Work in progress-HOMER: An educational tool to learn about the design of renewable energy systems at the undergraduate level

This paper is about how the uses of computer software's are such valuable tools for undergraduate engineering education, specifically in the design and analysis of renewable energy systems. Right now, there are many programs in the area of design of renewable energy systems, some more complexes, others user-friendlier and others too simple. For this work, the software HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) has all the tools necessarily to make a good work and it is not too complicated for undergraduate engineering students without previous knowledge in the area of energy systems. As part of this work, three educational modules were developed. The first module is about how to use and interact with HOMER. Second, how to design a residential photovoltaic system to lower energy cost. The last module can be considered as a guide on how to use renewable energy to secure a sustainable grid. The paper presents the technical skills gained by the students using the software HOMER. Finally, undergraduate students had the exposure to non-technical engineering skills, like economic feasibility, logistic and decision on energy security.