Solar
Energy Storage
Batteries and Storage
Solar + Storage
Microgrids
Comprehensive Solar Plus Storage
About this course
Gain a comprehensive technical understanding of residential, commercial and utility-scale solar-plus-storage systems, as well as expert insight on policy, financial models, and emerging markets and opportunities.
An expert in energy storage, instructor Wes Kennedy has been a key team member on some of the world’s most cutting edge solar-plus-storage projects.
This course covers everything from an overview of all types of energy storage technologies, to different battery chemistry pro and con, to applications of solar plus storage at the residential, commercial and industrial level, both on and off grid. Then we spend some time on regulations, codes and financial models.
Learning Objectives
- Contemporary applications and equipment for stand-alone off-grid projects
- Modern grid-connected residential applications
- Grid-connected commercial and institutional storage markets
- Applications and technologies for utility-scale energy storage systems
- Power converters used in modern energy storage systems
- Financial models emerging to drive the storage market forward
- Local, state and national policies and programs impacting the energy storage market
- What is real vs simply marketing hype
- Microgrid Applications
Course outline
8 modules
13 - 15 hours to complete
12:55 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 7 assignments
Introduction and Advanced Energy Storage Technologies
Module 1 • 7 assignments
Introduction and Advanced Energy Storage Technologies
The first module introduces you to the course and outlines the weekly topics to be covered. Wes will present a general case for energy storage, cover some basics such as power, energy and battery capacity ratings, and then dive right in to advanced storage technologies with a focus on electro-chemical batteries. We’ll wrap up with a discussion of electrical grid types, including microgrids, and related energy storage opportunities.
- Introduction to Energy (10:15 minutes)
- INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE : WATCH FIRST (04:50 minutes) Preview
- Advantages and characteristics of battery energy storage systems (BESS) (10:01 minutes)
- Different types of lithium-ion battery chemistries (10:01 minutes)
- Characteristics, advantages, and challenges of low temperature lead acid batteries (08:38 minutes)
- Fundamental definitions of electrical terms (16:22 minutes)
- Module 1 Slides in PDF (.pdf)
Module 2 • 8 assignments
Stand-Alone Storage Systems OFF GRID
Module 2 • 8 assignments
Stand-Alone Storage Systems OFF GRID
In this module we’ll look at contemporary applications and equipment for stand-alone off-grid projects. This market is experiencing tremendous growth globally. Wes will present technical information for the design and deployment of systems ranging from advanced off-grid residences to remote, stand-alone commercial-scale resorts and industrial facilities.
- Solar + Storage market overview - Part 1 (22:40 minutes)
- Design strategies and definitions - Part 2 (29:20 minutes)
- Sizing batteries and generators - Part 3 (26:51 minutes)
- Detailed off grid system sizing - Part 4 (31:01 minutes)
- Details of Design and Overview of Residential and Commercial Off Grid Market - Part 5 (30:41 minutes)
- Industrial Off Grid - Part 6 (26:07 minutes)
- Load Profile Spreadsheet (.xls)
- Module 2 Slides PDF (.pdf)
Module 3 • 4 assignments
The Residential Grid-Connected Market
Module 3 • 4 assignments
The Residential Grid-Connected Market
The third module’s focus is modern grid-connected residential applications. We’ll cover technology, design parameters, example markets and financial drivers, as well as a technical case study. We’ll take a forward-looking approach to applications including grid-tie with battery backup, self-consumption schemes and system aggregation for grid support.
- Energy Storage System Buyer's Guide 2025
- Grid Connected Residential Storage - Part 1 (40:21 minutes)
- Grid Connected Residential Storage - Part 2 (27:41 minutes)
- Module 3 slides PDF (.pdf)
Module 4 • 5 assignments
The Commercial and Industrial Grid-Connected Markets
Module 4 • 5 assignments
The Commercial and Industrial Grid-Connected Markets
In this module, we’ll dive into grid-connected commercial and institutional storage markets. Topics include benefit stacking, peak shaving, frequency regulation and financial arbitrage. We’ll also explore the status of codes and standards related to energy storage such as NEC requirements, fire codes and UL certification. We’ll wrap up the week with a case study that includes market position, finances, and equipment and design variables for an example commercial-scale energy storage system.
- Commercial and Industrial Grid Tie - Part 1 (28:49 minutes)
- Commercial and Industrial Grid Connected - Part 2 (32:42 minutes)
- Commercial and Industrial Grid Connected - Part 3 (25:04 minutes)
- Commercial and Industrial Grid Connected - Part 4 (28:14 minutes)
- Module 4 Slides PDF (.pdf)
Module 5 • 9 assignments
The Utility-Scale Energy Storage Market
Module 5 • 9 assignments
The Utility-Scale Energy Storage Market
In this module, we'll discuss the new wave of applications and technologies for utility-scale energy storage systems. Topics include ramp rate control, peak shifting and ancillary services. We'll finish with a case study that outlines the financial drivers and design parameters for an example utility-scale storage system.
