Utility Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance
About this course
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!
Note: This course shares 'Lesson 1 - Basics of Solar PV' with Andy Nyce's Quality Management in Utility Scale Solar Construction.
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Course outline
4 modules • 39 assignments • 2:28 hours of video lectures
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
- How the Inflation Reduction Act will Supercharge Solar in the US
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 (20:02 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 • 8 assignments
Basics of Solar PV
This presentation provides an essential introduction to the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. It covers fundamental concepts such as how solar PV systems work, the components involved, and the process of converting sunlight into electricity. You'll learn about different types of solar panels, system configurations, and the key factors that influence solar energy production.
- Basics of Solar PV (35:07 minutes)
- Basics of Solar PV (Optional Download) (.pdf)
- Construction of a Large Scale Solar PV Plant
- Materials and Additional Resources
- Pre-Construction Checklist (.xlsx)
- Basics of Solar - Quiz
- Electrical Flow - Quiz
- Engineering Design - Quiz
Module 3 • 10 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.
- Basics of Solar O&M (38:08 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 4 • 9 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.
- Advanced Solar O&M (55:08 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
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
Instructor
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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.... Learn more
