Solar

Design and Installation

Utility Interconnection

Utility-Scale Solar Project Management & Interconnection Specialist Bundle

by Andy Nyce and 1 other

Course description

This a bundle of 2 courses taught by Andy Nyce and Tim Taylor:

Are you looking to understand the full cycle of the development, engineering, construction, commissioning and interconnection of large scale solar projects? If so - this course bundle will set you on the path to success.

The ‘Utility Scale Solar Construction & Project Management’ course, taught by Andy Nyce - Director of Project Management at Erthos, will provide you with a strong understanding of what goes into designing and installing large scale solar. It’s been specifically created to ensure that folk joining the industry or looking to ‘level up’ have the knowledge necessary.

However - the completion of the solar PV facility is only one part of the puzzle! Tim Taylor, with over 30 years of experience in utility distribution systems, has created a world class course which will provide you with a knowledge base of utility distribution systems and the latest interconnection requirements including IEEE 1547-2018, for interconnecting the solar power plant to the utility grid distribution system.

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Course Outline #1 - Utility Scale Solar Construction & Project Management

Welcome - 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.

Introduction to the Course (17:01 minutes) Preview
Introduction to the Course (.pdf)
Set up email notifications and your student profile
Introduce yourself on the discussion board

Module 1 - 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 - Development & Owners Engineering

Development - Early Stage (10:04 minutes)
Development - Basics (08:43 minutes)
A Guide for Developers and Investors (.pdf)
Development - Pre-Execution (07:56 minutes)
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 - Development (.pdf)
Optional - Download the slides for the next video - Pre-Execution (.pdf)

Module 3 - 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
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
Erthos - Solar, Simplified
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 - 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 - 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 Outline #2 - Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar PV to Distribution

Module 1 - Welcome - Orientation Materials

Set up email notifications and your student profile
Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Course Introduction from Tim (11:44 minutes)
Class Launch Video (01:47 minutes)
Next Live Meeting - April 28, 2023 at 12pm Eastern (USA)

Welcome - Orientation Materials

Set up email notifications and your student profile
Introduce yourself on the discussion board

Module 2 - Generation and Transmission Systems

The overview of Generation and Transmission systems provides context around utility-scale solar interconnections to T&D systems. This week we take a look at the different types of generation on utility systems, including central station (steam) thermal types of generation; an overview of the different types of renewables generation; and a discussion on utility transmission systems, including concepts, architectures, and operating principles.

Lecture 1 - Electric Power Systems and Generation (19:41 minutes)
Lecture 2 - Large Central Generating Stations (11:35 minutes)
Lecture 3 - Other Types of Large Generating Stations (16:23 minutes)
Read: Generation
Watch: Hydroelectric Innovation
Lecture 4 - Overview of DER Technologies (30:28 minutes) Preview
Solar Power and the Electric Grid (.pdf)
Lecture 5 - Transmission in the US and Transmission Lines (28:52 minutes)
Read: Transmission
Lecture 6 - Bulk Power Systems and DER (23:21 minutes)
Read: FERC Order No. 2222
Week 1 Presentation Materials (.pdf)
Generation and Transmission Systems

Module 3 - Voltage, Current, and Power Fundamentals

There are some basic electric fundamentals that anyone working with solar and utility systems needs to know. This week covers topics such as voltage, current, and power; impedance; watts, vars, and volt-amps; power factor; single-phase and three-phase circuits; and grounding.

Lecture 1 - Basic Definitions and DC Electricity (14:18 minutes) Preview
Read: Circuit Basics
Read: Basic Electrical and Electronic Concepts
Lecture 2 - Alternating Current (AC) (30:10 minutes)
Lecture 3 - Power and Power Factor (27:45 minutes)
Lecture 4 - Three Phase Power (28:50 minutes)
Watch: Generation of Three-Phase Power
Homework Problems (.pdf)
Homework Solutions (.pdf)
Quiz - Voltage Current and Power Fundamentals
Week 2 Presentation Materials (.pdf)
Supplemental Material on Per Unit System (.pdf)

Module 4 - Distribution Systems

In the next week-and-a-half, we look at the common characteristics of North American style utility distribution systems. This knowledge is intended to give you background on the historic context of distribution systems, and why it can sometimes be challenging to connect large amounts of solar PV to it. This includes basic design and operating concepts, architectures, voltage levels, equipment, and operating principles. We'll look at the impact that distribution characteristics have on the location and quantity of solar on the system, including source impedance; radial, looped, and networked systems; minimum and peak feeder loads; feeder sectionalizing; and system stiffness.

