SolSearch Energy

SolSearch Energy is a boutique recruitment firm founded by Patrick Burnell, dedicated to placing exceptional energy professionals with companies developing solar, battery storage (BESS), and data centre power projects across the East Coast. Unlike traditional volume-driven recruitment, SolSearch operates intentionally small, taking on only the work Patrick can genuinely deliver on. The firm has completed over 200 placements and built its reputation on deep, authentic relationships with energy professionals rather than database-driven sourcing. Every search is run personally by Patrick, with no handoffs mid-process, ensuring alignment between candidate motivations and client culture from the outset.

SolSearch specialises across three core sectors. Solar development forms the foundation of the firm's expertise, covering utility-scale, community, and commercial installations across PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE, and SERC regions, with placements spanning development, finance, engineering, and construction roles. Battery storage (BESS) represents a natural extension, as many solar candidates possess storage experience, giving SolSearch deep bench strength in capacity markets, permitting, and standalone versus co-located projects. Data centre power is the third specialisation, where SolSearch leverages its existing network of developers transitioning from solar and BESS backgrounds into site control, interconnection, and power procurement roles.

Patrick has worked with professionals from early-stage developers through to established independent power producers and Fortune 500 energy companies, building particular strength on the East Coast through seven years of genuine conversations with energy professionals. Clients choose SolSearch because Patrick takes briefs seriously, understanding team dynamics and culture rather than simply matching qualifications. Candidates value the firm for its confidentiality, honest advocacy, and refusal to ghost or blast CVs without permission. The firm's post-placement support includes check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days, with ongoing availability thereafter, reflecting Patrick's philosophy that a hire falling apart in six months represents a failure on his part.