Apply now
Postgraduate DiplomaEnergy and Networks Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M

Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M. 8 modules covering IEC 61724-1 (photovoltaic performance monitoring), IEC 62446-1 (testing, documentation and maintenance of PV systems) and PVsyst. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
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 field. 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

Describe the architecture of a photovoltaic plant and its control system.

02

Configure the monitoring and SCADA of a PV plant.

03

Calculate the performance ratio and other performance KPIs.

04

Clean and analyse monitoring data to detect losses.

05

Plan preventive and corrective operation and maintenance.

06

Apply inspection and diagnostic techniques for modules and inverters.

07

Manage O&M contracts with availability and performance guarantees.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Photovoltaic O&M engineer who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Solar plant performance analyst who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Renewables SCADA specialist who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Photovoltaic asset manager who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Thermographic inspection technician who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Renewable control centre manager who wants to specialise in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&M.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter photovoltaic generation.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61724-1 (photovoltaic performance monitoring)
  • IEC 62446-1 (testing, documentation and maintenance of PV systems)
  • IEC TS 61724-2 (capacity evaluation method)
  • IEC TS 62446-3 (thermography of PV systems)
  • IEC 61215 (qualification of photovoltaic modules)
  • IEC 61850 (substation communications)
  • IEC 60870-5-104 (telecontrol over TCP/IP)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Components of a PV plant
  2. 1.2Modules, inverters and trackers
  3. 1.3String and central architecture
  4. 1.4Substation and power evacuation
  5. 1.5Expected output and solar resource
  6. 1.6Typical plant losses
  7. 1.7Simulation with PVsyst
  8. 1.8Plant life cycle
  9. 1.9IEC 62446 standards
  10. 1.10Practical case: reading a PVsyst report
  1. 2.1SCADA architecture of a PV plant
  2. 2.2Data loggers and Modbus communications
  3. 2.3Weather station and pyranometers
  4. 2.4IEC 61724-1 monitoring classes
  5. 2.5Sampling frequency and storage
  6. 2.6Integration with the grid operator
  7. 2.7Plant control and setpoints
  8. 2.8Cloud monitoring platforms
  9. 2.9PV SCADA cybersecurity
  10. 2.10Laboratory: configuring a Modbus reading
  1. 3.1Definition of the performance ratio
  2. 3.2Temperature-corrected PR
  3. 3.3IEC 61724-1 and IEC 61724-2
  4. 3.4Technical and contractual availability
  5. 3.5Specific yield kWh/kWp
  6. 3.6Energy performance index
  7. 3.7Clipping and limitation losses
  8. 3.8Soiling losses and soiling ratio
  9. 3.9Annual module degradation
  10. 3.10Practical: calculating monthly PR with real data
  1. 4.1Data validation and filtering
  2. 4.2Detecting faulty sensors
  3. 4.3Gap filling
  4. 4.4Expected production models
  5. 4.5Loss analysis by category
  6. 4.6Inverter and string analysis
  7. 4.7Anomaly detection with machine learning
  8. 4.8Degradation analysis with RdTools
  9. 4.9Visualisation and dashboards
  10. 4.10Laboratory: loss analysis with pvlib
  1. 5.1O&M contract and scope
  2. 5.2Preventive and corrective maintenance
  3. 5.3Module cleaning and vegetation control
  4. 5.4Inverter maintenance
  5. 5.5Tracker maintenance
  6. 5.6High- and medium-voltage maintenance
  7. 5.7Spare parts management
  8. 5.8Electrical safety and risks
  9. 5.9Maintenance management system GMAO
  10. 5.10Practical case: annual O&M plan
  1. 6.1Aerial thermography with drones
  2. 6.2Module electroluminescence
  3. 6.3Field I-V curves
  4. 6.4Detection of PID and hot spots
  5. 6.5Connector and diode faults
  6. 6.6Microcracks and snail trails
  7. 6.7Structural inspection
  8. 6.8Insulation testing
  9. 6.9Inspection reports
  10. 6.10Practical: interpreting thermographic images
  1. 7.1Availability and PR guarantees
  2. 7.2Contractual penalties and bonuses
  3. 7.3Reporting to owners and banks
  4. 7.4OPEX cost optimisation
  5. 7.5Repowering and revamping
  6. 7.6Hybridised storage
  7. 7.7Curtailment management
  8. 7.8Insurance and claims
  9. 7.9IEC 62446-2 maintenance standards
  10. 7.10Workshop: monthly performance report
  1. 8.1Plant description
  2. 8.2Monitoring architecture
  3. 8.3Definition of KPIs and PR
  4. 8.4Operational data analysis
  5. 8.5Loss diagnosis
  6. 8.6O&M plan
  7. 8.7Improvement proposals and their return
  8. 8.8Reporting template
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final 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 timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it easy to combine with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PVsyst, Python (pvlib), Grafana, Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for calculating the temperature-corrected performance ratio, aerial thermography with drones, I-V curves and in-field electroluminescence. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with careers in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, OT cybersecurity, 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.

Plant description

Describe the architecture of a photovoltaic plant and its control system.

Monitoring architecture

Configure the monitoring and SCADA of a PV plant.

Definition of KPIs and PR

Calculate the performance ratio and other performance KPIs.

Operational data analysis

Clean and analyse monitoring data to detect losses.

Loss diagnosis

Plan preventive and corrective operation and maintenance.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Photovoltaic O&M EngineerSolar Plant Performance AnalystRenewables SCADA SpecialistPhotovoltaic Asset ManagerThermographic Inspection TechnicianRenewable Control Centre Manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards texts.

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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

The course uses PVsyst, Python (pvlib), Grafana and Power BI. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative 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 towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Energy and Networks
Postgraduate Diploma1,000 $

Postgraduate Diploma in Specific Protection for Direct Current

Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in specific protection for direct current. 8 modules covering IEC 60947-2 (low-voltage circuit breakers), IEC 61660-1 (short-circuit currents in DC installations) and…

800 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Postgraduate Diploma1,220 $

Postgraduate Diploma in Offshore Wind: Foundations and Export Cables

Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Offshore Wind: Foundations and Export Cables. 8 modules covering IEC 61400-3-1 (fixed-foundation offshore wind turbines), DNV-ST-0126 (wind turbine support structures) and…

800 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Postgraduate Diploma1,440 $

Postgraduate Diploma in SAS Architecture and IEC 61850 Process Bus

Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in SAS Architecture and IEC 61850 Process Bus. 8 modules covering IEC 61850-6 (SCL configuration language), IEC 61850-8-1 (MMS and GOOSE messaging)…

800 hOnlineEnergy and Networks
Postgraduate Diploma in PV SCADA, Performance Ratio and O&MEnrol
Related programmes

More in Energy and Networks

Postgraduate Diploma in ROI and Energy Performance ContractsView programme →Postgraduate Diploma in Market Design and Ancillary ServicesView programme →Postgraduate Diploma in Risk and Critical Operations ManagementView programme →Postgraduate Diploma in Hedging and Virtual PPAsView programme →Postgraduate Diploma in Building Envelope and Thermal BridgesView programme →Postgraduate Diploma in Renewables Integration and BESSView 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.