Choose a Course

We offer two options for learning HOMER – a 6-hour intensive “Foundations of HOMER” course, and a 2-hour “Introduction to HOMER” course for those who may not need to use HOMER on a regular basis, but want to understand its basic functionality. Each option is offered with a focus on a particular HOMER version – Grid or Pro.

Foundations of HOMER

Foundations of HOMER is the essential starting point for unlocking the power of HOMER. Users who plan to use HOMER extensively in their work should invest in Foundations of HOMER.

This course familiarizes participants with HOMER's user interface and the simulation-optimization-sensitivity analysis paradigm to allow them to begin using HOMER independently for small systems. With this foundation, you will be ready to explore more advanced topics with HOMER such as using multiple generators, designing for high renewable penetration, making decisions about grid extensions to remote areas, understanding how to best work with HOMER’s advanced storage modeling, and more.

Course Length: 6 hours, 3 sessions 2 hours each
Location: Online, with live instructor in a group class (for in-person options, visit our Training for Organizations page)
Cost: $500 per person
Prequisite: Current license for the appropriate product

Foundations of HOMER Pro

Day 1 (2 hours)
Introduction to HOMER Pro (Presentation)
Simulation and Optimization (Demonstration and Exercises)

  • Model a small community system
  • Simulate a diesel-only system
  • Lower costs by adding batteries
  • Build a hybrid mini-grid with solar photovoltaics
  • Identify diesel, fuel-saver, hybrid, and 100% renewable designs
Sensitivity Analysis (Demonstration and Exercises)
  • Sensitivity analysis on fuel price (one-dimensional)
  • Sensitivity analysis on capacity shortage and fuel price (two-dimensional)
  • Determine the payback and internal rate of return (IRR) for a design
  • Exporting and sharing your preliminary findings
Day 2 (2 hours)
Refining your design (Demonstration and Exercises)
  • Develop a customized load based on limited data
  • Develop a customized load based on measured data
  • Size a diesel generator
  • Design a system with specific equipment
  • Exporting and sharing your design
Day 3 (2 hours)
Modeling larger systems (Demonstration and Exercise)
  • Model multiple generators
  • Understanding operating reserve constraints
  • Using HOMER’s Generator Order control strategy
  • Modeling existing generators

Foundations of HOMER Grid

Day 1 (2 hours)
Introduction to HOMER Grid (Presentation)
Simulation and Optimization (Demonstration and Exercises)
  • Simulate a simple grid-connected system
  • Optimize with solar PV and batteries
  • Add incentives
  • Create a customer proposal or a simulation report to share your findings
Sensitivity Analysis (Demonstration and Exercises)
  • Sensitivity analysis to investigate changes in price and reliability on results
  • Compare two utility tariffs
  • Determine the payback and internal rate of return (IRR) for a design
  • Exporting and sharing your preliminary findings
Day 2 (2 hours)
Refining your design (Demonstration and Exercises)
  • Develop a customized load based on limited data
  • Develop a customized load based on measured data
  • Import a utility tariff
  • Add a generator for resilience
  • Design a system with specific equipment
  • Exporting and sharing your design
Day 3 (2 hours)
Interconnected mini-grid design (Demonstration and Exercise)
  • More incentives – demand response programs and more
  • Specialized topics – EV charging, unreliable grids

Introduction to HOMER

The single session Introduction to HOMER course is perfect for professionals who want to start using HOMER quickly through a broad overview of the software and its capabilities. Introduction to HOMER is available for HOMER Pro, for off-grid systems, or HOMER Grid, for grid-connected systems.

Learn how HOMER calculates technical feasibility, economic value, and other metrics of system designs using a combination of simulation, optimization, and sensitivity analysis. Learn about options for getting the required data for HOMER.

In this single online session with a live instructor you will learn:

  • How to get started with the HOMER approach to microgrid design
  • How to get and interpret a result
  • How to get the necessary data for a basic HOMER analysis
  • How to create a customer-ready proposal, options for your system model, and more

Course Length: 2 hours
Location: Live online
Cost: $199
Prequisite: Current license for the appropriate product, either HOMER Pro or HOMER Grid; basic knowledge of renewable energy technology

Introduction to
HOMER Pro

Introduction to
HOMER Grid

Questions?

Can’t find the class you need?
We can help you schedule a training that meets your needs. Email us at support@homerenergy.com. A training consultant will assist you.