We're now offering the NABCEP Solar PV Associate Prep Course en espaƱol!

About this course

Supercharge your career in utility-scale solar! This is a structured program designed to prepare you for a leadership role on utility-scale solar construction projects.

Dive into the fastest growing segment in the industry with this all-access pass to understanding the ins and outs of utility-scale solar construction, from the ground up.

What you'll learn:
  • Solar industry market dynamics
  • Electrical fundamentals for PV sites
  • Industry-specific project management practices
  • Construction process deep-dive
  • Construction drawings comprehension: electrical, civil, and mechanicalĀ 
  • Quality management best practices
  • Operations and maintenance strategies
  • Career planning and advancement

Perfect for:
  • Aspiring Solar Project Managers
  • Site Superintendents
  • Future VPs of Construction or Operations
  • Anyone looking to lead in utility-scale solar
With sustained growth and a very positive future outlook, it's a great time to invest in developing your knowledge of the utility-scale solar industry.

Ready To Sign Up Today? Click Here to Enroll

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Bundle outline

6 courses ā€¢ 17 modules

Course 1 ā€¢ 2 modules
Utility-Scale Solar PV Fundamentals
Welcome ā€¢ 2 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you donā€™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.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 ā€¢ 2 assignments
Growth of the Solar Industry

  • The Growth of the Solar Industry (10:02 minutes)
  • How the Inflation Reduction Act will Supercharge Solar in the US
Module 2 ā€¢ 9 assignments
Basics of Solar PV

  • The Basics of Electricity (13:15 minutes)
  • The Basics of Electricity - Quiz
  • Electrical Flow on a Utility-Scale Solar Site (09:27 minutes)
  • Electrical Flow - Quiz
  • Key Players in the Utility-Scale Solar (11:13 minutes)
  • Basics of Solar PV (Optional Download) (.pdf)
  • Construction of a Large Scale Solar PV Plant
  • Materials and Additional Resources
  • Pre-Construction Checklist (.xlsx)
Conclusion ā€¢ 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!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 2 ā€¢ 4 modules
Utility-Scale Solar Construction & Project Management
Welcome ā€¢ 4 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you donā€™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.

  • Introduction to the Course (16:14 minutes) Preview
  • Introduction to the Course (.pdf)
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 ā€¢ 15 assignments
Engineering and Procurement

  • Engineering - Basics of Solar (14:27 minutes)
  • Engineering - Basics of Solar - Quiz
  • Engineering - Electrical Flow (07:32 minutes)
  • Engineering - Electrical Flow - Quiz
  • Engineering - Design (12:35 minutes)
  • Engineering - Design - Quiz
  • Design - Additional Resources & Links
  • Procurement - Materials (08:35 minutes)
  • Procurement - Materials - Quiz
  • Materials - Additional Resources and Links
  • Read the Additional Resources and Post a Question on the Discussion Board
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Basics (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Electrical Flow (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Design (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Materials (.pdf)
Module 2 ā€¢ 8 assignments
Development & Owners Engineering

  • Development - Early Stage (09:40 minutes)
  • Development - Engineering and Permitting (07:56 minutes)
  • Development - Pre-Execution (08:43 minutes)
  • A Guide for Developers and Investors (.pdf)
  • How the Inflation Reduction Act will Supercharge Solar in the US
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Early Stage (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Engineering and Permitting (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Pre-Execution (.pdf)
Module 3 ā€¢ 27 assignments
Construction

