Solar
Inspection, O&M
Utility-Scale
Introduction to Utility-Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance
About this course
An introductory course focusing on everything you need to know about the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of utility-scale solar power plants!
By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the critical components and practices that keep solar power plants running efficiently and effectively. You'll gain practical knowledge of essential O&M tasks, from routine inspections to advanced performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
The course is open to everyone but is primarily designed for individuals entering the solar O&M field who want to be well-prepared and successful from day one. It will also benefit professionals already in the solar industry looking to deepen their understanding of O&M practices.
This course will help you grasp the big picture of solar O&M and how all the parts fit together to ensure the longevity and performance of solar power plants. You will learn about various topics such as preventive maintenance, real-time operations, vegetation management, asset and warranty management, and much more.
Throughout the course, you'll also have unlimited access to the instructor - Andy Nyce - who has been involved with over 2GW of large scale solar PV project execution and has a range of other courses on the Heatspring platform, with consistently excellent reviews.
Sign up today - this is a unique opportunity to level up your skills and knowledge in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world!
Sign up today - this is a unique opportunity to level up your skills and knowledge in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world!
Students who enroll also get FREE access to the Foundations of Solar PV: Fundamentals for Understanding Utility-Scale Solar course.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
5 modules
3 - 4 hours to complete
1:37 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 3 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 3 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
- Get FREE Access to Andy's Foundations of Solar PV: Fundamentals for Understanding Utility Scale Solar
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction to Utility Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Introduction to Utility Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance
This presentation provides a high level introduction to the course - which focuses on Utility Scale Solar Operations and Maintenance. It highlights the incredible growth of solar PV that's currently occurring both in the US and globally, and dives into the job opportunities that are being created due to this rapid acceleration in deployment.
- Introduction to the Course (08:02 minutes)
- Introduction to the Course (optional download) (.pdf)
- Key Components in a Utility Scale Solar Power Plant
- A Guide for Developers and Investors (.pdf)
- Safety Practices
Module 2 • 13 assignments
Basics of Solar O&M
Module 2 • 13 assignments
Basics of Solar O&M
This presentation provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for solar power plants. It covers essential topics such as the purpose of routine inspections, key components that require regular maintenance, and the importance of proactive maintenance strategies. You'll learn about the critical role of O&M in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of solar power plants, as well as the basic tools and techniques used in the field. This foundation is crucial for anyone entering the solar industry or looking to understand the basics of solar O&M.
- Introduction to Solar O&M (06:04 minutes)
- Safety Considerations for O&M (17:23 minutes)
- NFPA and OSHA (06:30 minutes)
- Transitioning from EPC to O&M (06:30 minutes)
- Basics of Solar O&M (Optional Download) (.pdf)
- Why do Solar PV systems need Maintenance?
- Solar O&M Webinar
- Solar O&M Tools
- A Day in the Life of a Renewables Technician
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - Best Practices for O&M
- Getting a job in Solar O&M
- Testing and Commissioning a Solar PV plant
- Basics of Solar O&M Quiz
Module 3 • 13 assignments
Advanced Solar O&M
Module 3 • 13 assignments
Advanced Solar O&M
This presentation delves deeper into the complexities of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for large-scale solar power plants. It covers advanced topics such as predictive maintenance, the use of SCADA systems, detailed performance analysis, and the integration of advanced technologies like drones and thermal imaging for inspections. You'll also explore the importance of vegetation management, asset tracking, and remote troubleshooting.
- Tools for Solar O&M (14:38 minutes)
- Monitoring and Performance (11:57 minutes)
- Vegetation Management (03:40 minutes)
- Asset and Warranty Management (09:01 minutes)
- Real Time Operations (13:10 minutes)
- Advanced Solar O&M (Optional Download) (.pdf)
- Best Practices in Solar O&M - PV Magazine Article
- Operational Excellence in Solar PV O&M
- Technological Solutions to improve Solar O&M Plant Performance
- Solar Trends and Troubleshooting PV Systems
- Top 5 Solar Design Mistakes and Improvements
- How Robots may affect Solar O&M...
- Advanced Solar O&M Quiz
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Instructor
Andy Nyce
Sr. Director of Project Management, Erthos Inc.
I'm Andy Nyce - originally from New Zealand, but I've spent the last nine years in the United States in a range of engineering, construction, project management and quality control roles in the large scale renewables industry. I've been directly involved in over 2GW of execution at every level of installation, management and commissioning. I'm currently the Sr....
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 3 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.