What is IEEE 1547-2018 and how is it relevant to utility scale solar projects? – Ask an Expert In the Ask an Expert series, HeatSpring instructors and industry thought leaders answer a question on the minds of the HeatSpring community. We are joined by Tim Taylor, instructor of the Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar to Distribution course. Tim discusses… Continue reading “What is IEEE 1547-2018 and how is it relevant to utility scale solar projects? – Ask an Expert”
Working in utility-scale solar? What you need to know about interconnection – Ask an Expert In the Ask an Expert series, HeatSpring instructors and industry thought leaders answer a question on the minds of the HeatSpring community. We are joined by Tim Taylor, instructor of Interconnection of Utility-Scale Solar to Distribution, Introduction to Distribution Systems,… Continue reading “Working in utility-scale solar? What you need to know about interconnection – Ask an Expert”
HeatSpring Hosts First IEEE-Credentialed CEU/PDH Course Chances are if you do any work related to electricity and engineering, you’ve heard of IEEE. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, an organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity. IEEE… Continue reading “HeatSpring Hosts First IEEE-Credentialed CEU/PDH Course”
How can end users truly get the most out of their solar + storage investment? – Ask an Expert Session In the Ask an Expert series, HeatSpring instructors and industry thought leaders answer a question on the minds of the HeatSpring community. We are joined by Chris LaForge, instructor of the Designing Small Scale PV Systems with Energy Storage. While… Continue reading “How can end users truly get the most out of their solar + storage investment? – Ask an Expert Session”
Transmission and Distribution Interconnection Standards – Does Your Organization Know About Them? Utility interconnection standards will be critical for increasing the connection of DER (Distributed Energy Resources), including solar PV, to distribution and transmission systems. In the US, IEEE 1547-2018 is a predominant standard, accompanied by UL 1741 for testing, that governs… Continue reading “Transmission and Distribution Interconnection Standards – Does Your Organization Know About Them?”
Free NABCEP CEU – Live Webinar on Utility-Scale PV and Distribution Voltage Challenges Live Webinar – Wednesday, June 8th – 12-1:30pm EST – Reserve your spot on HeatSpring If you or your company have worked on developing utility-scale projects, you know that connecting large PV power plants to the grid can present challenges, especially… Continue reading “Free NABCEP CEU – Live Webinar on Utility-Scale PV and Distribution Voltage Challenges”
The Basics of Utility Transmission for Utility-Scale Solar Access to high voltage transmission lines is integral for utility-scale solar projects. Transmission is part of the high voltage system that connects generation (like utility-scale solar power plants or coal-fired power plants) with load centers, subtransmission, and distribution. Essentially, high… Continue reading “The Basics of Utility Transmission for Utility-Scale Solar”
New Course: Connecting Utility-Scale Solar PV to Distribution Systems The United States is forecasted to add an additional 21.8 GW of utility-scale solar in 2022 and 24.1 GW in 2023, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In fact, they expect solar additions to account for nearly half of… Continue reading “New Course: Connecting Utility-Scale Solar PV to Distribution Systems”
Energy Storage Policy – a Look at the Most Recent States with Energy Storage Goals Energy storage is an imperative part of a renewable energy future. Storage provides significant benefits to our electric grid like increased reliability, increased resilience, cost savings, the ability to integrate diverse energy sources, and lessening our impact on the environment… Continue reading “Energy Storage Policy – a Look at the Most Recent States with Energy Storage Goals”
The Importance of Commissioning and Testing on Utility Scale Projects Utility scale solar projects are years in the making from inception to completion. The process typically includes land development, interconnection studies, environmental evaluations, securing financing, materials procurement, and construction. The final step before a system is fully operational is commissioning… Continue reading “The Importance of Commissioning and Testing on Utility Scale Projects”
Wes Kennedy’s Solar Shed and the Quest for Net Zero This Fall Wes Kennedy is teaching an incredible course called “Comprehensive Solar + Storage“. Consider taking it if you want to level-up your energy storage knowledge and earn a bunch of NABCEP credits. I asked Wes what kept him busy… Continue reading “Wes Kennedy’s Solar Shed and the Quest for Net Zero”
How Do We Get From 4% to 45%? Today the Biden administration released a plan to increase the amount of solar energy produced from 4% of total generation (where it is today) to 45% by 2050. That represents a lot of growth for the solar industry. What will… Continue reading “How Do We Get From 4% to 45%?”
Why Learn About Electric Utility Distribution Equipment? Hi, my name is Tim Taylor and I have a course called “A Virtual Tour of Electric Utility Distribution Equipment“. I’ve been getting the question: “why do you have this course?”. It’s really to answer a lot of questions that… Continue reading “Why Learn About Electric Utility Distribution Equipment?”
Three Trends in Solar That Can Boost Income for Solar Industry Members With wildfires increasing, along with solar mandates, power shortages and power outages, new trends in solar are emerging. In fact, the top three trends in solar in 2022 will be power purchase agreements (PPA) that include storage, car companies’ embracing… Continue reading “Three Trends in Solar That Can Boost Income for Solar Industry Members”
NFPA 855 and Fire Code Requirements for Energy Storage Systems Justine Sanchez and the team at Mayfield Renewables just launched a new course – NFPA 855 and Fire Code Requirements for Energy Storage Systems. It’s the second in a two-course series on Electrical & Fire Codes for Energy Storage Systems.… Continue reading “NFPA 855 and Fire Code Requirements for Energy Storage Systems”
Electric Vehicle Charging Available charging options are a key factor that will drive future sales of electric vehicles. For folks involved in distribution system planning and engineering, there are a number of concerns related to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). These include: Peak… Continue reading “Electric Vehicle Charging”
What is NEM Paired Storage? “Energy Storage Net Metering”, also known as “NEM Paired Storage”, allows a customer with a behind-the-meter solar + storage system to discharge their battery, exporting stored energy back to the grid and receive a net energy metering credit. NEM Paired… Continue reading “What is NEM Paired Storage?”
Where are the Best Opportunities for Solar + Storage? We’re excited to announce a new free class, developed in partnership with Energy Toolbase: “Optimizing the Economics of C&I Solar + Storage Projects in California“. It’s worth paying attention because the presentation is packed with useful data you won’t find… Continue reading “Where are the Best Opportunities for Solar + Storage?”
Electric Distribution Academy on HeatSpring We are pleased that Electric Distribution Academy courses are now offered exclusively on HeatSpring. Utility transmission and distribution systems are a key component in the changes that are taking place in the electricity supply chain. More renewable generation and storage… Continue reading “Electric Distribution Academy on HeatSpring”
This New Free Class Might Win You Your Next Project Tim Taylor just released a new free class: Overview of Electric Distribution Equipment. If you’re a system designer, project developer, installation professional, or O&M specialist, understanding how the grid works will unlock a higher level of creativity and problem solving.… Continue reading “This New Free Class Might Win You Your Next Project”