1 NABCEP CEU – New Free Course: Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview

The utility-scale solar sector experienced explosive growth in 2024, outpacing both commercial and residential installations in yearly capacity additions. According to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) Solar Market Insight Report 2024 Year in Review, the utility-scale segment installed a record-breaking 41.4 GW_dc in 2024, achieving 33% year-over-year growth and setting a second consecutive annual record. Looking at just Q4, developers installed more than 16 GW_dc.

While the industry anticipates some moderation in growth rates due to considerable policy uncertainty, the fundamental economics of utility-scale solar remain compelling. Projects already in development continue to advance, and the sector is projected to maintain substantial deployment levels in the coming years. This means the need for qualified professionals will persist even as the market adjusts to policy changes.

As the utility-scale solar industry continues to evolve, there’s an urgent need for qualified designers who understand the unique challenges of large-scale projects. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new free course: Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview – including one NABCEP CEU!

HeatSpring and PVcase have partnered to build a pipeline of utility-scale PV design engineers, and this free course serves as your friendly front door to this growing field. For those looking to dive deeper, check out the full Utility-Scale Solar Engineering bundle.

What You’ll Learn

Instructor John Selby, a solar industry veteran since 2007, brings his extensive experience to guide you through some essential elements of utility-scale solar design:

• The Tree of Solar: Understand how electrical systems scale from residential to utility-scale projects through this clear visual framework
• Equipment Comparisons: Explore the differences between low voltage and medium voltage components
• Key Design Principles: Learn the fundamental approaches that ensure successful utility-scale installations
• Project Lifecycle: Follow the journey from development through design completion

Who Should Enroll

This course provides value across the utility-scale solar ecosystem. It’s ideal for:

• Solar designers looking to expand into utility-scale projects
• PV professionals seeking to understand the differences between commercial and utility-scale systems
• Project development team members working in operations, procurement, and finance
• Anyone interested in the growing field of large-scale solar design

Getting Started

Whether you’re an experienced commercial designer looking to level up or simply curious about large-scale solar development, this course provides a overview to understand utility-scale solar design.

Register today for the free Utility-Scale Solar Design Overview course and earn one NABCEP CEU!