Utility-scale & Cross-cutting — Multi-product
Plan the grid of tomorrow with the modeling tools of today
HOMER software helps utilities and grid operators evaluate distributed generation, storage investments, and hybrid resource options—from individual feeder analyses to portfolio-wide generation planning.
The grid is transforming—and utilities need better planning tools
Utilities face a fundamental transformation: distributed solar, battery storage, EVs, and electrification are reshaping load profiles and generation needs. Traditional planning tools were designed for one-way power flow from large central plants. Today, utilities must evaluate two-way power flows, distributed resources, storage flexibility, and hybridized generation—all while maintaining reliability and managing rate impacts for customers.
Critical pain points
Why grid transition planning is harder than ever
DER Integration Complexity
Distributed solar and storage change load shapes, create reverse power flow, and require new planning approaches that legacy tools don't support well.
Rate Pressure
Customers and regulators demand affordable rates. Every utility investment must demonstrate value—whether it's deferred transmission, reduced fuel costs, or improved reliability.
Renewable Mandates
State RPS requirements, clean energy standards, and carbon goals require utilities to plan large-scale renewable + storage integration while maintaining system adequacy.
Reliability Obligations
Regardless of generation mix changes, utilities must maintain reliability standards. Storage, microgrids, and hybrid resources offer new tools, but only with proper analysis.
Modeling tools that span the utility planning spectrum
HOMER's product suite addresses utility planning needs from the distribution feeder to the generation portfolio. HOMER Pro evaluates microgrid and distributed generation feasibility at specific locations. HOMER Grid models behind-the-meter customer-sited resources and their impact on utility load shapes. HOMER Front optimises utility-scale hybrid generation investments for maximum value.
Core modeling advantages
Built for confident decisions
Distribution Planning
Evaluate solar + storage deployments at specific substations or feeders to defer distribution upgrades, reduce losses, and improve local reliability. HOMER Pro models each site individually.
Generation Portfolio
Use HOMER Front to optimise utility-scale solar + wind + BESS additions to your generation portfolio. Model dispatch against market prices and evaluate capacity value.
Customer DER Impact
Model the impact of behind-the-meter solar + storage adoption on utility load shapes, revenue, and grid operations using HOMER Grid's tariff-aware analysis.
Additional Capabilities
- + HOMER Front: For utility-owned solar + storage projects, model multi-year dispatch and revenue to build business cases for rate filings and regulatory proceedings.
- + HOMER Pro: For community microgrids and remote utility service territories, design islanding-capable hybrid systems that reduce utility fuel costs and improve customer reliability.
- + HOMER Grid: Model customer-side solar + storage programs (community solar, time-of-use rate impacts) to inform rate design and DER integration planning.
- + Advisory services: UL Solutions engineers provide independent analysis for regulatory proceedings, IRP support, and distributed generation program design.
Use Case: Distributed Solar + Storage to Defer Transmission Upgrades
The Situation
A regional electric cooperative serving 45,000 members in the rural southeastern U.S. faces a $28M transmission upgrade to serve growing load. The cooperative's planning team wants to evaluate whether strategically placed solar + storage at 3 distribution substations could defer or eliminate the transmission investment while meeting reliability standards and renewable energy goals.
What Was Modeled
Using HOMER Pro and HOMER Front, the cooperative's engineering consultant modeled each substation area: local load profiles (8,760 hours), solar resource, available land, and interconnection capacity. At each location, they evaluated 1–4 MW solar + 2–10 MWh battery configurations. Sensitivity analysis tested load growth scenarios (2%, 4%, 6% annually) to determine how long the deferral remains viable.
The Outcome
Optimal portfolio: 3 MW solar + 6 MWh battery at Substation A, 2 MW solar + 4 MWh battery at Substation B, and 1.5 MW solar + 3 MWh battery at Substation C. Total investment: $14M (vs. $28M transmission upgrade). The distributed resources defer the upgrade by 7–9 years, generating $2.1M annually in energy value and capacity credits. The HOMER analysis was filed with the state regulatory commission as supporting documentation for the cooperative's integrated resource plan.
Real-World Applications
| Location / Client | Project Type | Key Result |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E Remote Grid Initiative, California | HOMER Pro used for renewables-based microgrids replacing damaged distribution lines | Solar + storage as an alternative to rebuilding infrastructure in fire-prone areas |
| NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) | HOMER analysis used by electric cooperatives for DER planning | Demonstrates cooperative sector demand for distributed resource modeling |
| NYPA (New York Power Authority) | Major utility evaluating distributed resources with microgrid modeling | Public power sector adopting microgrid analysis tools for resilience |
| Regional Utility Case Studies | Growing body of published utility solar + storage deployment analyses | HOMER cited in IRP filings and regulatory proceedings |
Recommended HOMER Products
HOMER® Front + HOMER® Pro + HOMER® Grid
Full-spectrum utility planning
HOMER is the only platform offering tools for every utility planning scenario: Pro for distribution-level microgrids and DER feasibility, Grid for customer-side impact analysis, and Front for utility-scale generation portfolio optimization. One trusted platform, three complementary products.
Key Modules: Multi-Year, Advanced Grid, Advanced Storage, all Pro modules
Supporting Services
Advisory Services
Independent engineering analysis for IRP proceedings, transmission deferral studies, DER program design, and regulatory filings. UL Solutions' credibility supports utility commission proceedings.
Learn More →Training
HOMER training for utility planning teams. Covers all three products with utility-specific workflow guidance and case study exercises.
Learn More →Ready to plan your utility's energy future?
HOMER software gives utilities the analytical tools to evaluate distributed generation, storage investments, and hybrid resources with confidence—from the feeder to the fleet. Request a demo or talk to our utility planning specialists.