Lecture 1 - Overview of Utility Distribution (14:47 minutes)
Lecture 2 - Electric Customer Loads (14:42 minutes)
Lecture 3 - Subtransmission (13:27 minutes)
Lecture 4 - High-Voltage Side of Substations (18:17 minutes)
Watch: 500 kV Circuit Breaker and Disconnect Switch Operation
Watch: Three Types of Transmission Disconnect Switches
Lecture 5 - Distribution Substation Transformers (11:21 minutes)
Lecture 6 - Distribution Substation Low-Side Equipment (10:49 minutes)
Lecture 7 - Substation Protection, Control and Monitoring Equipment (19:46 minutes)
Watch: Medium-voltage Switchgear
Lecture 8 - Introduction to Distribution Feeders (25:20 minutes)
Distribution Feeder Diagram (.pdf)
Common Distribution Measurement Units and Quantities (.pdf)
Read: T&D System (.pdf)
Typical Electrical Drawing Symbols and Conventions
Week 3 Presentation Materials (.pdf)

Module 5 - Distribution Systems and Utility-Scale Solar PV Interconnection

In this week, we'll finish the material on distribution systems and then progress into the first part of Utility-Scale Solar PV Interconnection.

Intro Lecture - Week 4 (02:02 minutes)
Lecture 1 - Overhead Conductors (22:24 minutes)
YouTube: Overhead Line Conductors
Lecture 2 - Underground Cables and Three-Phase Transformers (19:14 minutes)
Medium-Voltage Transformers
Lecture 3 - Feeder Architecture (15:18 minutes)
Lecture 4 - Distribution System Grounding (10:31 minutes)
Solar PV Overview
Watch: Solar PV Electric Power Generation
Trends in Solar PV - End of 2021
Lecture 5 - Utility-Scale Solar PV Plants and PV Plant Equipment (25:58 minutes)
Lecture 6 - Solar PV Plant Equipment (19:12 minutes)
Read: DC Combiner Boxes
Transformers for Solar Farms I (.pdf)
Transformers for Solar Farms II (.pdf)
Week 4 Presentation Materials (.pdf)
Overhead Conductors, Underground Cables, and Transformers

Module 6 - Utility-Scale Solar PV Interconnection on Distribution

In this module, we start with the basics of solar PV farms on distribution, before we get into more detail in the coming weeks. We start by looking at common solar PV issues on distribution. We also look at topics such as interconnection requirements including equipment and its function, inverters and their functionality with respect to the grid, grounding, SCADA connection and communications, and transformer winding configurations.

Intro Lecture - Week 5 (01:47 minutes)
Lecture 1 - Solar PV Plant Layouts (18:57 minutes)
Read: PV Power Plant AC Collection Systems (.pdf)
Lecture 2 - Useful Metrics (09:04 minutes) Preview
Read: Inverter Loading Ratio
Lecture 3 - High-Penetration Solar PV and Smart Inverter Development (21:07 minutes)
Read: Smart Inverter Benefits
Lecture 4 - Overview of IEEE 1547-2018 (16:58 minutes)
Read: Impacts of DER on T&D System (.pdf)
Lecture 5 - IEEE 1547 and Frequency Requirements (12:25 minutes) Preview
Lecture 6 - IEEE 1547 and Power Quality (05:09 minutes)
Lecture 7 - IEEE 1547 and Interoperability (13:29 minutes)
DNP3 Protocol
Lecture 8 - IEEE 1547 and Certification/Testing (12:46 minutes)
Read: Advanced Inverter Tests (.pdf)
Example of Inverter Listing Request Instruction (.pdf)
Week 5 Presentation Materials (.pdf)

Module 7 - Distribution Voltage Regulation and Solar PV Generation

Distribution voltage control/regulation, as well as reactive power control, is one of the most important design and operating principles that a utility must consider. With the introduction of IEEE 1547-2018, solar plants are facing new voltage control requirements. During this week, we'll look at voltage requirements that utilities must provide their customers; voltage drop that occurs on distribution feeder primaries and secondaries; utility voltage control equipment; common impacts of solar installations on utility voltage supply; and possible solutions to voltage issues created by solar installations, including smart inverter controls impacting voltage and reactive power. We also discuss voltage flicker and sags, and inverter ride-through capability.

Intro Lecture - Week 6 (14:37 minutes)
Lecture 1 - Voltage Ranges and Voltage Drop (26:41 minutes)
Lecture 2 - Voltage Regulators (18:15 minutes)
Watch: Voltage Regulator Controller
Read: Feeder Voltage Regulation (.pdf)
Lecture 3 - Capacitors, Reactive Power, and Voltage (16:16 minutes)
Lecture 4 - Solar PV and Feeder Voltage Profiles (15:06 minutes)
Lecture 5 - Solar PV and Voltage Variability (02:57 minutes)
Lecture 6 - IEEE 1547 and Voltage Regulation (14:37 minutes)
Lecture 7 - Reactive Power Control Modes (18:49 minutes)
Read: Voltage Control and DER
Read: IEEE 1547-2018 and Solar PV Reactive Power/Voltage Control (.pdf)
Lecture 8 - Abnormal Operating Performance and Voltage Ride-Through (09:03 minutes)
Voltage Control and Monitoring
Week 6 Presentation Materials (.pdf)

Module 8 - Distribution Protection and Solar PV Generation

Short-circuits and overcurrent protection is a key design consideration for utility systems, with considerations on solar plant design and operation. This week we'll look at the nature of distribution system faults, overcurrents, and key design principles including instantaneous and time-delayed tripping, reclosing, and post-fault restoration practices. We'll discuss over/under voltage and frequency events on the system, and how they impact the solar PV plant. We'll also look at the potential for unintentional islanding and ground fault overvoltages, and possible mitigation measures, including 3Vo protection and DTT (Direct Transfer Trip).

Intro Lecture - Week 7 (03:24 minutes)
Lecture 1 - Distribution System Faults (21:37 minutes)
Watch: The Reason Why System Protection is Needed
Lecture 2 - Distribution Protection Objectives (20:31 minutes)
Lecture 3 - Relayed Circuit Breakers and Fuses (13:15 minutes)
Watch: Operation of Explusion Fuse
Lecture 4 - Reclosers (12:29 minutes)
Watch: Demonstration of Recloser Features
Watch (Optional): Reclosers Overview
Read: Solar PV Tie Recloser
Read: Distribution Protection Overview
Lecture 5 - Solar PV and Distribution Protection (09:47 minutes)
Lecture 6 - IEEE 1547-2018 and Overvoltages (14:07 minutes)
Lecture 7 - IEEE 1547 and Islanding (13:38 minutes) Preview
Lecture 8 - Selected Protection Requirements from Utilities (06:25 minutes)
Read: Summary of Smart Inverters and IEEE 1547-2018 (.pdf)
Week 7 Presentation Materials (.pdf)
Quiz - Protection and Solar PV

Module 9 - Hosting Capacity and Interconnection Procedures

Estimating what the impacts of new solar PV farms on distribution systems is important for utility engineers as well as developers. In this section, we look at some Hosting Capacity studies and maps which some public service commission and distribution organizations now use, some additional technical screens, and an overview of distribution interconnection procedures.

Lecture 1 - Introduction to Hosting Capacity Analysis (15:05 minutes)
Watch: Demonstration of a Utility's Hosting Capacity Map (26:28 minutes)
Lecture 2 - Hosting Capacity Criteria and Thresholds (19:52 minutes)
Read: IREC Hosting Capacity Analysis White Paper
Lecture 3 - Solar PV Screening Ratios (12:32 minutes)
FERC SGIP - For Generating Facilities No Larger Than 20 MW (.pdf)
Lecture 4 - Interconnection Procedures (28:31 minutes)
Summary of the Fast Track and Supplementary Review Process (.pdf)
Lecture 5 - The Study Process, Including System Impact Studies (15:52 minutes)
Read: Tips for Successful Interconnection of Small Renewables (.pdf)
IREC Model Interconnection Agreement (.pdf)
Week 8 Presentation Materials (.pdf)
Utility-Scale PV Resources (.pdf)

Conclusion - Feedback and Additional Resources

Optional: Get IEEE Continuing Education Credit for Completing this Course (.docx)
1 Year of Access to Course Materials
Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate

Instructors

Andy Nyce

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 1.5GW of execution at every level of installation, management and commissioning. I'm currently the Director... Learn more

Tim Taylor

Owner and Managing Director, Electric Distribution Academy

Tim is Owner and Managing Director of Electric Distribution Academy and has over 30 years of experience in distribution system engineering. He’s led and participated in many projects with many North American utilities and has also worked in Europe and Latin American. In addition to papers, articles, and conference presentations, he has served as an instructor for... Learn more

Ratings

4.7

90 reviews

Courses with student ratings: 2

by John S 09/20/2022

Tim's class is a fantastic intro to the world of distribution connected solar. He provides historical perspective as well as looks into the future for trends that are coming down the road. If you're getting into developing or designing utility scale projects, this course is great!

by Charles C 08/30/2022

by Ted Monhollon 01/24/2023

Very informative, lots of very advanced material included for utility scale DER systems not covered in any other training I've seen.

by Leslie Derramona 08/10/2022

After taking this course I realized the potential the solar industry had and have an increased desire to learn more. This course was well put together and is a great way to get knowledge in the solar industry.

by Johnny Nguyen 04/27/2022

I enjoyed the content of this course and found it effective enough for my professional development... but the authors' reading of the content on the slides made the narration seemingly worthless. If I knew that 99% of the course would be read from the slides, I would have just downloaded the slides and read them. The inconsistency with the last 1% of arbitrarily important information that was not written (arbitrarily by way of the quizzes) was incredibly frustrating.

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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 page to get a group discount.

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