Developing Commercial Solar for Community Facilities

This self-paced online course focuses on crafting mission-driven solar projects on commercial buildings that serve community needs. The course will help participants understand market trends, regulatory considerations, site selection, risk management, financial forecasting, and pitching solar projects to lenders and investors.

By the end of this course, participants will have transitioned from project concept to a well-structured, mission-driven business plan, with the expertise to structure complex deals using incentives and financial forecasting skills to meet the standards of public and private investors. Participants will be able to determine if their organization is best suited to develop, sponsor, or manage a successful solar project, and will build a pitch deck for lenders to finance their project.

Through real-world case studies and a flipped-classroom model, this training empowers individuals to expand access to sustainable energy and create lasting community impact.

Students are expected to work on this course for about eight hours a week.