About this course

This course focuses on the pre-construction phase of utility-scale solar projects - the period before a shovel hits the ground that determines whether construction runs smoothly or gets derailed by avoidable problems.

Getting pre-construction right is one of the highest-leverage things an EPC can do. The subcontractors you select, the contracts you put in place, and the commercial foundations you establish before construction starts will shape every aspect of project execution - from cost and schedule to quality and client relationships. I'll be drawing on over a decade of experience in utility-scale solar construction to share the lessons I've learned about what separates a well-run pre-con process from one that creates expensive problems down the road.

In our first lesson, we'll walk through the full pre-construction process from start to finish - covering how utility-scale solar projects get broken into scope packages, how cost per watt drives bidding strategy, and why pre-qualification is the most important filter you have before inviting anyone to bid.

In our second lesson, we'll get into the RFP and bid process - how to structure a competitive bid that generates comparable proposals, what to look for during bid levelling, and how to make a defensible award decision that goes beyond just picking the lowest number.

In our third lesson, we'll cover the three commercial protections every EPC must verify before putting a subcontractor on site - insurance, bonding and licensing - explaining what each one covers, what adequate looks like, and the red flags that should stop an award in its tracks.

In our fourth lesson, we'll walk through the key provisions of a utility-scale solar subcontract - scope definition, payment terms, change orders, liquidated damages, and the default and termination clauses that protect the project when things don't go to plan.

In our fifth and final lesson, we'll cover managing subcontractors through active construction - from the pre-mobilisation meeting through submittals, RFIs, pay applications, change order management and accountability - giving you the practical tools to keep subs on track and protect the project commercially.

This course is essential for anyone involved in the commercial and contractual side of solar construction. Whether you're a project manager, construction manager, contracts administrator, site engineer or owner's representative - you'll come away with a structured framework for running a pre-construction process that sets your projects up for success.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe how utility-scale solar projects are broken into scope packages and explain how cost per watt drives bidding strategy.
  • Identify the insurance, bonding, and licensing requirements that must be verified before a subcontractor goes on site.
  • Explain the key provisions of a utility-scale solar subcontract, including scope, payment terms, change orders, and default clauses.
  • Construct a competitive RFP that generates comparable proposals and supports a defensible subcontractor award decision.
  • Implement a subcontractor management process from pre-mobilization through pay applications and change order management.

This course is included in this bundle

7 Course Bundle Solar Design and Installation Inspection, O&M Utility-Scale

Utility-Scale Solar Essentials

A comprehensive bundle of courses to boost your utility-scale solar construction knowledge and prepare you for a leadership role on utility-scale solar construction projects.
4.7
CEUs
7 courses
Andy Nyce
$995

Course outline

7 modules
2 - 3 hours to complete
1:39 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.

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Module 1 • 5 assignments
The Pre-Construction Process

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Module 2 • 4 assignments
RFP's & The Bid Process

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Module 3 • 4 assignments
Insurance, Bonding & Licensing

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Module 4 • 4 assignments
The Subcontract

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Module 5 • 3 assignments
Managing Subs Through Construction

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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!

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Instructor

Andy Nyce

Sr. Director of Project Management, Erthos Inc.

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. Director...

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How 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. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board every Friday. 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.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
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.

$295

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