Energy Storage
Solar + Storage
Virtual Power Plants
Foundations of Battery Energy Storage Systems
About this course
Utility-scale battery systems are revolutionizing global power grids and driving the clean energy transition. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this comprehensive course will equip you with the essential knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving renewables sector.
Drew Lebowitz, Lead Author of The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems, will be your instructor. While the book isn't required for the course, it's recommended reading to go along with it. You can purchase a copy here.
Drew Lebowitz, Lead Author of The BESS Book: A Cell to Grid Guide to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems, will be your instructor. While the book isn't required for the course, it's recommended reading to go along with it. You can purchase a copy here.
What You'll Learn:
- Introduction to BESS: Understand the fundamental role of battery storage in modern power systems.
- Lithium-Ion Technology: Gain expertise in the chemistry, components, and performance metrics of Li-ion cells.
- Market-Leading Products: Analyze top battery storage solutions for residential, C&I, and utility-scale applications.
- Safety and Best Practices: Learn critical safety measures and industry-standard protocols.
- Career Opportunities: Discover exciting pathways in this high-growth sector.
- Hands-On Case Studies: Examine real-world scenarios in residential and C&I settings.
Who Should Enroll:
- Engineers and technicians in the utility and renewables sectors
- Project managers and developers
- Energy policy professionals
- Investors and financial analysts focused on clean energy
- Students in relevant fields
Enroll to become proficient in the battery energy storage, the technology that's reshaping our energy landscape!
Learning Objectives
- Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to explain the complete lifecycle of battery energy storage systems (BESS) from cell chemistry to grid integration, including technical specifications, components, and system architectures across residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
- Given a specific use case, learners will be able to evaluate and plan a BESS project, including system sizing, component selection, procurement strategies, and implementation considerations while accounting for technical, financial, and regulatory requirements.
- Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to assess and develop safety protocols for BESS installations, including identifying potential hazards, implementing mitigation strategies, and creating emergency response procedures in accordance with industry standards and regulations.
- Given a BESS installation scenario, learners will be able to analyze system performance, including conducting operational tests, evaluating efficiency metrics, troubleshooting common issues, and implementing maintenance procedures to ensure optimal system operation.
- By the end of the course, learners will be able to evaluate different BESS project types across residential, commercial, and utility scales, including their technical specifications, use cases, and implementation requirements, to determine appropriate applications.
Course outline
11 modules
3 - 6 hours to complete
3:15 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Introduction to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Introduction to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Introduction to Battery Energy Storage Systems (12:11 minutes)
Module 2 • 1 assignments
The Lithium Ion Cell - Chemistry, Components and Performance
Module 2 • 1 assignments
The Lithium Ion Cell - Chemistry, Components and Performance
- The Lithium-ion cell: chemistry, components and performance (17:47 minutes)
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Best Battery Storage Products: Resi, C&I, and Utility-Scale
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Best Battery Storage Products: Resi, C&I, and Utility-Scale
- Integrated Battery Fundamentals (12:36 minutes)
- Integrated Battery Products (11:43 minutes)
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
Module 5 • 8 assignments
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
This module covers the varying timelines of development processes, which can range from as short as six months to as long as three years or more, depending on the project's complexity.
- EPC overview (05:27 minutes) Preview
- BESS contracting structures (04:20 minutes)
- Project Schedule (10:00 minutes)
- Interconnection (04:21 minutes)
- Procurement process (05:10 minutes)
- Civil construction (04:14 minutes) Preview
- Balance of Plant (BOP) (03:24 minutes)
- Testing and commissioning (05:12 minutes)
Module 6 • 1 assignments
Safety
Module 6 • 1 assignments
Safety
- BESS Safety (22:43 minutes)
Module 7 • 2 assignments
Career Opportunities
Module 7 • 2 assignments
Career Opportunities
- Careers - Overview and Engineering roles (11:23 minutes)
- Careers - Construction, Ops, PM, and Finance (19:53 minutes)
Module 8 • 1 assignments
Case Study 1: Residential
Module 8 • 1 assignments
Case Study 1: Residential
- Case study 1: Residential (17:46 minutes)
Module 9 • 1 assignments
Case Study 2: Commercial & Industrial (C&I)
Module 9 • 1 assignments
Case Study 2: Commercial & Industrial (C&I)
- Case Study 2 Commercial and Industrial: Miller Microgrid (13:45 minutes)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved NABCEP CEU Hours
| NABCEP Credential | Advanced Hours for Exam | Recertification CEU Hours | NEC | JTA | RE Elective | Building or Fire Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0.5 | |
| 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 0.5 | |
| 3.5 | 3.5 | 0 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 0.5 | |
| 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 0.5 | |
| 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 0.5 | |
| 0 | 3.5 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 0.5 |
Instructor
Drew Lebowitz
PowerSwitch
Drew is Principal and Managing Director at PowerSwitch, an energy storage advisory firm based in Portland, Oregon, where he is a licensed professional engineer. Drew manages the firm and provides owner's engineering, technical due diligence, and training services around utility-scale energy storage projects. Prior to joining PowerSwitch, Drew worked as Principal...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 9 module course is delivered entirely online. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.
