Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy from Udemy

Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy course will give you the skills to develop and analyze financial models for wind and solar projects. The course covers essential topics including debt sizing and funding, wind and solar project operations, and investment returns, and will provide you with a robust financial modeling skillset for analysis of renewable projects in the most sophisticated environments.

In an online environment you will go from a blank Excel workbook to a financial model suitable for investment analysis, debt structuring and operational scenario evaluation. This course will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build financial model suitable for analyzing wind and solar projects.

What this course is about?

Project finance models for renewable energy are used to assess the risk-reward of lending to and investing in renewable project (wind and solar). The project's debt capacity, investment returns and financial feasibility depend on expected future cash flows generated by the renewable energy project itself and a financial model is built to analyze this.

In the Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy course we will model complex wind and solar project finance transactions from scratch in excel.

You will learn about:

- How to build a project finance model from scratch in excel for wind and solar projects;

- Learn how renewable energy projects get developed and financed;

- How to create best practice macro’s and Excel VBA codes to break circularities;

- Learn how to size debt based on multiple covenants for wind and solar projects;

- How to model Debt Service Reserve Account;

- How to model unlevered project returns and blended equity returns;

- Learn to integrate multiple probability exceedance generation profiles (P50, P99) into the financial model;

- Learn basics of GP/LP flip structures and tax equity for project financing;

- Gain insights into financial model development process, step-by-step – for a renewable energy model;

- Optimize the model to achieve the requirements of lenders and investors.

Why you should enroll in the Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy course?

Realistic project finance training - The Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy course includes over 10 hours of instructor-led video content to learn at your own pace. After completing this course you will be able to build complex, real-life project finance model for wind and solar projects.

Affordability - a similar course, which provides realistic project finance modeling training will cost you anywhere from US$1000 to US$3,000 per course.

Learn anytime and anywhere - The Project Finance Modeling course is 100% online so you can learn the modeling when it is convenient for you.

How does it work?

The course length is over 10 hours.

First, we will review the basics of wind and solar projects development, so we understand all essential components of project finance transactions in the context of renewable energy.

Then, in the second part, we will review financial modeling methods and excel functions that we will use often in this course, to improve our productivity in excel.

We will begin financial modeling in the third part, where we will build a financial model for wind and solar projects for the case when SPV pays taxes.

And, finally, In the fourth part, we will review the peculiarities of the US renewable projects and build a financial model that takes into account the tax credits available in the US, and introduce to the new source of financing called tax equity.

Is this course for you?

Yes, if you need to build, review or analyse project finance models within the renewable energy sectors. Typical students include analysts, managers, senior managers, associate directors, financial advisors, financiers and CFOs from project companies, investment banks, private equity and infrastructure funds.

This course prerequisites:

You will need previous exposure to Excel in a financial modelling context and basic knowledge of investment concepts such as NPV and cash flows.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to build project finance model from scratch in excel for wind and solar projects;
Learn how renewable energy projects get developed and financed;
How to create best practice macro’s and excel vba codes to break circularities;
Learn how to size debt based on multiple covenants for wind and solar projects;
How to model debt service reserve account;

How to model unlevered project returns and blended equity returns;
Learn to integrate multiple probability exceedance generation profiles (p50, p99) into the financial model;
Learn basics of gp/lp flip structures and tax equity for project financing;
Gain insights into financial model development process, step-by-step – for a renewable energy model.

How to build project finance model from scratch in excel for wind and solar projects;
Learn how renewable energy projects get developed and financed;
How to create best practice macro’s and excel vba codes to break circularities;
Learn how to size debt based on multiple covenants for wind and solar projects;
How to model debt service reserve account;
How to model unlevered project returns and blended equity returns;
Learn to integrate multiple probability exceedance generation profiles (p50, p99) into the financial model;
Learn basics of gp/lp flip structures and tax equity for project financing;
Gain insights into financial model development process, step-by-step – for a renewable energy model.

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Intro to the Course

Part 1 - Basics of Wind and Solar Projects Development

Renewable Energy Overview

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides an in-depth exploration of project finance models for renewable energy projects, aligning with industry practices

Taught by Greg Ahuy, an experienced instructor recognized for his expertise in renewable energy finance

Develops essential financial modeling skills through practical, step-by-step instructions

Emphasizes best practices in financial modeling, ensuring credibility and reliability of the models developed

Provides a comprehensive understanding of project finance transactions for renewable energy projects

Requires a solid foundation in financial modeling and investment concepts

Reviews summary

Practical excel modeling for renewable energy finance

According to students, this course provides a highly practical and comprehensive deep dive into project finance modeling for renewable energy. Learners praise the step-by-step Excel modeling approach, which effectively covers complex topics like debt sizing, circularities, DSRA, and tax equity structures using real-world case studies. Many find the instructor's explanations clear and highly knowledgeable, making the content applicable for real-life wind and solar projects. While largely positive, some learners note it is best suited for intermediate to advanced professionals with prior Excel financial modeling experience, as the pace can be challenging for beginners. Overall, it's considered invaluable for enhancing skills in this specialized field.

