PVcase partners with HeatSpring for advanced utility-scale solar training

The North American solar industry is facing a bottleneck. Despite its increasingly pivotal role in the United States’ energy landscape, the solar workforce isn’t growing fast enough. The latest National Solar Job Census shows an increase of 6% in specialized professionals in the past year. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy aims at an upturn of almost 100% in the next five years — a target that seems challenging, to say the least.

PVcase is stepping up to the challenge by partnering with HeatSpring to provide a training bundle on utility-scale solar engineering for solar designers and engineers. Read on to learn more.

A learning package for designers and engineers

The PVcase and HeatSpring course offers a pathway for PV professionals aiming to excel in utility-scale projects. This bundle integrates three different courses: 

1. 1. Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview 
   2. Utility-Scale Solar Design Applications
   3. Designing Utility-Scale Solar Systems with PVcase Ground Mount

The training is aimed at residential and C&I solar designers looking to transition into utility-scale projects, as well as utility-side engineers moving into the solar industry. It grants an in-depth understanding of utility-scale solar engineering essentials, focusing on projects up to 30-40 MWac with interconnection voltages from 12.47 to 35 kV. 

A basic understanding of electrical systems is required to maximize the course’s benefits.

Expert mentorship and access to PVcase software

One of the training’s standout perks is the opportunity for participants to apply the lessons learned directly with PVcase Ground Mount. With this state-of-the-art tool, students can create high-precision solar project designs utilizing the very same resources employed by industry professionals. 

A 30-day PVcase software license is provided upon enrollment — participants only need to fill out the sign-up form on the course’s website and ensure they have a valid AutoCAD license or trial version. 

Furthermore, the program offers valuable insights into every stage of solar project development, such as:

• Addressing key engineering considerations.
• Using the best methods for site and array design.
• Recognizing key electrical design factors.
• Gaining fundamental knowledge of interconnection processes.

The training materials are available for a whole year and are regularly updated by the mentors. Moreover, once they’ve finished the training, participants are eligible for a HeatSpring certificate of completion, which can be verified and easily uploaded to LinkedIn.

Led by John Selby, an experienced solar project manager, and Stefan Boehme, PVcase’s Education Content Manager, the courses offer expert guidance. 

NABCEP certified

Finally, and significantly, the training also offers participants the chance to earn a NABCEP certification upon completion. 

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a non-profit organization that offers certification and accreditation programs for solar energy professionals in North America.

NABCEP certification is the industry gold standard, validating a professional’s skills and knowledge in solar installation and design. Earning this nationally recognized credential can significantly boost the career prospects of any aspiring solar engineer.

The NABCEP CEU hours can be reviewed on each of the course’s landing page.

Training overview

Despite the different programs, all three courses emphasize practical, real-world applications of utility-scale solar engineering principles.

Utility-scale solar design overview

The free Utility-scale solar design overview course offers a broad introduction to designing utility-scale solar projects, focusing on ground-mount systems. Through one module and several video lectures, participants gain insights into utility-scale design principles, solar discussions, and the application of low versus medium-voltage equipment, preparing them for more advanced training.

Designing utility-scale solar systems with PVcase Ground Mount 

In the Designing utility-scale solar systems with PVcase Ground Mount course, future utility-scale solar engineers will gain the skills to effectively use the PVcase Ground Mount software, a powerful AutoCAD-based tool for designing large-scale solar projects. Through 10 modules, students can learn to navigate the software’s features, including project initiation, frame & park settings, and shading analysis. 

The program also covers civil and mechanical design aspects, emphasizing slope, collision analysis, and ground grading. Participants will receive a 1-month educational license for PVcase Ground Mount to practice firsthand exercises, as well as many video tutorials. 

Utility-scale solar engineering — bundle

The Utility-scale solar engineering bundle incorporates the content and modules from both the above courses for a runtime of more than ten hours. Additionally, it addresses specialized topics such as utility-scale solar PV design applications, site planning, and design, including zoning, fencing, and civil considerations. 

Engineers will also learn about racking and module options, focusing on aspects like module placement, array spacing, shading, and site grading. The course covers key electrical design considerations too, including string voltage, system architecture, and transformer application for utility-scale systems.

Advancing solar education with PVcase 

This training and the collaboration with HeatSpring reflect PVcase’s commitment to promoting renewable energy by both offering state-of-the-art solar design products and training the next generation of solar engineers.

We’ve partnered with 17 universities worldwide, including North Carolina State University, issuing 57 licenses to give students firsthand experience. This educational initiative integrates PVcase Ground Mount software into university programs, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application in utility-scale solar planning and design. For instance, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria announced last year it would integrate PVcase Ground Mount as a key module in its Sustainable Energy master’s program. Discover how this collaboration has benefited the university’s students and prepare for a similar enriching experience with HeatSpring’s training.

A headstart into large-scale PV

The U.S. solar industry urgently needs specialized professionals. So, whether you’re a solar designer looking to move to utility-scale projects or a utility-side engineer transitioning into the solar branch — this is your opportunity to gain a competitive edge and secure a job in this expanding field.

Start your training with the free Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview, or get straight to the subject matter with the Utiliy-scale solar engineering bundle.