About this course

Interconnection professionals play one of the most critical roles in the DER project lifecycle. While you may not control engineering determinations, queue positions, or system upgrade costs, you do control how the interconnection process is experienced by customers, internal teams, and external partners.

This course is designed to help interconnection and customer service professionals take ownership of the parts of the process that matter most: communication, coordination, expectation‑setting, and follow‑through. Through practical instruction, real‑world case studies, and process resources that are unique to this course, learners will gain the skills and confidence to guide customers from application to project closeout... even when challenges arise.

Rather than focusing on theory, this course emphasizes operational reality. It shows how strong process management and intentional communication build trust, reduce friction, and improve outcomes across the interconnection journey.

Learning Objectives

  • Clearly explain utility interconnection pathways and timelines to customers
  • Identify what aspects of the interconnection process an interconnection professional controls
  • Support effective handoffs between sales, engineering, and customer service
  • Track applications, manage milestones, and coordinate across utility teams
  • Navigate screening failures, delays, and disputes with professionalism and clarity
  • Close out projects efficiently while maintaining accountability and trust

Course outline

8 modules
12 - 15 hours to complete
3:52 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 4 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.

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Module 1 • 11 assignments
The Customer Interconnection Journey

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Module 2 • 9 assignments
Detailed Steps in the Utility Interconnection Process

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Module 3 • 15 assignments
Applying for Interconnection

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Module 4 • 11 assignments
Tracking Interconnection Applications

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Module 5 • 11 assignments
From Interconnection Agreement to Project Closeout

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Module 6 • 13 assignments
Managing Interconnection Challenges

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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!

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Instructor

Vaughan Woodruff

Principal, EquinoxDG

Vaughan Woodruff is the principal of EquinoxDG, a consulting firm that provides strategic support on DER interconnection reform for clean energy advocates, solar and energy storage companies, utilities, and regulators. His work includes developing comprehensive regulatory and legislative strategy, optimizing applicant and utility processes, building consensus among...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. 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.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
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 For Teams page to get a group discount.

$695

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