  • Construction - Basics (20:24 minutes)
  • Construction - Basics - Quiz
  • Safety Practices
  • Journey to Safety Excellence
  • Construction - Mechanical (10:06 minutes)
  • Construction - Mechanical - Quiz
  • Mechanical - Additional Resources - Sunfolding
  • Erthos - Solar, Simplified
  • Construction - Electrical (06:47 minutes)
  • Construction - Electrical - Quiz
  • Construction - Tools & Equipment (03:36 minutes)
  • Construction - Tools & Equipment - Quiz
  • Construction - Quality (10:54 minutes)
  • Construction - Quality - Quiz
  • Quality - Additional Links and Resources
  • Construction - Field Engineering (04:09 minutes)
  • Construction - Field Engineering - Quiz
  • Assignment - Racking Systems Analysis Template (.docx)
  • Assignment - Racking Systems Analysis
  • Optional - Job Hazard Analysis (.doc)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Basics (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Mechanical (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Electrical (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Tools & Equipment (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Quality (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Field Engineering (.pdf)
  • Pre-Construction Checklist (.xlsx)
Module 4 ā€¢ 7 assignments
Commissioning, Testing & Next Steps

  • Commissioning & Testing (12:42 minutes)
  • Commissioning - Quiz
  • Expanding Your Opportunities (11:23 minutes)
  • Additional Resources (youtube webinar)
  • Additional Resource (PVTech Article) (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video (Expanding your Opportunities) (.pdf)
  • Optional - Download the slides for the next video (Commissioning) (.pdf)
Conclusion ā€¢ 6 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!

  • Join the Exclusive LinkedIn Page for Additional Connections & Discussion
  • Post about your positive experience with your network!
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 3 ā€¢ 3 modules
Understanding Utility-Scale Solar Construction Drawings
Welcome ā€¢ 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you donā€™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.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Get FREE Access to Andy's Foundations of Solar PV: Fundamentals for Understanding Utility Scale Solar
Module 1 ā€¢ 3 assignments
Introduction to the Course

  • Introduction to the Course (06:50 minutes) Preview
  • Introduction to the Course (optional download) (.pdf)
  • A Guide for Developers and Investors (.pdf)
Module 2 ā€¢ 8 assignments
Basics of Drawings

  • Construction Drawing Basics & Types of Drawings (10:38 minutes)
  • Drawing Generation (08:27 minutes)
  • Permitting Process and Modifications (05:21 minutes)
  • Basics of Construction Drawings (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Basics of Drawings Quiz
  • Basics of Bluebeam Revu
  • Basics of Adobe Acrobat
  • Additional Resources & Links
Module 3 ā€¢ 13 assignments
Details of Drawings

  • Common Sheets with (Most) Drawing Sets and Sheet Specific Fundamentals (12:30 minutes)
  • Revision History, Scale, and Sheet Details (04:49 minutes)
  • Electrical Drawings - Part 1 (11:32 minutes)
  • Electrical Drawings - Part 2 (09:50 minutes)
  • Civil Drawings - Part 1 (15:17 minutes)
  • Civil Drawings - Part 2 (06:07 minutes)
  • Mechanical Drawings (12:45 minutes)
  • Final Thoughts (01:51 minutes)
  • Details of Construction Drawings (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Details of Drawings Quiz
  • Topography & Contour Lines
  • Using an Architectural Scale on Construction Drawings
  • Using Bluebeam's Calibrate Scale Feature
Conclusion ā€¢ 5 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!

  • Share the course on LinkedIn and with your wider network!
  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 4 ā€¢ 2 modules
Quality Management in Utility-Scale Solar Construction
Welcome ā€¢ 5 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you donā€™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.

  • Get FREE Access to Andy's Foundations of Solar PV: Fundamentals for Understanding Utility Scale Solar
  • Introduction to the Course (08:54 minutes)
  • Introduction to the Course (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 ā€¢ 6 assignments
Quality Management Principles

In this section, weā€™re going to first lay the groundwork for quality management ā€“ explaining why itā€™s so important in all construction activities, but particularly utility scale solarā€¦ and detailing how quality is a topic that has an outsized effect on many other critical processes and systems on a projectā€¦ and can affect safety, schedule, budget and client relationships.

Weā€™ll then look at some wider quality management principles ā€“ gaining a general understanding of concepts like customer focus, continual improvement, process based planning and using data to make good decisions.

