Hands-On Learning, Powering America Forward

SCADA-Based Solar Plant Monitoring & Performance Analysis 

 

VR, ILV and interactive learning modules

CONTENT TYPE

VR, ILV, Interactive Modules

3-hour training duration

DURATION

3.5 Hours

Technician training audience

TARGET AUDIENCE

Technician

VR and web-based course delivery

COURSE DELIVERY

VR or WEB Based

0.2 continuing education credits

Credits : 0.4

Four-step competency-based learning model: Learn, Assess, Evaluate, and Implement.

About the Course:

This SCADA-Based Solar Plant Monitoring & Performance Analysis microcredential introduces PV installers and solar technicians to monitoring utility-scale solar plant operations through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. 

Through immersive VR simulations, learners will explore the plant overview dashboard, geographical plant layout, electrical single-line diagram, tracker row status, equipment positions, active alarms, communication indicators, and environmental conditions. Learners will also review event logs, historical reports, energy generation trends, performance ratio, inverter performance, tracker performance, and plant availability. 

The course emphasizes interpreting SCADA data, identifying abnormal operating conditions, reviewing alarms, monitoring tracker communication, and analyzing plant performance. Learners will investigate a tracker position discrepancy using available monitoring information and understand the importance of verifying faults through approved field troubleshooting procedures before taking corrective action.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the purpose of SCADA in utility-scale solar plant monitoring. 
  • Navigate the SCADA workstation and plant overview dashboard. 
  • Interpret power generation, daily energy, equipment status, alarms, and weather indicators. 
  • Locate equipment using the geographical plant layout. 
  • Monitor NCU and SPC communication indicators to understand tracker network connectivity. 
  • Review environmental conditions and their relationship to tracker operation and stow behavior. 
  • Analyze energy generation, performance ratio, irradiance, plant availability, and equipment performance data. 
  • Recognize the need for approved field inspection and troubleshooting to verify the physical cause of an identified fault. 

This SCADA-Based Solar Plant Monitoring & Performance Analysis training is delivered through our LMS and is available as both web-based and immersive VR training.

Single-axis solar tracker assembly and installation training for PV technicians

 

SCADA-Based Solar Plant Monitoring & Performance Analysis Training for PV Technicians

PV technicians assembling a single-axis solar tracker at a utility-scale solar site

At ImmerseLearn, we equip PV installers and solar technicians with practical skills for monitoring utility-scale solar plant operations and interpreting performance data through immersive VR-based learning. This microcredential strengthens SCADA navigation, equipment status interpretation, alarm review, communication monitoring, performance analysis, and evidence-based troubleshooting awareness. 

SCADA Dashboard Navigation and Plant Overview −
Explore the SCADA workstation and plant overview dashboard to review power generation, daily energy, tracker and inverter status, active alarms, and weather conditions. Learners practice identifying abnormal indicators and locating affected equipment across the plant.
Plant Layout and Electrical System Familiarization +
Explore the geographical plant layout, including tracker rows, inverter stations, electrical collection equipment, and plant blocks. Learners also review the electrical single-line diagram to understand the connections between photovoltaic modules, inverters, transformers, and the grid connection.
Tracker Status and Position Monitoring +
Review tracker row identifiers, operating status, operating mode, and position information. Learners examine the detailed status of Tracker Row 024, comparing its target position of 32.5 degrees with its actual position of 18.2 degrees to identify a position discrepancy.
Alarm Management and Communication Monitoring +
Explore active alarms and review affected equipment, priority, status, and event time. Learners understand that acknowledging an alarm confirms it has been seen but does not resolve the underlying fault. They also examine NCU and SPC communication indicators to understand how SCADA monitors the tracker control network.
Environmental Conditions and Event History +
Review weather measurements, environmental events, and their potential influence on tracker movement and configured stow behavior. Learners examine historical event logs containing alarms, warnings, informational events, timestamps, severity, and equipment descriptions to understand plant activity and identify recurring patterns.
Evidence-Based Troubleshooting and Fault Verification +
Use SCADA information to recognize and investigate abnormal tracker behavior. Learners identify the position discrepancy affecting Tracker Row 024, review relevant alarms and communication indicators, and understand that SCADA monitoring alone does not establish the physical cause of the fault. The module reinforces the importance of following approved field troubleshooting procedures to inspect the affected tracker and verify the cause before corrective action.

By completing this microcredential, learners will develop practical knowledge and simulated experience in SCADA-based solar plant monitoring and performance analysis. Learners will be able to navigate monitoring dashboards, interpret tracker positions and equipment status, review alarms and communication indicators, analyze historical events and performance metrics, and recognize abnormal operating conditions. They will also understand how to use SCADA evidence to guide subsequent field troubleshooting in accordance with approved procedures.