Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), mainly solar, wind, and energy storage are the next big thing. DERs have been competing with traditional generation, i.e. fossil fuel and nuclear power plants. As the price of DERs continues to decline, more DERs will be added to the grid. Also, as utilities and cities transition to 100% clean and renewable energy systems, more DERs will be connected to the distribution and transmission system. As a result, it is essential to understand the grid impact. This course highlights the impact of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), mainly solar, on the distribution electric grid and on the transmission system under normal and emergency conditions, highlighting the difference between the impact during sunny and cloudy days. Before discussing the impact of DERs, we will briefly describe the electric system and key components that get impacted by DERs.

Many are employed in the renewable field, directly or indirectly, whether promoting/selling DERs or finding ways to mitigate their impact on the electric system. In this course, you will learn about the electric system, from generation to distribution, various DERs, the technical impact on generation, transmission and distribution systems – the biggest of which is the voltage impact on the distribution & transmission system and means to mitigate those issues. You will also learn about power load flow, power factor mitigation methods, per-unit system, solar irradiance, relays and various distribution systems.