Solar
Design and Installation
Utility-Scale
Utility-Scale Solar PV Design Applications
5 - 7 hours to complete
Instructor-led
Last updated 01/2025
About this course
Learn to design utility-scale ground mount solar PV systems. This is a practical course that will help you roll up your sleeves and start working as a designer on projects from 1MW to 100MW or more. We created it to upskill the workforce needed to meet the increasing demand for utility-scale solar PV designs.
You'll learn:
You'll learn:
- How to gather site data and use it to develop your site design
- How to design and optimize your racking based on the site design; includes detailed information about fixed tilt and tracker systems.
- How to design the electrical portion of the array, including stringing and array optimization.
- The basics of Medium Voltage Components including protection and metering options, equipment, and site considerations.
Most importantly, you'll get to work directly with instructor John Selby as you learn. He's an experienced designer and educator who will help you prepare to start doing utility-scale solar pv designs.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate understanding of the process of identifying parcels for ground mount PV projects
- Identify key regulations in zoning ordinances that affect ground mounted PV projects
- Navigate utility site requirements for utility scale solar plants
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
6 modules
5 - 7 hours to complete
4:55 hours
of video lectures
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
Instructor
John Selby
Owner, Selby Solar
Experienced Project Manager and Project Engineer with background in Commercial and Utility-scale Solar Photovoltaic development and construction.
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 10 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.
What software is required for this course?
- PVCase Ground Mount (trial included if you need it)
- AutoCAD (for certain exercises)
- Access to NREL SAM tool
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.
