3 Course Bundle
Utility-Scale Solar Engineering
10 hours to complete
Instructor-led
3 courses
This is a bundle of these 3 courses
About this course
Spend more time value engineering and less time drafting. This program was developed in partnership with PVcase. If you don't already have a PVcase license, a 1-month trial is included so you can complete the design examples.
This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals of utility-scale solar engineering, focusing on projects up to 30-40MWac with interconnection voltages between 12.47-35kV. The course is structured in two main sections: a free introductory section and an advanced engineering section.
A basic understanding of electrical systems is required. We had two groups in mind when we designed this program:
This comprehensive course covers the fundamentals of utility-scale solar engineering, focusing on projects up to 30-40MWac with interconnection voltages between 12.47-35kV. The course is structured in two main sections: a free introductory section and an advanced engineering section.
A basic understanding of electrical systems is required. We had two groups in mind when we designed this program:
- Residential or C&I solar designers who want to level-up for utility-scale projects. This is the primary group that we had in mind.
- Utility-side engineers who are making a transition into the solar industry. This is a secondary audience that will also benefit from this training.
Whether you are becoming a utility-scale PV design engineer or you already work in this role, you will learn something new to help you do your job better.
Subjects covered
Solar
Design and Installation
Utility-Scale
Learning Objectives
- Understand utility-scale solar project development lifecycle
- Navigate key engineering considerations for solar projects
- Apply best practices in site and array design
- Utilize PVCase software for solar project design
- Identify critical electrical design considerations
- Understand interconnection requirements and processes
Bundle outline
3 courses
10 hours to complete
Course 1 •
1
modules
Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview
Course 1 •
1
modules
Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Utility-Scale PV Design Overview
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Utility-Scale PV Design Overview
- Utility Scale Design Principles (05:04 minutes)
- Utility Scale Solar Chalk Talk (17:59 minutes)
- Low Voltage vs. Medium Voltage Equipment (03:52 minutes)
Course 2 •
4
modules
Utility-Scale Solar PV Design Applications
Course 2 •
4
modules
Utility-Scale Solar PV Design Applications
Welcome • 4 assignments
Orientation Materials
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.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Start Here - Bundle Orientation (01:56 minutes)
- Introductory Video Chat (13:40 minutes)
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Utility-Scale Overview
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Utility-Scale Overview
- Course Introduction (09:56 minutes)
- Site Plan Overview Animation (05:05 minutes)
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Site Design
Module 2 • 10 assignments
Site Design
- Site Design Introduction (07:03 minutes)
- Parcels, and Zoning (10:22 minutes)
- Sample Zoning Ordinance - Annotated (.pdf)
- Fencing (08:49 minutes)
- Access Roads (04:20 minutes)
- Civil Considerations (11:53 minutes)
- NREL Report on Site Runoff (.pdf)
- Equipment Areas and Substations (06:27 minutes)
- PVcase Site Design Preview (04:37 minutes)
- Site Plan Example - Google Earth
Module 3 • 8 assignments
Racking & Module Options
Module 3 • 8 assignments
Racking & Module Options
- Array Design Introduction (02:50 minutes)
- Modules and Racking (18:38 minutes)
- Array Spacing and Shading (08:30 minutes)
- PVcase Array Design Preview (08:19 minutes)
- Land Use for Utility Scale Solar (.pdf)
- Slope and Site Grading (12:04 minutes)
- PVcase Shading and Civil Analysis Preview (09:19 minutes)
- Racking Vendor Design (05:27 minutes)
Module 4 • 13 assignments
Electrical Design Considerations
Module 4 • 13 assignments
Electrical Design Considerations
- Electrical Design Introduction (03:14 minutes)
- String Voltage and Row Length (15:31 minutes)
- Inverters and System Architecture (24:29 minutes)
- Array Electrical Optimization (19:01 minutes)
- PVcase Grouping and Stringing Preview (08:12 minutes)
- Stringing and DC Wire Management (11:05 minutes)
- Mini Lesson : Thin Film Modules (02:10 minutes)
- Low Voltage AC Balance of System (09:55 minutes)
- PVcase Stringing and Cable Trenching Preview (04:01 minutes)
- Transformers for Utility Scale Systems (17:04 minutes)
- Medium Voltage Equipment (20:25 minutes)
- Cable and Conduits (09:47 minutes)
- Thank you! (37 seconds)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 5 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!