- The Rapid Growth of Utility-Scale Energy Storage (09:59 minutes)
- Key Concepts in Utility Scale Energy Storage - Energy Arbitrage, Spinning/Non-Spinning Reserves, and Voltage Support (12:00 minutes)
- Key Concepts in Utility Scale Energy Storage - Black Start, Resource Adequacy, Grid Resource Utilitzation (08:45 minutes)
- Key Concepts in Utility Scale Energy Storage - Ramp Rate Control (06:53 minutes)
- Key Concepts in Utility Scale Energy Storage - Frequency Regulation and Response (08:33 minutes)
- Peak Shifting and Resiliency vs. Reliability (16:53 minutes)
- Utility Scale DC Coupled Solar + Storage (06:42 minutes)
- Long Duration Storage (17:15 minutes)
- Future Technology and Cost Disruption (11:24 minutes)
Module 6 • 10 assignments
Energy Storage Management Systems and a review of Codes and Standards
Module 6 • 10 assignments
Energy Storage Management Systems and a review of Codes and Standards
This module has a technology focus on Energy Storage Management Controls. We then do a detailed overview of NEC Article 706, and look at the nested hierarchy of codes and standards pertaining to Energy Storage Systems.
- Battery Management Systems (BMS) (12:06 minutes)
- Energy Storage Management Software (ESMS) (09:18 minutes)
- Microgrid Examples (15:38 minutes)
- Introduction to Codes + How they change (17:17 minutes)
- NEC 706 Energy Storage Systems (706.1 - 706.15(B)) (08:53 minutes)
- NEC 706 Energy Storage Systems (706.15(C) - 706.40) (18:59 minutes)
- Battery Safety (16:17 minutes)
- Other Relevant Codes & Standards: IFC, IRC, UL, and NFPA 855 (15:43 minutes)
- UL 9540A and a Closer Look at an Example (16:00 minutes)
- System Controls & Codes and Standards Slides PDF (.pdf)
Module 7 • 7 assignments
All About Finances
Module 7 • 7 assignments
All About Finances
Innovative financial models drove the rapid growth of grid-connected PV systems. Most experts agree that the mainstreaming of energy storage will follow a similar developmental path. This module explores the various financial models emerging to drive the storage market forward. You’ll learn where financially attractive solar-plus-storage projects are happening today as well as up-and-coming markets.
- Introduction to Finances (11:08 minutes)
- Key Terms and Concepts in Energy Storage Finance (17:49 minutes)
- Levelized Cost of Stored Energy and Understanding Value Streams (09:39 minutes)
- Commercial: Understanding the Commercial Energy Storage Market & Offtake Contracts (15:29 minutes)
- Commercial: Financial Drivers and Examples (15:59 minutes)
- Utility: Financial Drivers (07:39 minutes)
- Utility: Getting to Bankable (09:49 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!
- Key Concepts and Course Wrap-up (49:14 minutes)
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Author
Wes Kennedy
Principal, WeSolar plus
Wes has focused his career on design and application engineering in the solar PV plus energy storage deployment sector, currently with Dynapower Corporation. He managed sales engineering with Fronius inverters and was the senior application engineer for Blue Planet Energy's C&I sector and SMA America’s Hybrid Energy Solutions group. In these positions, project scope...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow 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. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
Who should take this course? What skill set do you need to get most out of this course?
The instructor Wes Kennedy is very accessible and opens the course up to a wide range of professionals. Typical students are existing professionals in solar who are attending the course for guidance on a specific solar plus storage project they are working on. The highest concentration includes business owners, engineers and project managers. The course is packed with material and primarily focused on experienced professionals, however even those new to solar are welcome and can get a lot out of the course if they don't mind being potentially in over their head for some aspects of the course. We find that every student learns in different ways and sometimes want to be thrown into an immersive experience, so all are welcome here.
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.
Who should take this course?
The instructor Wes Kennedy is very accessible and opens the course up to a wide range of professionals. Typical students are existing professionals in solar who are attending the course for guidance on a specific solar plus storage project they are working on. The highest concentration includes business owners, engineers and project managers. The course is packed with material and primarily focused on experienced professionals, however even those new to solar are welcome and can get a lot out of the course if they don't mind being potentially in over their head for some aspects of the course. We find that every student learns in different ways and sometimes want to be thrown into an immersive experience, so all are welcome here.
