Solar Energy Project Management Course

Lesson 1 • Solar Thermal and Concentrating Systems

Introduces solar thermal collectors and concentrating solar power technologies. Distinguishes thermal from PV approaches and their respective applications.

Lesson 2 • Photovoltaic Technology Overview

Explains how PV cells, modules, and arrays convert sunlight to electricity. Connects cell-level physics to system-level performance expectations.

Lesson 3 • Solar Industry Landscape and Market Drivers

Maps the global solar market, key stakeholders, and forces shaping growth. Grounds technical knowledge in real-world commercial and policy contexts.

Lesson 1 • Site Conditions and Geotechnical Factors

Covers terrain, soil, wind exposure, and environmental constraints affecting system design. Links physical site characteristics to structural and civil engineering requirements.

Lesson 2 • Solar Resource Data Sources and Tools

Introduces satellite-derived and ground-measured irradiance databases and software tools. Enables accurate resource quantification as the first step in site analysis.

Lesson 3 • Energy Yield Estimation and Uncertainty

Applies resource and site data to produce probabilistic energy yield estimates. Establishes the analytical foundation for financial modelling in later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Design and Safety Standards

Addresses DC and AC wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and compliance with electrical safety standards. Ensures designs meet regulatory and insurance requirements.

Lesson 2 • System Architecture and Component Selection

Defines grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid architectures and guides component selection logic. Sets the design framework used throughout the chapter.

Lesson 3 • Energy Storage Integration

Introduces battery technologies, sizing methods, and control strategies for storage-coupled solar systems. Prepares students for the growing storage-plus-solar project segment.

Lesson 4 • PV Array Sizing and String Design

Covers load analysis, array sizing calculations, and string configuration for optimal performance. Translates energy yield targets into specific hardware specifications.

Lesson 1 • Cost Estimation and Budget Management

Applies cost estimating techniques to solar project budgets and establishes cost baselines. Links budget control to project financial performance tracking.

Lesson 2 • Risk Management in Solar Projects

Identifies solar-specific risks and applies qualitative and quantitative risk analysis methods. Produces a risk register and response plan for project resilience.

Lesson 3 • Project Scheduling Techniques

Covers activity sequencing, duration estimating, and schedule network development. Produces a realistic project timeline aligned with solar construction milestones.

Lesson 4 • Scope Definition and Work Breakdown Structure

Teaches scope management techniques and WBS construction for solar projects. Prevents scope creep and creates the baseline for scheduling and cost planning.

Lesson 1 • Permitting Process and Documentation

Maps the typical permitting workflow from application to approval for solar installations. Equips students to prepare complete permit packages efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Electrical and Safety Code Compliance

Addresses compliance with electrical installation codes, fire safety rules, and equipment certification standards. Ensures designs pass inspection and meet insurer requirements.

Lesson 3 • Environmental and Land Use Compliance

Covers environmental impact assessment, land use zoning, and habitat protection requirements. Prevents project delays caused by unresolved environmental obligations.

Lesson 1 • Project Finance and Capital Structures

Introduces debt, equity, and tax equity financing structures used in solar project finance. Prepares students to engage with lenders and investors on deal structuring.

Lesson 2 • Financial Metrics and Investment Analysis

Applies NPV, IRR, payback period, and LCOE calculations to solar project cash flows. Enables comparison of project alternatives and communication with investors.

Lesson 3 • Capital and Operating Cost Modelling

Breaks down capital expenditure categories and models recurring operating costs over project life. Provides the cost inputs required for return calculations.

Lesson 4 • Revenue Streams and Offtake Structures

Identifies solar revenue sources including energy sales, capacity payments, and incentive credits. Establishes the income side of the project financial model.

Lesson 1 • Contract Types and Key Provisions

Compares EPC, EPCM, and multi-prime contract structures and their risk allocation implications. Equips students to negotiate and administer solar construction contracts.

Lesson 2 • Equipment Quality and Vendor Management

Establishes criteria for evaluating module, inverter, and racking suppliers and managing vendor performance. Reduces equipment quality risk throughout the supply chain.

Lesson 3 • Logistics, Delivery, and Supply Chain Risk

Addresses transportation planning, customs clearance, and supply chain disruption mitigation. Prevents schedule delays caused by equipment delivery failures.

Lesson 1 • System Commissioning and Performance Testing

Guides pre-energization checks, energization sequence, and performance acceptance testing. Validates that the system meets contractual output and safety requirements.

Lesson 2 • Quality Assurance and Inspection Programs

Establishes quality control plans, inspection hold points, and non-conformance management. Ensures installed systems meet design specifications and performance guarantees.

Lesson 3 • Health, Safety, and Environmental Management

Applies construction safety planning, hazard identification, and environmental controls on solar sites. Protects workers and ensures regulatory compliance during construction.

Lesson 4 • Construction Planning and Site Mobilization

Covers pre-construction planning, site setup, and contractor mobilization activities. Establishes the operational foundation for efficient construction execution.