- Survey for Future Topics
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 3 •
8
modules
Designing Utility-Scale Solar Systems with PVcase Ground Mount
Course 3 •
8
modules
Designing Utility-Scale Solar Systems with PVcase Ground Mount
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. However, your PVcase Ground Mount Educational license will only be valid for 30 days, so make sure to get the most out of it.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Course Overview
Module 1 • 2 assignments
Course Overview
- Course structure and how to obtain your PVcase Ground Mount license
- About PVcase (01:39 minutes)
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Introduction
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Introduction
- What is Ground Mount (03:02 minutes)
- System Requirements (01:24 minutes)
- Your project (37 seconds)
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Starting a project
Module 3 • 6 assignments
Starting a project
- Importing Terrain from surveys (08:20 minutes)
- Evaluating terrain data (02:16 minutes)
- Draw Terrain Mesh (03:08 minutes)
- Draw Roads (01:14 minutes)
- Draw Shading Objects (01:10 minutes)
- Draw Restriction Zones (01:11 minutes)
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Mechanical design
Module 4 • 5 assignments
Mechanical design
- Frame & Park Settings (06:18 minutes)
- Generate a single PV area or multiple PV areas (03:59 minutes)
- Layers (Turn off, freeze, lock, and isolate layers) (03:55 minutes)
- Show piling function (01:27 minutes)
- Capacity iteration (02:24 minutes)
Module 5 • 3 assignments
Shading Analysis
Module 5 • 3 assignments
Shading Analysis
- Shading Analysis project file (55 seconds)
- Run a shading analysis (05:52 minutes)
- Shading optimization (02:28 minutes)
Module 6 • 5 assignments
Civil Analysis
Module 6 • 5 assignments
Civil Analysis
- Civil Analysis (01:07 minutes)
- Slope analysis (02:14 minutes)
- Collision analysis (01:59 minutes)
- Ground Grading (02:42 minutes)
- Layout Information - Bill of Materials (02:56 minutes)
Module 7 • 7 assignments
Electrical Design
Module 7 • 7 assignments
Electrical Design
- Electrical Design (51 seconds)
- Frame Grouping (04:08 minutes)
- Stringing (03:36 minutes)
- Electrical Devices (04:22 minutes)
- Color Coding (01:38 minutes)
- Generate Cabling (03:18 minutes)
- SLD and Bill of Materials (02:17 minutes)
Module 8 • 3 assignments
Export of Project Files
Module 8 • 3 assignments
Export of Project Files
- Export and Import (02:07 minutes)
- Export to PVSyst (01:29 minutes)
- Export to PVcase Yield (02:30 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
Instructors
John Selby
Owner, Selby Solar
Experienced Project Manager and Project Engineer with background in Commercial and Utility-scale Solar Photovoltaic development and construction.
Stefan Boehme / PVcase
Education Content Manager, PVcase
I am a professional who is passionate about training, visual design, and gamification. My aim is to provide exceptional value to clients and partners through my skills and expertise. I specialize in building strong relationships, creating captivating narratives for training programs, and utilizing data analytics to improve onboarding experiences. My track record...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 0 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 For Teams page to get a group discount.
Is PVcase software included in the cost of this course?
Many people who take this course will already have PVcase. If you don't already have PVcase, you'll get a 1-month trial so you can complete the design assignments.
Be sure you're totally ready to start using the software before you activate your trial, since they will be pretty strict about the cutoff date.
We had to promise PVcase that people wouldn't take advantage of the program to not pay for the software.
Be sure you're totally ready to start using the software before you activate your trial, since they will be pretty strict about the cutoff date.
We had to promise PVcase that people wouldn't take advantage of the program to not pay for the software.