And finally, weā€™ll wrap up this section by diving into Quality Assurance and Quality Control ā€“ or QA/QC. These are two concepts that are often used in the same breath, and many people donā€™t actually understand the core differences between these two components of a quality management system ā€“ so I think itā€™s worthwhile spending some time discussing the differences and interactions between QA and QC.

  • Quality Management Principles (13:13 minutes)
  • Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control (03:47 minutes)
  • Quality Management Principles (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Quality Management Principles - Quiz
  • Commissioning - Additional Resource (PVTech Article) (.pdf)
  • Top Causes of Solar Performance Issues
Module 2 ā€¢ 7 assignments
Ensuring Quality in Utility Scale Solar Construction

Weā€™ll begin by reemphazing the importance of planning ā€“ and how critical it is to go into projects well prepared. Weā€™ll talk in depth about best practices for quality management in solar construction, and dive deep into the various inspections that need to be undertaken at each step of the build.

Weā€™ll then spend some time talking about drawings, and making sure that we have a thorough understanding of why well detailed engineering drawings, solid revision control and good RFI processes are so critical for a high quality project.

Weā€™ll touch base on quality documentation, and best practices for designing and managing this paperwork.

And then weā€™ll finish up by going through lessons learned procedures and how to ensure ongoing improvement is a part of your teamsā€™ culture.

  • Planning for Quality (08:07 minutes)
  • Inspections (10:15 minutes)
  • Documentation (04:24 minutes)
  • Lesson Learnt (02:11 minutes)
  • Ensuring Quality in Utility Scale Solar Construction (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Quality in Utility Scale Solar - Quiz
  • Sample FAI and QC Checklist Templates (.xlsx)
Conclusion ā€¢ 5 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!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
  • Post about your positive experience with your network!
Course 5 ā€¢ 3 modules
Utility-Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance
Welcome ā€¢ 3 assignments
Orientation Materials

This course is self-paced, so you donā€™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.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
  • Introduce yourself on the discussion board
  • Get FREE Access to Andy's Foundations of Solar PV: Fundamentals for Understanding Utility Scale Solar
Module 1 ā€¢ 5 assignments
Introduction to Utility Scale Solar Operations & Maintenance

This presentation provides a high level introduction to the course - which focuses on Utility Scale Solar Operations and Maintenance. It highlights the incredible growth of solar PV that's currently occurring both in the US and globally, and dives into the job opportunities that are being created due to this rapid acceleration in deployment.

  • Introduction to the Course (08:02 minutes)
  • Introduction to the Course (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Key Components in a Utility Scale Solar Power Plant
  • A Guide for Developers and Investors (.pdf)
  • Safety Practices
Module 2 ā€¢ 13 assignments
Basics of Solar O&M

This presentation provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for solar power plants. It covers essential topics such as the purpose of routine inspections, key components that require regular maintenance, and the importance of proactive maintenance strategies. You'll learn about the critical role of O&M in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of solar power plants, as well as the basic tools and techniques used in the field. This foundation is crucial for anyone entering the solar industry or looking to understand the basics of solar O&M.

  • Introduction to Solar O&M (06:04 minutes)
  • Safety Considerations for O&M (17:23 minutes)
  • NFPA and OSHA (06:30 minutes)
  • Transitioning from EPC to O&M (06:30 minutes)
  • Basics of Solar O&M (Optional Download) (.pdf)
  • Why do Solar PV systems need Maintenance?
  • Solar O&M Webinar
  • Solar O&M Tools
  • A Day in the Life of a Renewables Technician
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) - Best Practices for O&M
  • Getting a job in Solar O&M
  • Testing and Commissioning a Solar PV plant
  • Basics of Solar O&M Quiz
Module 3 ā€¢ 13 assignments
Advanced Solar O&M

This presentation delves deeper into the complexities of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) for large-scale solar power plants. It covers advanced topics such as predictive maintenance, the use of SCADA systems, detailed performance analysis, and the integration of advanced technologies like drones and thermal imaging for inspections. You'll also explore the importance of vegetation management, asset tracking, and remote troubleshooting.