Best suited for learners with existing financial modeling and Excel knowledge.

"I found the prerequisites were a bit understated. You really need strong prior Excel modeling experience and a solid grasp of finance."

"As a beginner, I struggled to keep up."

"Good course for intermediate to advanced learners. The explanations of circularities and VBA were particularly useful."

"The course is good for understanding the basics of project finance, but if you already have some experience, it might feel a bit slow in the beginning."

Instructor's expertise provides clear explanations and valuable insights.

"The instructor explains complex concepts clearly, and the real-world case study is invaluable."

"The instructor's expertise shines through, and the material is well-structured."

"The instructor is highly knowledgeable."

Offers a deep dive into complex project finance topics specific to renewables.

"This course is incredibly comprehensive and practical."

"The level of detail on project finance modeling, especially debt sizing and circularities, is superb."

"It covers a lot of ground from renewable energy fundamentals to complex financial modeling techniques like DSRA and GP/LP flips."

"Fantastic course! I particularly appreciated the sections on P50/P99 and tax equity structures."

Builds real-world financial models from scratch with step-by-step guidance.

"The step-by-step Excel modeling was exactly what I needed to enhance my skills in renewable energy finance."

"Excellent content. The hands-on approach to building a financial model from scratch was very effective."

"The practical application of concepts using Excel was the strongest point."

"Super practical! The real-world case study is excellent. I use the techniques learned here daily."

Suggestions include more advanced analysis and updated examples.

"My only minor suggestion would be to perhaps include more advanced scenario analysis or sensitivity testing examples..."

"Could use updated examples for recent market changes."

Some learners found the pace challenging, requiring rewatching modules.

"Sometimes the pace was a bit fast, but rewatching lectures helped."

"The instructor goes very fast and assumes a lot of prior knowledge."

"Some explanations could be more elaborated for those new to certain topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy with these activities:

Review Intermediate and Advanced Excel functions

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Begin this course with a solid understanding of Excel functions.

Browse courses on Advanced Excel

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Review the Excel documentation for VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, OFFSET, and SUMIF.
Create a spreadsheet to practice using these functions and test your knowledge.

Join a study group to discuss and review course material

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Connect with other students and engage in collaborative learning.

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Find or create a study group with fellow course participants.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and work through problems together.

Solve practice problems for debt sizing

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Practice and improve your debt sizing skills before attempting project-based assignments.

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Find 10-20 practice problems related to debt sizing.
Solve these problems on paper or in spreadsheet form.
Review the solutions and check your answers.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Watch tutorials on financial modeling for wind and solar projects

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Gain additional exposure to financial modeling concepts specific to the renewable energy industry.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Search for tutorials on financial modeling for wind and solar projects.
Watch several tutorials to learn from different experts.
Take notes or create a summary to consolidate your learning.

Attend a workshop on project finance modeling

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Gain in-depth knowledge and practical experience in project finance modeling.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Find and register for a workshop on project finance modeling.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions.

Build a financial model for a wind or solar project

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to a hands-on project.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Choose a project (wind or solar) and gather data on its costs, revenues, and operating expenses.
Build a financial model in Excel to assess the project's financial feasibility.
Analyze the results and write a report summarizing your findings.

Write a blog post or article on a topic related to renewable energy project finance

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Reinforce your understanding of the concepts and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Choose a specific topic related to renewable energy project finance.
Research and gather information on the topic.
Write a well-structured and informative blog post or article.

Career center

Learners who complete Project Finance Modeling for Renewable Energy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Renewable Energy Developer

Renewable Energy Developers develop and manage renewable energy projects. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to develop and finance renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Developer

Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you would use your financial modeling skills to evaluate investment opportunities and make recommendations to clients. This course may be particularly helpful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the specialized knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts analyze energy markets and trends. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to understand the renewable energy market and make informed investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course may be helpful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to manage renewable energy projects from start to finish.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and provide financial advice. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to analyze and value renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to analyze and advise clients on renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to understand the environmental impact of renewable energy projects and develop mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to evaluate and invest in renewable energy companies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to manage the construction of renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to design and build renewable energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and systems. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to design and build renewable energy systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to analyze data and make recommendations on renewable energy projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to manage the operations of a renewable energy company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to design and build renewable energy infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee the sales and marketing of a company's products and services. This course may be useful if you are interested in working in the renewable energy sector, as it will give you the skills you need to sell and market renewable energy products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager