HOMER Grid
Solar design software
CAD software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
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$24 per month
Free Trial
Free version unavailable
Small
Medium
Large
- Transportation and logistics
- Agriculture, fishing, and forestry
- Energy and utilities
What is HOMER Grid
HOMER Grid is power system modeling and design software used to simulate and optimize distributed energy resources such as solar PV, battery storage, and generators for grid-connected microgrids. It supports techno-economic analysis to compare configurations, dispatch strategies, and tariff structures for commercial, industrial, campus, and community energy projects. The product is commonly used by engineers, developers, and consultants to evaluate feasibility and lifecycle cost/benefit under different load and resource assumptions. It emphasizes system simulation and optimization rather than detailed CAD-style construction drawings.
DER and microgrid optimization
The software models multiple distributed energy resources (PV, storage, generators, and grid interaction) and optimizes system sizing and dispatch. This makes it suitable for microgrid and behind-the-meter studies where operational strategy and economics drive design decisions. It is particularly useful when the project scope extends beyond PV-only layouts into hybrid system tradeoffs.
Techno-economic scenario analysis
HOMER Grid supports comparing scenarios across inputs such as tariffs, fuel prices, demand charges, and technology costs. Users can evaluate lifecycle economics and sensitivity to key assumptions to inform investment decisions. This is helpful for feasibility studies and early-stage design where uncertainty and what-if analysis are central.
Grid-connected modeling focus
The product is designed for grid-connected projects and can represent interactions such as import/export and operational constraints tied to the utility connection. This aligns with common commercial and industrial use cases where the grid remains available and economics depend on rate structures. It provides a structured workflow for evaluating operational outcomes over time rather than only nameplate production estimates.
Limited CAD drafting capability
Despite being used in design workflows, HOMER Grid is not primarily a CAD tool for producing construction-ready drawings. Users typically need separate CAD or layout software for detailed site plans, racking layouts, and permit sets. This can add handoffs and rework when moving from feasibility modeling to engineering deliverables.
Less emphasis on PV layout
The product focuses on system simulation and economics rather than detailed PV array layout, shading geometry, and module-level placement. Teams that need high-fidelity site layout and shading-driven energy modeling may require additional specialized solar layout tools. As a result, it is better suited to system-level design decisions than to final PV layout validation.
Input quality drives results
Accurate results depend heavily on the quality of load profiles, tariff definitions, and technology performance assumptions. In many projects these inputs are incomplete early on, which can lead to wide result ranges and additional data collection work. Users may need domain expertise to avoid misinterpreting optimization outputs as definitive designs.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (Monthly) | $665 / month ($7,980/yr billed monthly equivalent) | Single-user commercial subscription; all features (EV charging, battery/solar/wind, CHP, sizing optimization, resilience, sensitivity analysis); basic support; 6-hr training available for $500. Source: HOMER Grid pricing page. |
| Standard (Annual) | $350 / month (billed $4,200/yr, auto-renews) | Single-user commercial subscription (best value); same feature set as monthly; includes basic support, 6-hr instructor-led training, second computer activation for annual licenses. Source: HOMER Grid pricing page. |
| Academic (Monthly) | $332.50 / month ($3,990/yr) | For permanent faculty/staff (research/teaching use only); same core features; basic support; optional 6-hr training for $500. Source: HOMER Grid academic pricing page. |
| Academic (Annual) | ~$167 / month (billed $1,995/yr, auto-renews) | For permanent faculty/staff; includes basic support and second computer activation for annual licenses. Source: HOMER Grid academic pricing page. |
| Student — 4 Month (one-time) | $59.89 (one-time payment) | Short-term/student license for one student; all modules included; basic support and updates while license active. Source: HOMER Grid student pricing page. |
| Student — 12 Month (one-time) | $108.89 (one-time payment) | One-year student license; all modules included; basic support and updates while license active. Source: HOMER Grid student pricing page. |
| Student — Monthly (subscription) | $24 / month | Student subscription option (single-machine activation); includes basic support and updates while active. Source: HOMER Grid student pricing content. |
| Student — Annual (subscription) | $144 / year | Student annual subscription option (single-machine activation); includes basic support and updates while active. Source: HOMER Grid student pricing content. |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing (contact sales) | Network/shared licenses, quantity discounts, training/onboarding, ongoing technical support, analytical services, dedicated account manager; contact for quote. Source: HOMER Grid pricing page. |
Seller details
HOMER Energy LLC (a UL Solutions company)
Boulder, Colorado, US (HOMER Energy); Northbrook, Illinois, US (UL Solutions HQ)
Public
https://www.homerenergy.com/
https://x.com/HOMEREnergy
https://www.linkedin.com/company/homer-energy/
