Apply now
CourseEnergy and Networks Applications open

Course in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering

Online 300-hour course in utility-scale photovoltaic plant engineering. 6 modules covering IEC 62446-1 (testing, documentation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems), IEC 61215 (module design qualification) and PVsyst. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse the solar resource and select module, tracker and inverter technologies.

02

Design the layout of a plant with shading and terrain criteria.

03

Size the DC, medium-voltage and substation electrical installation.

04

Estimate P50 and P90 energy production with its loss chain.

05

Plan the permitting, construction and commissioning.

06

Apply standardised acceptance and performance tests.

07

Prepare the basic design of a large-scale photovoltaic plant.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Photovoltaic design engineer who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Solar plant electrical engineer who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Energy production analyst who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Photovoltaic site manager who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Project development engineer who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Independent technical consultant who wants to specialise in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant Engineering.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the photovoltaic sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 62446-1 (testing, documentation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems)
  • IEC 61215 (module design qualification)
  • IEC 61730 (photovoltaic module safety)
  • IEC 62548 (design requirements for photovoltaic arrays)
  • IEC 61724-1 (performance monitoring)
  • IEC 60364-7-712 (photovoltaic installations)
  • Royal Decree 1183/2020 (access and connection)
  • Law 21/2013 (environmental assessment)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1GHI, DNI and DHI components
  2. 1.2Meteonorm and PVGIS databases
  3. 1.3Typical meteorological year
  4. 1.4Bifacial and TOPCon modules
  5. 1.5Single-axis trackers
  6. 1.6Central and string inverters
  7. 1.7Module degradation
  8. 1.8Albedo and bifacial gain
  9. 1.9Technology selection
  10. 1.10Case study: resource at three sites
  1. 2.1Topographic survey of the terrain
  2. 2.2Tracker layout
  3. 2.3Pitch and GCR
  4. 2.4Mutual shading between rows
  5. 2.5Backtracking strategies for trackers
  6. 2.6Access roads and drainage
  7. 2.7Geotechnics and structure driving
  8. 2.8Fencing and security
  9. 2.9Environmental and planning constraints
  10. 2.10Laboratory: layout in PVcase
  1. 3.1String configuration
  2. 3.2DC cabling and string boxes
  3. 3.3Power stations
  4. 3.4Medium-voltage collector network
  5. 3.5Plant step-up substation
  6. 3.6DC and AC electrical losses
  7. 3.7Earthing
  8. 3.8Lightning protection
  9. 3.9Monitoring and SCADA
  10. 3.10Practice: cable sizing and voltage drops
  1. 4.1Simulation in PVsyst
  2. 4.2Loss chain
  3. 4.3P50 and P90 production
  4. 4.4Resource uncertainty
  5. 4.5Soiling and cleaning
  6. 4.6Inverter clipping
  7. 4.7Losses due to unavailability
  8. 4.8Bankable production report
  9. 4.9Validation by an independent engineer
  10. 4.10Workshop: P50/P90 estimation in PVsyst
  1. 5.1Access and connection
  2. 5.2Prior and construction administrative authorisation
  3. 5.3Environmental impact assessment
  4. 5.4Turnkey EPC contracts
  5. 5.5Construction planning
  6. 5.6Module quality control
  7. 5.7Commissioning tests
  8. 5.8Performance test
  9. 5.9Provisional acceptance of the plant
  10. 5.10Case study: schedule for a 50 MW plant
  1. 6.1Site selection
  2. 6.2Resource analysis
  3. 6.3Equipment selection
  4. 6.4Plant layout
  5. 6.5Basic electrical design
  6. 6.6Production estimate
  7. 6.7Budget and scheduling
  8. 6.8Risk analysis
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PVsyst, PVcase, AutoCAD Civil 3D, System Advisor Model (SAM), in free, academic or evaluation versions. The tests are studied using real procedures for tracker layout design, P50/P90 production estimation and commissioning tests according to IEC 62446-1. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:teaching staff with careers in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(blended/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cyber-security, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Site selection

Analyse the solar resource and select module, tracker and inverter technologies.

Resource analysis

Design the layout of a plant with shading and terrain criteria.

Equipment selection

Size the DC, medium-voltage and substation electrical installation.

Plant layout

Estimate P50 and P90 energy production with its loss chain.

Basic electrical design

Plan the permitting, construction and commissioning.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Photovoltaic design engineerSolar plant electrical engineerEnergy production analystPhotovoltaic site managerProject development engineerIndependent technical consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with PVsyst, PVcase, AutoCAD Civil 3D, System Advisor Model (SAM). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM diploma of your own on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Energy and Networks
Course500 $

OT SOC Course for Critical Infrastructure

Online 300 h OT SOC course for critical infrastructure. 6 modules covering IEC 62443, Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2) and Splunk Enterprise Security. Assigned tutor and open…

300 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Course830 $

Course in Crypto-Assets and Transport Insurance

Online course of 300 h in crypto-assets and transport insurance. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 (markets in crypto-assets, MiCA), Regulation (EU) 2023/1113 (information accompanying transfers…

300 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Course500 $

SCADA and EMS in Electrical Systems Course

Online 300-hour course in SCADA and EMS for electrical systems. 6 modules with IEC 60870-5-104, IEC 61970 and PowerFactory. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

300 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Course in Utility-Scale Photovoltaic Plant EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Energy and Networks

Course in Ethics in Campaign Waste ManagementView programme →Rural Microgrids with Renewables CourseView programme →EMS Course in Hybrid Renewable PlantsView programme →Course in Ethics in Explainable AI in Military SimulationView programme →PV-BESS-Wind Hybrid Systems CourseView programme →Course in Ethics in Military GovernanceView programme →

All Energy and Networks programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.