Frequently Asked Questions

How does this course work?

You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 6 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 is this course different from Financial Modeling for Solar PV Projects?

The Solar Executive MBA Training and Financial Modeling for Solar PV Projects courses are our two most popular solar finance courses. Both courses are taught by solar finance expert Chris Lord, and cover financial modeling for solar projects. However the content and financial models differ in each course and there are several other important differences. Please review this handy comparison guide: Compare: Solar Executive MBA Training VS Financial Modeling for Solar PV Projects. This question gets asked a lot, so there are a lot more details there. If you have further questions just contact us.

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.

Does this course cover utility scale solar developments?

The default inputs for the financial model are geared toward a utility scale project, but the size can be scaled up or down as required. Both utility scale and distributed generation projects are covered and the model can be used for any size project including residential, commercial and industrial scale but the examples focus primarily on utility scale.

The course covers all of the principles behind utility scale and distributed generation solar. The models scale equally between them because the principles remain constant. That said, utility scale solar prices tend to be much lower (benefiting from the larger economies of scale), but this is reflected through management of the various input variables.

The course and materials really are infinitely expandable.

Is this course relevant for international students

Yes we get many international students who take the course. Approximately 25% of the course material is specific to the US, the rest is applicable to any country. The inputs for the financial model do focus on ITC and depreciation benefits available in US markets, but the model can be easily adapted for straight line or other depreciation methodologies, as well as differing subsidies.

For the most part, we won’t cover the specific subsidies and tax treatments for countries other than the US, but the bulk of the material is readily applicable to all solar projects regardless of the country.

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.

How does the course work, do I have to be present at specific times, what if I miss a class?

The course content is pre-recorded so it does not have a specific time that you need to be logged in or present for the course lectures or assignments. During the 6-week instructor-led session the instructors Keith Cronin and Chris Lord will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board, reviewing and providing feedback on the required project work and hosting a weekly conference call on Fridays at 12pm to 1pm Eastern Time. The calls are a chance for students to have a discussion with the instructors and ask additional questions. The calls are optional and are recorded and posted in the class if you are unable to attend. Questions can be posted to the discussion board anytime and the instructors will respond typically within 24 hours.

You get access to all of the content as soon as you enroll and can work ahead. After the 6-week instructor led session ends, you'll continue to have access to the full course content for a full year and can complete the course on your own and print your certificate of completion, you just won't have the instructors' guidance after the session ends.

Can I register multiple people?

Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Groups page to get a group discount.

Is this course designed for working professionals. Where do you estimate the weekly time commitment to be?

Yes the course is designed for working professionals, we have had over 300 students take the course. Most are owners, c-level executives or project managers at solar companies. The amount of time spent per week depends on each student's background and level of expertise in financial modeling, as well as how much energy they put into the project work. We typically recommend setting aside 5-10 hours per week or 30-60 hours total depending on your level of experience and how much energy you want to invest in the project work. You can certainly spend more time in the course and the instructors will help support you and answer any questions that you have on the discussion board, in the conference calls and related to your specific project work.