Get Your Free Trial!
HOMER® Pro
Self-sufficiency and Resilience
The HOMER Pro® microgrid software by UL Solutions is the global standard for optimizing microgrid design in all sectors, from village power and island utilities to grid-connected campuses and military bases.
Originally developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and enhanced and distributed by UL Solutions, HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources) nests three powerful tools in one software product, so that engineering and economics work side by side:
Simulation
At its core, HOMER is a simulation model.
It will attempt to simulate a viable system for all possible combinations of the equipment that you wish to consider. Depending on how you set up your problem, HOMER may simulate hundreds or even thousands of systems.
HOMER simulates the operation of a hybrid microgrid for an entire year, in time steps from one minute to one hour.
- ✓Simulate various system configurations
- ✓Analyze performance over time
- ✓Evaluate cost-effectiveness
- ✓Optimize for different scenarios
Optimization
HOMER examines all possible combinations of system types in a single run.
It sorts the systems according to the optimization variable of choice.
HOMER Pro features our new optimization algorithm that significantly simplifies the design process for identifying least-cost options for microgrids or other distributed generation electrical power systems. HOMER Optimizer™ is a proprietary "derivative free" optimization algorithm that was designed specifically to work in HOMER.
- ✓Identify least-cost options
- ✓Evaluate trade-offs between different configurations
- ✓Utilize advanced algorithms for efficiency
Sensitivity Analysis
HOMER software lets you ask as many "What if?" questions as you'd like.
This allows you to see the impact of variables beyond your control.
HOMER makes it easy to compare thousands of possibilities in a single run. This allows you to see the impact of variables that are beyond your control, such as wind speed, fuel costs, etc, and understand how the optimal system changes with these variations.
- ✓Analyze the effects of changing inputs
- ✓Understand how different factors influence outcomes
- ✓Make informed decisions based on simulations
HOMER Pro can be supplemented with additional modules for even more powerful modeling capabilities. The base license lets you simulate and optimize literally an infinite number of systems using solar PV, wind, batteries, diesel generators, and even simple grid connections. You can then add capabilities to that license.
Biomass
Allows users to model biomass gasification and biogas-fueled or cofired generators. It adds the biomass resource, the biogas fuel, and the biogas-fueled or biogas cofired generator.
Hydro
Adds the hydro resource and the hydro component. Users can specify the stream flow in the Hydro resource, either as monthly values or as an imported time series. Ideal for systems that include conventional, small, or micro hydroelectricity generation.
Combined Heat and Power
For users who model building heating systems. Types of systems could include boilers, cogeneration, heat recovery, and any system that demands or supplies heat energy.
Advanced Load
Users who create models with both AC and DC loads, or who want to model deferrable loads such as pumping or HVAC, should use the Advanced Load module.
Advanced Grid
For users who will model grid-connected systems with varying grid prices, detailed grid specification, or off-grid systems where grid extension is a possibility.
Hydrogen
Allows users to model systems that generate, store, and consume hydrogen. It is ideal for users who model fuel cells, remote off-grid operations, large industrial processes, or any system with hydrogen production, storage, or consumption.
Advanced Storage
Unlocks the Modified Kinetic Battery Model (MKBM) in HOMER. The MKBM includes rate-dependent losses, changes in capacity with temperature, variable depth-of-discharge for cycle life, and increased degradation rate at higher temperatures.
Multi-Year
Allows users to model changes that can occur over the course of a project, such as PV degradation, grid price escalation, load growth, and fuel price escalation.
MATLAB Link
Allows users to write their own dispatch algorithm in MATLAB, which will integrate with the HOMER Pro software.
All Features
Explore the various features of HOMER® Pro that enhance your experience.
Interested in learning more about HOMER Pro?
Download Product Brochure
UL Solutions HOMER Grid is built-on the trusted HOMER software engine used by more than 250,000 energy professionals in over 190 countries, plus the independent engineering expertise of our large advisory team. HOMER software optimizes the value of your hybrid power systems and energy storage whether the system is standalone, grid-connected, behind- or in front-of-the-meter.
Products include HOMER Pro for determining the best, least-cost solution for microgrids; HOMER Grid for designing behind-the-meter, grid-connected systems that save on electricity bills, reduce peak loads, and lower carbon footprints; and HOMER Front to maximize project IRR in utility-scale energy storage whether standalone or combined with other energy resources such as solar or wind.
The map shows locations of the more than 250,000 users enabled by HOMER software in over 190 countries around the globe.