moving forward positively.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For me personally, being part of ASTRO Renewables has brought me to the tip of the pyramid when it comes to project management and project delivery in the commercial solar setting.

Everything I’ve learned as part of the journey I’ve been on so far in this industry is now aligned with robust, thorough and detailed processes that aim to bring the very best out of every project we deliver. It's taught me the mindset of being constantly proactive and leaving nothing to chance, and attending to every detail and possible outcome. It’s what ASTRO Renewables does.

Being a Project Manager in the commercial solar sector is challenging, rewarding, and highly demanding. It requires a rare mix of technical acumen, real-world experience, and human leadership, as well as creating and manipulating powerful software tools to maximise results.

For those who can bring all these skills to the table, the impact is significant and not just on project outcomes, but on the broader journey to a more sustainable energy future.