Which Pivotal180 Course Is Right for You? Let’s Break It Down

If you’ve found your way to Pivotal180’s course catalog, you’re probably thinking seriously about developing your financial modeling skills. Whether you’re breaking into the world of project finance, diving deeper into renewable energy, or leveling up your understanding of tax equity and infrastructure finance.

But here’s the million-dollar question, Which course should you take?

Let’s talk it through.

Starting from Square One? No Shame in That.

If you’re brand new to financial modeling OR you’ve dabbled in spreadsheets but never built a proper model, you’re not alone. Everyone starts somewhere, and Pivotal180’s got two great entry points, depending on your focus.

Financial Modeling Fundamentals is your go-to if you’re aiming to work in a corporate setting (think startups, general business models, and non-project finance work). You’ll learn the basics,3-statement models, return metrics, scenarios, sensitivities—all the stuff you need to build a solid modeling foundation.

But if you’re more curious about Infrastructure or renewable energy projects, then Introduction to Project Finance Modeling is the better fit. It walks you through building a PF model from scratch using a real-world renewable energy case. You’ll size debt, calculate returns, and determine the offtake price that gets you to your target IRR.

Ready to Go Deeper? Here’s Where the Real Fun Begins.

Once you’re past the basics, the next step depends on your goals.

Let’s say you already work in or want to break into the renewable energy sector. Then Renewable Energy Project Finance Modeling is the natural next move. It goes deeper than the intro course and assumes you’re familiar with the building blocks of project finance. You’ll focus on real project challenges and complex modeling structures specific to clean energy.

On the other hand, maybe you’re not tied to renewables. Maybe you’re looking at infrastructure more broadly (think toll roads, airports, or public private partnerships) In that case, Project Finance & Infrastructure Modeling gives you a comprehensive overview of the broader PF landscape.

In both cases, if you’re not yet in the industry, don’t worry, you can start with the intro course and work your way up.

Let’s Talk Advanced: Are You Modeling Tax Equity, Debt Structures, or Niche Assets?

Now we’re into the territory of people already in the project finance world—those who know the fundamentals and are now tackling complex issues like tax equity, hybrid financing, or advanced debt modeling.

Tax Equity & Hybrid Structures

If you’ve ever looked at a Renewable project and wondered how the ITC, depreciation, and sponsor returns all fit together… this is the course for you. It’s hands-on, complex, and extremely relevant for anyone working on structured finance in the clean energy space.

Tax Equity Essentials

Maybe you’re not building the models yourself—but you’re a decision maker or senior stakeholder who needs to understand tax equity quickly and clearly. This course is perfect for you. It distils the concepts into a short, digestible format without getting bogged down in modeling.

Advanced Project Finance Debt Modeling

Let’s be honest: PF debt can get complex: sculpting, cash sweeps, balloon payments, multiple tranches. If you’re dealing with this in your role, this course will sharpen your ability to model and optimize debt structures. A must-have for advanced PF professionals.

Curious About Battery Storage or Critical Minerals? There’s a Course for That Too.

Pivotal180 doesn’t just cover the mainstream Project Finance topics, we’ve built industry-specific courses for high-growth sectors like:

Battery Storage

If you’re working in, or transitioning into the energy storage sector, this course breaks down the modeling and structuring elements of battery projects. These assets behave differently from traditional solar or wind, and the modeling reflects that.

Mining & Critical Minerals

If your focus is on the extraction side of the energy transition (think lithium, rare earths, etc.), this course gives you the modeling tools you need. Especially relevant as demand for critical minerals explodes globall

So… Which One Should You Take First? 

Here’s a quick decision guide: 

You are…	Start with…
Brand new to modeling	Financial Modeling Fundamentals
New to PF, want to enter RE or infrastructure	Intro to Project Finance Modeling
In renewables, need deeper modeling skills	Renewable Energy PF Modeling
Working broadly in PF/infrastructure	PF & Infrastructure Modeling
Facing tax equity challenges	Tax Equity & Hybrid Structures
A decision-maker needing a quick overview	Tax Equity Essentials
Building complex debt structures	Advanced PF Debt Modeling
Exploring battery storage	Battery Storage
Interested in critical minerals/mining	Mining & Critical Minerals

 

Final Thoughts: Pick What Moves You Forward 

Pivotal180 has clearly designed these courses with real-world professionals in mind. They aren’t just academic, they’re built for people actually doing the work, or trying to get there. 

If you’re unsure where to begin, here’s the simplest advice: 

Start with the Intro to Project Finance Modeling course unless you’re strictly working in corporate finance or startups. 

From there, the path becomes clearer. 

Want help choosing the right course for your role or career goals? 
Reach out to [email protected] or check out the course descriptions at pivotal180.com 

Training 

If you want to master project finance modeling, Pivotal180 offers hands-on courses covering infrastructure, renewable energy, and industries like battery storage and mining. Whether you’re a student building job-ready skills or a professional refining your expertise, you’ll learn to build full financial models from scratch and understand how changes in scenarios impact real-world projects. 

Enroll in a Pivotal180 course! We offer a range of training programs for modelers of different backgrounds and experience levels:

Renewable Energy Project Finance Modeling

Project Finance Modeling

Introduction to Project Finance Modeling

Financial Modeling Fundamentals 

Tax Equity & Hybrid Financial Modeling

Have questions? Reach out anytime at [email protected]