With advancing modern technologies, onsite energy generation has become more and more accessible and reasonable throughout industry. Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, produces both electricity and thermal energy on-site, replacing or supplementing electricity provided from a local utility and fuel burned in an on-site boiler or furnace. Solar PV has also gained popularity in recent years. Investing in onsite energy options can lead to more efficient energy usage and lower costs.
Basic Learning Materials
If you are new to onsite energy or are unsure of what kind of system will work for you, a great place to start is familiarizing yourself with CHP basics. There are many options from custom systems to packages ready to be shipped.
Where To Start (CHP)
The Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Factsheets contain an explanation of CHP systems.
The CHP eCatalog is a catalog of CHP packages listed for easy comparison.
If you are new to solar PV or are unsure of what kind of system will work for you, a great place to start is familiarizing yourself with solar software like SAM and PVWatts. Using this software will enable you to make an estimate of what kind of solar system will work for your plant.
Where To Start (Solar)
The System Advisor Model (SAM) Software is a free software for onsite energy analysis.
The PVWatts Calculator is free software that outlines solar energy opportunities for your plant.
Courses and Videos
For a more detailed learning experience, check out the eLearning and video courses available online.
Combined Heat and Power
Author: Schneider Electric
A basic course on cogeneration facilities
Demand Response and the Smart Grid
Author: Schneider Electric
An overview of demand response program options
Distributed Generation
Author: Schneider Electric
A course covering small scale energy generation
PVWatts Calculator Training
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A youtube playlist of PVWatts solar PV software tutorials
REopt Lite Tutorial
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A youtube playlist of tutorials for the REopt solar software
SAM Tutorials
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A youtube playlist of SAM software tutorials (solar and energy gen.)
Thermal Energy Storage
Author: Schneider Electric
A course exploring thermal energy storage factors and options
Tools and Calculators
There are many resources available to help you calculate specific costs and savings for your plant. Some of these tools, calculators, and software are listed below.
PVWatts Calculator
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A software made to design solar PV systems
REopt Software
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
A software made to assist in designing and assessing solar options
System Advisor Model (SAM) Software
Author: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Software designed to explore various renewable energy options
These and other resources can be found on the Resource Library page.