HOMER Pro version: 3.11.4

HOMER Pro uses a web service to retrieve solar and other resource data from a variety of sources which is historically known as "Fridge".

Some resources, for example the solar resource, have a button "Download From Internet..." which can generate an error dialog that may say "Resource service unavailable: (...)" or "Fridge didn't respond: probably down. (...)". 

An explanation and possible solutions for this issue are as follows: 

These messages are generated when HOMER Pro has a problem reaching the service over the Internet. The resource service uses TCP port 80 and 8003.

Obviously, the computer needs to be connected to a network that has access to the Internet.

Sometimes, particularly in large companies, a proxy service is used to relay between internal computers and the Internet. In order for that to work with HOMER Pro, the proxy service needs to be correctly configured. You can configure the proxy setting within HOMER Pro.

To change proxy server settings

•         Open HOMER Pro.
•         Click on the File menu item.
•         Select Settings.
•         Checkmark "Require proxy server authentication"
•         Enter your server credentials and configurations.

Another issue that arises is when a personal firewall is running on the computer that HOMER Pro is on. These are sometimes set up by default to block access to the Internet by any program that isn't specifically configured. HOMER Pro needs to be configured into the personal firewall so that it is allowed access to the Internet.

For a helpful definition and additional information on Fridge, please visit the following link: http://usersupport.homerenergy.com/customer/portal/articles/2188945-10142---introduction-to-fridge.