Megawatt Design

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.

We will review the overall lifecycle of a PV project, to first orient ourselves to the various activities that take place, and give context for the lessons in the course. We will then focus on best practices for technical sales, preliminary engineering, site assessment and detailed site investigation (aka, discovery) on large-scale commercial projects. We’ll cover requirements and best practices for siting ground mount, carports and rooftop projects.

In this module, we dive into equipment selection. Pricing and equipment efficiencies change rapidly in our industry, so we'll make sure you're up to speed on the latest thinking. Topics include: Identify inverter technologies that best fit your project • Central/string/micro • Transformer based vs. transformerless • PID and Capacitive discharge • Discuss array to inverter sizing strategies • Monitoring and SCADA • Tracking systems • BOS strategies

What software do you use to design large-scale commercial solar projects? We don't advocate any particular software product, so you're welcome to use what you're used to for this course. We do want to show you what's out there and help you understand how to get the most out of your program to maximize speed and efficiency of your design efforts. Topics include: • Show different preliminary design tools • Show/discuss energy estimation tools • Manufacturer tools • Drawing programs

Keeping costs down will always be a primary goal for all involved in any PV project. The trick becomes where to cut costs wisely and how to improve the performance of the system in a way that is meaningful to the project owner. This week we’ll get into some of the ways we can design our PV systems based on the different criteria we are given. • Value engineering conductors on dc side • Array layouts and energy impact • 1,000 V vs. 600 V • DC to ac ratios • Wire management in the design • Designing with O&M in mind

Large commercial rooftop systems require a deep understanding of fire codes and techniques for coordinating with fire departments, inspectors and owners. International Fire Code (IFC) requirements will be covered to help maximize roof safety and rooftop coverage. We will also discuss requirements for the structural portion of your installations.

Code, Code, Code. We could spend the entire course covering code, but we're going to assume everyone in this course has a firm grasp on the NEC. This week, we'll discuss some portions of the code that really drive cost in MW scale projects and some nuanced details to help you make fewer mistakes and get your jobs permitted faster. We'll also discuss how system architecture and electrical balance of systems (eBOS) affects system cost.

This week is intended to expand on the NEC applications and interpretations, specifically surrounding the point of interconnection. For the systems we have been talking about, the most common method of interconnection will be supply side connections. We will discuss the basics for interconnecting to medium voltage lines as well for those systems that will be used on dedicated services and installed directly in conjunction with the utility. Topics for this week will focus on: • Review NEC interconnection rules • Discuss different interconnection methods • Review design and drawing requirements

Learn the importance of commission, how to develop a detailed commissioning plan including: voltage and current testing, insulation resistance testing, IV curve tracing.

How can you get your permitting done faster and cheaper? That's the multi-million dollar question. In this module, we'll provide tips and tools for getting your projects permitted and approved easier than your competitors. Commonly seen obstacles and associated solutions will be discussed. Getting through the design review process can be time-consuming and add unforeseen costs, so preparing a solid plan set will minimize duplication of work and costs.

This week we will use some of what we have learned thorughout the course to develop a basic ground mount design.

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!