Dimitar Dimitrov has been with Solarpro since the very beginning of the company – he started as a Technical Manager, later became a Project Manager and is currently a Senior O&M Engineer. Dimitar is one of the driving forces of the Solarpro team in Varna and as a Senior O&M Engineer he has the responsibility to take care of the trouble-free operation of the solar plants maintained by the company. Learn more about him and his development below.

Tell us more about your role in Solarpro
Over the years I have held positions as a Technical Manager, Project Manager and O&M engineer. Currently, with the experience gained over the years, I hold the position of Senior O&M Engineer. My current role is mainly to find solutions and coordinate activities for the trouble-free operation of the PV plants maintained by Solarpro. I also take part in the construction and commissioning of new projects.

How does an average day on the job look like for you?
The work is quite dynamic. Some days I spend in the office and others in the field at the plants themselves. I am constantly in touch with colleagues from the O&M department to find the quickest and best solutions to deal with problems that arise. The work is quite interesting and at times it presents me with a lot of challenges. Every day is different.

What are the most important skills to bring to your position?
One of the most important skills is good communication with colleagues inside and outside the team. Other important skills are quick thanking in everyday situations and flexibility in decision-making in order to be able to achieve our goals.

What are the most common challenges you face in your work?
In our line of work, it happens quite often that we have unforeseen situations, which are small challenges in themselves. In this regard, through coordination between the team and colleagues in the company, we look for the fastest possible way to deal with the situation. As I like to say “tasks are for yesterday and there’s no room for postponement”.

When did you start working in Solarpro?
I started working at Solarpro in October 2008 in the first months of the company’s establishment. I was part of the team in Varna and were tasked with the design and construction of our first solar park. It was a big challenge for our team, which was no more than 10 people. With joint efforts from start to finish, we managed to design, build and put into operation the Yankovo 2,4 MWp.

Why did you choose solar energy? What motivates you to work within the renewable sector?
15 years ago, when I started working, solar energy was hardly talked about in Bulgaria. I got an invitation to work from a colleague with whom I had previously built cable lines and transformer substations. At that stage I had also heard very little about the production of this type of energy. It was something new and innovative for me at that point. I accepted the challenge to develop solar energy in Bulgaria without hesitation.
The years spent at Solarpro have not diminished my motivation to develop new technologies and solutions in the industry. The work in the field continues to develop at a very fast pace and new things are constantly coming in place. I can safely say that solar energy production will take a large share of what is produced worldwide in the near future. And I am happy to be contributing something to that future.

How do you think the PV industry will change in the next few years?
The sector is currently developing at a very fast pace, driven by events worldwide. The share of solar in the overall mix is definitely increasing and the trends are set to continue in the coming years. Batteries are now on the market, making the production, storage and use of solar energy much more flexible. I guess the goal will be to reach 100% renewable energy production in the European Union in the coming years. There is definitely a lot more talk and knowledge about solar energy now.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a job in renewables / to start a job in your position?
You will have a dynamic job, be interested and learn new things every day. There will be surprises. Be ready for them.

What are your interests outside of work?
Balance is important to me. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. I love the sea, the mountains and walks in nature. Of course I also can’t say no to a cold beer! :)