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.

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.