Coming Apr 17, 2026. Pre-order and save
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SCADA Communication Systems for Utility-Scale Solar
Andy Nyce and 1 other
$220.50
$245
About this course
This course focuses on SCADA and communications systems in utility-scale solar - the technology that connects a field full of inverters, trackers and meters into a single operating picture, and gives the owner the ability to monitor, control and optimize their plant for the next 25 years.
Getting SCADA right is more consequential than most people realize. A misconfigured point list, an incorrectly scaled measurement, a control function that was never tested - these aren't just technical deficiencies. They affect performance reporting, availability calculations, and the owner's ability to manage their asset from day one. Connor and Andy will draw on their experience across multiple gigawatts of utility-scale solar projects and our deep technical expertise in solar communications systems, to give you a practical, applied understanding of how these systems are designed, commissioned and handed over.
In our introductory lesson, we'll establish what SCADA is in the context of utility-scale solar, how it fits into the broader project, and why it matters more than it typically gets credit for during construction planning.
In our first lesson, we'll cover the communications architecture of a utility-scale solar project - how devices talk to each other, which protocols are used and why, and how the network is structured from string-level monitoring through to the utility interface.
In our second lesson, we'll go deep on SCADA configuration - point lists, scaling factors, alarm setpoints, data historians and the control functions that the operations team will rely on every day.
In our third and final lesson, we'll cover SCADA commissioning - how you verify that every device is communicating correctly, how you test control functions end-to-end, and how you set up the system so the O&M team inherits something they can actually use.
This course is for anyone involved in the design, construction, commissioning or operation of utility-scale solar projects who wants to understand SCADA at a practical, working level. Whether you're a project manager trying to understand what your commissioning subcontractor is actually doing, a site engineer who needs to verify a point list, or an O&M technician who inherited a monitoring system you've never been trained on - this course will give you a structured foundation you can apply directly.
Subjects covered
Solar
Utility-Scale
Learning Objectives
- Explain what SCADA is in the context of a utility-scale solar project and describe why it carries more commercial and operational significance than it typically receives during construction planning.
- Describe the communications architecture of a utility-scale solar project, including the protocols used and how the network is structured from string-level monitoring through to the utility interface.
- Identify the key elements of SCADA configuration - including point lists, scaling factors, alarm setpoints and data historians - and explain the consequence of errors in each.
- Describe the role of the SCADA system in ongoing plant performance reporting, availability calculations, and the owner's ability to manage their asset across a 25-year operating life.
- Explain how SCADA commissioning is executed, including device verification, end-to-end control function testing, and the handover requirements for an O&M-ready system.
Course outline
5 modules
1 - 2 hours to complete
1.
Orientation Materials
1.
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.
2.
What is SCADA?
2.
What is SCADA?
3.
SCADA in Solar PV Applications
3.
SCADA in Solar PV Applications
4.
Using SCADA Day to Day
4.
Using SCADA Day to Day
5.
Feedback and Additional Resources
5.
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!
Instructors
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...
A decade of experience in solar, with a focus on SCADA design, commissioning and energy modeling for the past 6 years. Registered Electrical Professional Engineer Has contributed to the engineering and construction efforts of dozens of utility-scale solar power plants currently in operation across the country
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. 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.
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.
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