Introduction

As global energy demand surges and sustainability targets become more urgent, solar power continues to dominate the renewable energy landscape. However, harnessing its full potential requires deep technical knowledge of how photovoltaic (PV) systems are designed, implemented, and integrated with the utility grid. The Solar Power System Design for Utility Integration training course equips engineers, utility professionals, and renewable energy consultants with the skills needed to develop utility-scale solar projects that are safe, efficient, and grid-compliant. This course emphasizes the engineering and regulatory aspects of integrating large-scale PV systems into national or regional electricity networks.

Over this 10-day intensive training, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of system design fundamentals, solar resource assessment, interconnection requirements, inverter selection, protection schemes, and performance optimization. Real-world case studies and hands-on exercises will prepare participants to design and deliver scalable and resilient solar power systems. Whether managing feasibility studies, overseeing technical design, or ensuring regulatory compliance, this course will empower energy professionals to contribute meaningfully to the global solar transition.

Duration
10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical engineers and system designers
• Power system planners and utility engineers
• Renewable energy consultants and project developers
• EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) contractors
• Solar PV installers and technical staff
• Grid integration specialists
• Energy regulatory and policy officers
• Independent power producers (IPPs)
• Infrastructure and utility investment managers
• Environmental engineers working on energy projects

Objectives

• Understand core concepts of solar PV technology and system architecture
• Design solar power systems for seamless utility interconnection
• Assess site potential using solar resource analysis and yield forecasting
• Ensure system stability, protection, and compliance with grid codes
• Optimize inverter sizing, cable layout, and power evacuation
• Evaluate performance ratios and implement monitoring tools
• Design protection schemes for fault detection and system security
• Integrate solar power with storage and smart grid technologies
• Apply regulatory requirements and permitting standards
• Execute economic and environmental feasibility assessments

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Solar PV Technology

• Overview of solar PV systems and components
• Types of photovoltaic technologies and modules
• Direct current (DC) system design principles
• Effects of temperature, shading, and tilt angle
• Performance metrics and system efficiency

Module 2: Site Assessment and Solar Resource Analysis

• Solar irradiance data collection and interpretation
• Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) and DNI basics
• Tools for simulation and yield prediction (e.g., PVsyst, Helioscope)
• Terrain and topography impact on system design
• Feasibility and pre-development considerations

Module 3: Utility-Scale System Design Considerations

• Ground-mounted vs. rooftop system layouts
• Design optimization for large PV fields
• String sizing and electrical configuration
• Mounting structures and tracking systems
• Layout for cleaning and maintenance access

Module 4: Inverter Selection and System Configuration

• Central vs. string inverters: pros and cons
• DC/AC ratio calculation and inverter loading
• Power conversion efficiency and MPPT techniques
• Inverter communication and control systems
• Inverter protection and grid synchronization

Module 5: Grid Connection and Utility Requirements

• Interconnection standards and grid codes
• Load flow and short circuit impact assessments
• Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and substation design
• Synchronization and anti-islanding protocols
• Reactive power control and voltage support

Module 6: Power Evacuation and Electrical Balance of System (BOS)

• AC cable routing and transmission considerations
• Step-up transformers and switchgear selection
• Cable sizing, trenching, and ducting
• Reactive compensation and harmonic filtering
• Utility metering and SCADA integration

Module 7: Energy Storage Integration and Grid Support

• Solar-plus-storage system configurations
• Storage sizing and battery technologies
• Grid support functions: frequency and voltage regulation
• Peak shaving and load shifting with batteries
• Control strategies for hybrid solar systems

Module 8: Protection, Safety, and Grounding

• Protection coordination for solar systems
• Fault current calculation and isolation devices
• Surge protection, grounding, and earthing methods
• Arc flash prevention and personnel safety protocols
• Monitoring and alarm systems for critical events

Module 9: SCADA and Monitoring Systems

• Role of SCADA in PV plant operations
• Remote monitoring tools and platforms
• Data acquisition systems and communication protocols
• Performance ratio and energy yield tracking
• Alarms, reports, and fault analysis

Module 10: Commissioning and Performance Testing

• Pre-commissioning checklists and procedures
• Functional and performance tests
• I-V curve tracing and thermal imaging
• Acceptance testing and certification
• Handover documentation and operational readiness

Module 11: Maintenance Planning and Asset Management

• Preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Troubleshooting common faults in PV systems
• Lifecycle management and component replacements
• CMMS and digital tools for O&M
• Warranty tracking and performance guarantees

Module 12: Economic Feasibility and Project Finance

• LCOE and ROI calculations for solar investments
• CAPEX and OPEX estimation methodologies
• PPAs and energy sales modeling
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
• Sensitivity analysis and financial modeling tools

Module 13: Regulatory and Permitting Frameworks

• Permits required for large-scale solar installations
• Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA)
• Land acquisition and community engagement
• Government incentives and grid access policies
• Stakeholder coordination and utility approvals

Module 14: Solar Project Development Lifecycle

• From concept to commissioning: key phases
• Stakeholder roles and procurement models
• Tendering, bidding, and EPC contracting
• Documentation and project timeline management
• Post-commissioning monitoring and evaluation

Module 15: Case Studies and Best Practices

• Review of global utility-scale solar projects
• Lessons learned from design and operational failures
• Emerging trends in digitalization and smart grids
• Innovations in solar technology and applications
• Group project: designing a grid-connected solar PV system

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.