Microgrid Decisions Simplified

1790 30th St, Suite 100, Boulder, Colorado 80301, USA

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What HOMER Pro Modeling

Tells Us about the Economics of

Remote Area Power Supplies

Remote Area Power Supply

Conference

Melbourne, Australia

March 22, 2016

Dr. Peter Lilienthal

HOMER®

HOMER Pro is the global standard for least cost design of clean, reliable, distributed power.

• National Renewable Energy Lab: 1992-2009

• Original developers now at HOMER Energy

• 140,000+ users in 193 countries

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

HOMER’s Growth

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HOMER Energy’s Services

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1 year of HOMER Projects

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HOMER bridges different worlds

Renewable Advocates

Diesel Mechanics

HOMER

Model

Power

Engineers Financiers

HOMER as a communication tool

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Too Many Choices

Hydro

Geothermal

Demand

Response

Smart grids

Micro-grids

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What is best?

• Depends on the application – Resources

– Loads

– Equipment prices

– Equipment performance

• A confused mind says “No!”

• HOMER fits the pieces together

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Price Declines

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Even though diesel price is declining, so is PV.

New in HOMER Pro

• Optimizer

• Getting Started Wizard

• Load Profiles

• Unreliable Grid

• Engine extensions

• Advanced Battery

• Multi-year

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Battery sizing

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• 124 kW Peak, multiple generator, $400/kWh batt.

• PV still very cost-effective

• Large range in optimal battery size

Compare Economics

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Conclusion

• Solar is still very cost-effective

– Wind, also.

• Many design choices

• Cost affects design

– Penetration level

– Storage technology

– Load management

– Grid tariff structure

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