Stefan Niederhofer - Managing Director

Q: Where is Stefan based?

Stefan is based in Polling, Germany .

Q: What languages does Stefan speak?

Stefan speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary), Chinese (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Stefan have?

Stefan has at least 12 years of experience. During this time, Stefan has worked in at least 4 different roles and for 4 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 3 years . Note that Stefan may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Stefan's latest experience?

Stefan's most recent position is Managing Director at Unisource GmbH .

Q: What companies has Stefan worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Stefan has worked for Unisource GmbH , Austrian Institute of Technology & Technische Universität Wien , and Self-employed .

Q: Which industries is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in industries like Energy and Professional Services .

Q: Which business areas is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in business areas like Project Management , Procurement , and Quality Assurance . Stefan also has some experience in Strategy , Sustainability Management , and Research and Development .

Q: Which industries has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in industries like Energy .

Q: Which business areas has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in business areas like Project Management , Procurement , and Quality Assurance .

Recommended expert

Polling, Germany

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Experience

Jan 2024 - Present

2 years 5 months

Managing Director

Unisource GmbH

Project management for commercial and industrial BESS, rooftop PV and hydrogen systems (up to 20 MW) in the DACH region
AC- and DC-Engineering (low-, medium- and high voltage)
Management of all project phases: technical assessment, concept and implementation planning, creation and review of service specifications, coordination of planning participants, schedule and budget control
Coordination with grid operators (NVPs, VDE-AR-N 4105/4110/4120, TABs, EAAV) and authorities
Overarching interface management between customers, suppliers, and subcontractors
Ensuring quality, professional due diligence, adherence to deadlines, and cost efficiency

Apr 2022 - Jun 2025

3 years 3 months

PhD Candidate

Austrian Institute of Technology & Technische Universität Wien

Development and evaluation of integrated energy systems with PV plants and electrolysis for industrial consumption profiles
Analysis of load and generation profiles, modeling grid connection options and control concepts
In-depth knowledge of system integration, grid compatibility and optimization of renewable energy systems

Oct 2017 - Jan 2024

6 years 4 months

Project Manager

Self-employed

Leading and coordinating complex PV projects from preliminary planning to commissioning
Creating and reviewing technical concepts (grid connection, protection technology, string planning, single line diagrams)
Tendering and procurement management including scope of work and technical specifications
Project controlling and quality assurance in collaboration with contractors
Utilizing an established regional network of specialist planners, suppliers and subcontractors

Feb 2014 - Jul 2017

3 years 6 months

Founder and Managing Director

GF Sustainable Engineering and Consulting GmbH

Management consulting with a focus on renewable energy

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Energy and Professional Services.

Energy

Professional Services

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Project Management, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Strategy, Sustainability Management, and Research and Development.

Project Management

Procurement

Quality Assurance

Strategy

Sustainability Management

Research and Development

Summary

Renewable energy project manager with ~9 years of experience in grid connection, AC engineering and project delivery of PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS) up to medium MW scale. Experienced in grid connection processes with DSOs including grid capacity assessment, connection point evaluation and evaluation of grid connection costs including Baukostenzuschuss (BKZ) in accordance with German grid codes (VDE-AR-N 4105 / 4110 / 4120).

Strong background in AC and DC electrical design, technical due diligence and preparation of construction-ready project documentation. Experienced in coordinating grid operators, planning offices, suppliers and subcontractors while ensuring grid compliance, project timelines and cost efficiency.

Experience gained through multiple grid connection projects in Germany including Unna, Wolpertshausen and Saarwellingen.

Skills

Technical Profile

Grid Connection & Integration: Planning And Evaluation Of Grid Connection Concepts For Industrial Pv Systems And Energy Storage In Low, Medium And High Voltage Networks. Experience Coordinating With Grid Operators And Evaluating Connection Points, Grid Capacity And Technical Connection Requirements (Tab).
Grid Compliance & Standards: Implementing And Verifying Grid Connection Requirements According To Vde-Ar-N 4105 / 4110 / 4120, Including Protection Concepts, Active Power Management, Feed-In Management, Single Line Diagram Creation And Technical Coordination With Grid Operators.
Construction Cost Subsidy & Connection Costs: Supporting The Assessment And Validation Of Construction Cost Subsidy (Bkz) Costs And Analyzing The Economic Impact Of Different Connection Points In Project Planning And Development.
Technical Due Diligence & Project Assessment: Analyzing Technical Grid Connection Concepts, Supporting Profitability Analyses And Evaluating Grid Connection Risks And Project Milestones.
Grid Operators & Industry Contacts: Extensive Project Experience Working With Grid Operators Such As Bayernwerk Netz Gmbh, Stadtwerke MüNchen (Swm), Mitnetz, Lew, And Many Other Local And Regional Grid Operators.

It Expertise

Microsoft Office Including Ms Visio
Pv*Sol
Solar.Pro.Tool
Pvgis
Python
Power Factory
Visual Basic
Matlab

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Elementary

Chinese

Elementary

Education

Apr 2022 - Jul 2025

Vienna University of Technology

Dr. techn. · Energy Engineering · Vienna, Austria

Sep 2013 - Oct 2016

University of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna

Master of Science in Engineering · Renewable Urban Energy Systems · Vienna, Austria

Sep 2010 - May 2013

University of Applied Sciences Kufstein

Bachelor of Arts in Business · European Energy Management · Kufstein, Austria

...and 1 more

Certifications & licenses

Electrical Safety Regulations, WIFI Austria qualification for operating an electrical engineering business

WIFI Austria

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 4

Experience in Energy 12 y

Avg length 3 y 10 m

Longest experience 6 y 3 m

Expertise

Recent roles Managing Director, PhD Candidate, Project Manager

Main industries Energy, Professional Services

Main business areas Project Management, Procurement, Quality Assurance

Qualifications

Highest degree Doctorate

Certifications earned 1

Profile

Created

May 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Find more information here.

Where is Stefan based?

Stefan is based in Polling, Germany.

What languages does Stefan speak?

Stefan speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary), Chinese (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Stefan have?

Stefan has at least 12 years of experience. During this time, Stefan has worked in at least 4 different roles and for 4 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years. Note that Stefan may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Stefan be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Stefan would be well-suited for roles such as: Managing Director, PhD Candidate, Project Manager.

What is Stefan's latest experience?

Stefan's most recent position is Managing Director at Unisource GmbH.

What companies has Stefan worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Stefan has worked for Unisource GmbH, Austrian Institute of Technology & Technische Universität Wien, and Self-employed.

Which industries is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in industries like Energy and Professional Services.

Which business areas is Stefan most experienced in?

Stefan is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Procurement, and Quality Assurance. Stefan also has some experience in Strategy, Sustainability Management, and Research and Development.

Which industries has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in industries like Energy.

Which business areas has Stefan worked in recently?

Stefan has recently worked in business areas like Project Management, Procurement, and Quality Assurance.

What is Stefan's education?

Stefan holds a Doctorate in Energy Engineering from Vienna University of Technology, a Master in Renewable Urban Energy Systems from University of Applied Sciences Technikum Vienna and a Bachelor in European Energy Management from University of Applied Sciences Kufstein.

Does Stefan have any certificates?

Stefan has 1 certificate: Electrical Safety Regulations, WIFI Austria qualification for operating an electrical engineering business.

What is the availability of Stefan?

Stefan will be available from June 2026.

What is the rate of Stefan?

Stefan's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.