HOMER models the performance of a specific microgrid configuration every hour (or down to 1-minute intervals) for a full year. It matches hourly energy demand to the available energy supply, calculating the energy flow to and from each component. 2. Optimization
The 3.15 version excels in sensitivity analysis, allowing users to understand how changes in variables—such as the cost of fuel, grid reliability, or inflation rates—impact the optimal system design. Key Use Cases for HOMER Pro 3.15
Designing a project in HOMER Pro 3.15 follows a logical, linear engineering workflow:
Lead-Acid Batteries, Lithium-Ion Cells, Flywheels, and Hydrogen Fuel Cells. homer pro 3.15
Advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS).
| Column | Meaning | |--------|---------| | PV (kW) | Optimal array size | | Battery (strings) | Number of strings | | Gen (kW) | Genset capacity | | COE ($/kWh) | Levelized cost of energy | | NPC ($) | Total lifecycle cost (20 yr) | | Ren. Fraction | % renewable penetration | | Unmet Load | Hours without power |
It calculates carbon dioxide emissions, helping researchers design systems that can reduce emissions by over 95% compared to diesel-only setups. Real-World Applications HOMER models the performance of a specific microgrid
: Added support for replacement and O&M (Operation and Maintenance) cost escalators for components like Hydro, Hydrokinetic, and PV dedicated converters. Emissions Tracking
Would you like a short cheat sheet of keyboard shortcuts or a sample .homer project file walkthrough for 3.15?
Originally developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) has been the go-to solution for microgrid analysis for decades. HOMER Pro 3.15, part of the UL Solutions ULTRUS software suite, continues this tradition by providing a platform that bridges the gap between financial spreadsheets and complex engineering tools. With over 250,000 users in more than 190 countries, the software has become indispensable for modeling everything from remote village power systems to grid-connected university campuses and military bases. Optimization The 3
Energy systems aren't static. HOMER Pro 3.15 offers robust multi-year simulation capabilities, allowing you to model system performance over a 20 or 30-year project life, accounting for PV degradation and load growth over time. The HOMER Decision Engine: How It Works
This iteration introduces and refines several tools aimed at enhancing user workflows and increasing simulation accuracy. Advanced Storage Modeling (ASM)
If you are already a subscriber, download the 3.15 update immediately. If you are evaluating new software, request a 30-day trial of HOMER Pro 3.15. The advanced battery model alone will pay for the license in the first project.