Certified Renewable Energy Project Developer: Solar Thermal
This online programme provides a detailed introduction of what solar thermal energy systems are, what they are for, and how they are planned and implemented.
It covers the most important economic aspects of renewable energy project planning and describes how the most common public policy support mechanisms work. The programme also looks into how banks view the risks related to renewable energy projects, and examines the parameters they use to assess any new project’s bankability in order to decide whether they will get on board and finance it. To this end, the programme includes a checklist for project developers to ensure that potential partner banks receive all the data they require in the way they require it.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Introductory courses
The programme includes access to short introductory courses on energy and electricity topics to provide participants with the opportunity to learn or revise the basics. These courses are not mandatory and are not covered in the exam.
Core courses
The programme contains three core courses on the essential financial considerations of renewable energy projects. These courses are mandatory and are a part of the exam.
- Renewable energy feasibility assessment and investment valuation
- Policy Frameworks for RE Power Generation
- Renewable energy project finance
Solar thermal energy electives
The elective specialisation of this programme in solar thermal systems includes one optional course introducing the various aspects of this technology and one mandatory course on the planning of large-scale solar thermal systems.
Receive a reminder one week before the registration deadline.
After completing this programme, you will be able to:
- calculate the relevant economic parameters of a renewable energy project;
- decide which support mechanisms are applicable;
- prepare the data required for a bankability assessment; and
- define the necessary steps from planning to O&M for a large-scale solar thermal system.
Upon successful finalisation of the training, you will receive a RENAC Certificate.
Duration: 6 months
Study time: About 130 hours
Training language: English or Spanish
Detailed course description: A detailed course description is available for download here.
E-learning platform: Access the demo course on our e-learning platform.
Price: €1,309.00*
Contact
Raquel Cascales
Project Director E-Learning and Blended Learning
Tel: +49 (0)30 58 70870 46
Email: onlineacademy[at]renac.de
*incl 19 % of German VAT
Highlights
- Flexibility to study at any time and from any location
- RENAC content expert and learning platform technical support
- Moderated discussion forum for students
- Live lectures
- Multimedia learning materials
- Self-assessments, assignments and final exam
- Certified by the Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht - ZFU (German Authority for Distance Learning)
- RENAC certificate upon successful finalisation of the programme
- We offer discounts for our alumni, group bookings, and multiple purchases. Contact us for further details.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Contact
Raquel Cascales
Project Director E-Learning and Blended Learning
Tel: +49 (0)30 58 70870 46
Email: onlineacademy[at]renac.de
Lecturers

Current position:
Katie De Albuquerque is head of the Solar Energy & Energy Efficiency Division at RENAC. She works with and supports a team of 10 professionals to manage capacity-building projects, develop training materials, and deliver training courses that cover PV, solar thermal, and energy efficiency topics for target audiences, including installers, engineers, decision-makers, and bankers.
Professional experience:
Before joining RENAC, Katie worked as a freelancer on a range of projects. She provided technical assistance during the construction and commissioning phases of commercial PV plants, setting up, renewable energy training centres, and delivering training. Before moving to Berlin, Katie worked at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales, UK, designing, installing, and operating small-scale renewable energy systems. She also provided consultancy services and taught on various master’s degree courses. Before this, she worked as a building services engineer for the engineering company Arup.
Education:
Katie received her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland.