The global solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by accelerating energy transition policies, rising electricity demand, and strong investor interest in low-carbon infrastructure. As solar projects increase in scale and complexity, utility-scale solar assets are increasingly judged by their actual operational performance, degradation behaviour, availability, and long-term energy yield. In this environment, accurate yield assessment, optimised system design, and effective performance monitoring have become critical success factors throughout the project lifecycle.
This 4-day comprehensive training program is designed to address these market demands by equipping participants with practical, industry-relevant expertise in the design, analysis, and optimisation of solar PV power plants. Responding directly to client requirements for hands-on engineering and performance-focused learning, participants will be able to integrate technical fundamentals with real-world applications, including PVsyst-based yield assessment, shading and loss analysis, inverter configuration, grid integration, and battery energy storage systems.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how environmental, electrical, and operational factors influence plant performance and long-term reliability. Through interactive case studies and guided exercises, learners will develop the skills needed to evaluate long term reliability, mitigate technical risks, and support informed investment and operational decisions. By combining engineering best practices, digital performance tools, and commercial awareness, the training enables professionals to enhance project quality, maximise energy yield, and protect asset value. It is ideally suited for engineers, project developers, consultants, and asset managers seeking to strengthen their technical competence and remain competitive in today’s fast-evolving solar energy market.
1. What is the Utility-Scale Solar PV Performance, Diagnostics & Bankability training course? The Utility-Scale Solar PV Performance, Diagnostics & Bankability training course is a 4-day professional programme for solar industry practitioners. It focuses on plant performance, energy yield, diagnostics and long-term asset value. Participants learn how to assess PV technologies, optimise system design and reduce performance losses. In addition, the course covers PVsyst modelling, solar plant diagnostics, BESS and asset reliability. As a result, participants can connect technical performance with commercial and investment requirements.
2. How does the course help improve utility-scale solar PV performance and energy yield? The course explains the main factors that influence solar PV plant performance and energy yield, including module technology, inverter sizing, MPPT configuration, cable losses, cooling, shading and soiling. Participants also study orientation, tilt angle, row spacing and tracker operation. Therefore, they can better identify where energy losses occur. Practical case studies then show how design choices affect generation, helping participants improve plant efficiency and long-term performance.
3. What will participants learn about PVsyst and bankable solar energy yield assessment? Participants learn how to use PVsyst for bankable solar PV yield assessment and follow the full modelling process. First, they work with meteorological data and Typical Meteorological Year data. Next, they define system orientation, modules, inverters and MPPT configuration. They also model shading, wiring losses, soiling, bifacial gains and grid limitations. In addition, they learn how to interpret PVsyst loss diagrams. Finally, the course covers uncertainty and exceedance levels such as P90 and P95, which support technical due diligence, financing and investment decisions.
4. How does the course cover solar PV plant performance measurement? The training explains key solar PV performance measurement indicators, including plant availability and Performance Ratio, or PR. Participants learn how to calculate and interpret PR while examining the effects of degradation, irradiance measurement and grid constraints. Moreover, the course shows how to set, measure and verify performance guarantees. Importantly, it also explains the difference between a PVsyst-derived PR and a contractual PR.
5. What solar PV faults and performance losses does the course cover? The course covers common solar PV faults and performance losses, including design errors, shading, soiling, corrosion, hotspots, bypass-diode failures, cable defects, short circuits and module damage. Participants also study manufacturing tolerance issues and poor string configuration. In addition, the course introduces diagnostic methods such as I-V curve analysis, thermography and electroluminescence. Participants also review temperature, irradiance, voltage and current measurements. As a result, they can link abnormal plant behaviour to likely technical causes.
6. Does the course cover battery energy storage systems and hybrid solar PV systems? Yes. The course includes a dedicated section on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid solar PV systems. Participants study load shifting, demand management, weak-grid operation, fuel savings, arbitrage and ancillary grid services. In addition, the course compares battery chemistries and key performance characteristics such as power rating, energy capacity, C-rate and round-trip efficiency. Participants also learn about battery ageing, warranties, BMS, PCS and EMS. Therefore, they can better assess solar-plus-storage solutions for different project needs.
7. Who should attend a utility-scale solar PV performance and bankability course? This course suits professionals who work with utility-scale solar PV projects, especially those in technical, operational and asset-management roles. Typical participants include Solar Asset Managers, Performance Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Solar PV O&M Engineers and Plant Managers. The course also suits PVsyst Engineers, Yield Assessment Engineers, EPC professionals, SCADA specialists, IPP technical teams and Warranty Engineers. Participants should have a basic understanding of solar PV systems, electrical engineering or renewable energy projects.