  • Tools for Solar O&M (14:38 minutes)
  • Monitoring and Performance (11:57 minutes)
  • Vegetation Management (03:40 minutes)
  • Asset and Warranty Management (09:01 minutes)
  • Real Time Operations (13:10 minutes)
  • Advanced Solar O&M (Optional Download) (.pdf)
  • Best Practices in Solar O&M - PV Magazine Article
  • Operational Excellence in Solar PV O&M
  • Technological Solutions to improve Solar O&M Plant Performance
  • Solar Trends and Troubleshooting PV Systems
  • Top 5 Solar Design Mistakes and Improvements
  • How Robots may affect Solar O&M...
  • Advanced Solar O&M Quiz
Conclusion ā€¢ 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!

  • 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Course 6 ā€¢ 3 modules
Career Path: Leadership in Utility-Scale Solar Construction
Module 1 ā€¢ 6 assignments
Learn more about this career path

  • Introduction to Leadership in Utility Scale Solar (20:28 minutes)
  • Introduction to the Course (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Explore the IREC Solar Career Map
  • 2023 IREC Career Job Census
  • How the Inflation Reduction Act will Supercharge Solar in the US
  • Workers flock to renewable energy jobs
Module 2 ā€¢ 8 assignments
Interviews and perspectives from people doing these jobs

  • Project Manager - Dylan Reitenbach (06:42 minutes)
  • Head of Business Development (Manufacturing) - Rebecca Guo (10:38 minutes)
  • Construction Manager - Becky Sorenson (19:23 minutes)
  • VP of Construction - Anna Bautista (18:25 minutes)
  • Podcast - Solars Biggest Risk - Not Enough Workers!
  • Podcast - Bringing Solar Jobs to the Midwest
  • Podcast - The Future of Working in Renewable Energy
  • Podcast - Managing Large Scale Solar for Success
Module 3 ā€¢ 3 assignments
Tips for Expanding your Career Opportunities

  • Expanding your Opportunities (10:48 minutes)
  • Expanding your Opportunities (optional download) (.pdf)
  • Take the next step in your utility scale solar career with a targeted course!

Continuing Education Units

Approved for the following CEUs

  • NABCEP Advanced Credit Hours
  • NABCEP JTA
  • NABCEP RE Elective
  • NABCEP PV Associate Renewal

Approved NABCEP CEU Hours

NABCEP Credential Advanced Hours for Exam Recertification CEU Hours NEC JTA RE Elective Building or Fire Code
8.5 8.5 0 8.5 8.5 0
0 8.5 0 0 0 0
0 2 0 0 2 0
6.5 8.5 0 6.5 8.5 0
6.5 8.5 0 6.5 8.5 0
6.5 8.5 0 6.5 8.5 0
8.5 8.5 0 8.5 8.5 0

NABCEP Registered Provider

This course counts towards the training requirements for taking NABCEP professional certification exams and CEUs for renewing all certifications.

Instructor

  • Andy Nyce

    Sr. Director of Project Management, Erthos Inc.
    View profile

    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.... Learn more

Frequently asked questions

How does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 1 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 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.
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 [HeatSpring for Teams](/for_teams) page to get a group discount.

Reviews

4.7
Based on 206 reviews from the 6 courses in this bundle
01/24/2024

I loved this course! If you are looking to move into solar construction management this is exactly what you need!

Adam Cormier
08/01/2023

As a new analyst in the solar field, this course helped to provide me with the basics plus a deeper understanding of the processes and functions of solar. I would recommend it to anyone who has limited knowledge of the field!

Stephanie Davis
08/30/2024
Sophie C

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