Distributed Electrical Power Generation and Storage

Course Description

This course provides students with an in-depth study of distributed electrical power generation (DG) and energy storage systems (ESS) as applied to residential, commercial, and small industrial settings. Students examine the principles, technologies, installation practices, grid interconnection standards, and regulatory frameworks governing distributed generation resources in Florida and nationally. Emphasis is placed on photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind micro-turbines, fuel cells, and hybrid configurations, as well as the technical and economic factors that drive adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs). The course integrates hands-on laboratory activities aligned with industry standards and Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) requirements.

This is a 2000-level Engineering Technology: Power (ETP) course offered within the Energy Power Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). It is intended for students pursuing an Associate in Science degree or technical certificate in Electrical Power Technology, Renewable Energy Technology, or a related field.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the principles and operating characteristics of distributed electrical power generation technologies, including solar photovoltaic, wind micro-turbine, microturbine generators, and fuel cell systems.
• Identify and describe the major components of a distributed generation system, including inverters, charge controllers, disconnects, metering equipment, and protection devices.
• Describe the types, characteristics, and applications of electrical energy storage systems, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, flow batteries, and other emerging battery technologies.
• Apply grid interconnection standards — including IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 — to evaluate requirements for connecting distributed generation systems to the utility grid.
• Explain Florida-specific regulatory requirements, including Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) rules, net metering agreements, and interconnection application procedures.
• Perform or interpret system sizing calculations for PV arrays, battery storage banks, and backup power systems based on load analysis.
• Identify applicable sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) — particularly Articles 690, 694, 700, and 706 — as they relate to solar PV, wind, and energy storage installations.
• Describe the installation, commissioning, and inspection processes for distributed generation and storage systems, including anti-islanding protection and safety requirements.
• Analyze the economic and financial factors of distributed generation projects, including net metering credits, demand charge reduction, payback period, and return on investment.

Optional / Enrichment Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on available laboratory resources and institutional emphasis:

• Configure and test a small-scale grid-tied or off-grid PV system with battery storage using industry-standard equipment.
• Evaluate the role of microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs) in integrating distributed energy resources into the utility grid.
• Describe electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as a distributed load and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) storage resource.
• Apply demand-side management (DSM) concepts, including time-of-use rate optimization and peak shaving using on-site storage.
• Explore hydrogen fuel cells and green hydrogen production as emerging distributed energy storage pathways.
• Discuss Florida's renewable energy policy landscape, including state incentive programs, utility tariff structures, and the impact of net metering policy changes.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Introduction to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
   • Definition and types of distributed generation
   • Centralized vs. distributed power generation models
   • Role of DERs in Florida's energy mix and grid modernization
   • Overview of applicable codes, standards, and regulatory bodies (NEC, IEEE, FPSC, NERC)
2. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
   • Photovoltaic principles and the solar resource
   • PV cell, module, string, and array configurations
   • Grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid system topologies
   • Inverter types: string, microinverter, power optimizers
   • NEC Article 690 compliance
3. Wind Energy Systems (Small-Scale)
   • Wind resource assessment and turbine siting
   • Micro-wind turbine components and operation
   • NEC Article 694 requirements
4. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
   • Electrochemical storage fundamentals
   • Battery technologies: lead-acid, lithium-ion, flow, nickel-based
   • State of charge (SOC), depth of discharge (DOD), and cycle life
   • Charge controller operation and battery management systems (BMS)
   • NEC Article 706 — Energy Storage Systems
5. Grid Interconnection and Protection
   • IEEE 1547-2018 and UL 1741 SA requirements
   • Anti-islanding protection and automatic disconnection
   • Bidirectional metering and net metering agreements
   • Florida interconnection application process and utility technical review
   • Power quality considerations (harmonics, voltage flicker, frequency)
6. System Sizing and Load Analysis
   • Electrical load inventory and demand calculations
   • PV array sizing and battery bank sizing
   • Inverter and charge controller selection
   • Backup power and critical load panel design
7. Installation, Commissioning, and Maintenance
   • Permitting and plan review for DG systems in Florida
   • Mounting systems, wiring methods, and conduit fill
   • Commissioning procedures and functional testing
   • Preventive maintenance and troubleshooting techniques
   • Safety practices: arc flash, DC shock hazards, fall protection
8. Economics of Distributed Generation
   • Net metering billing and surplus credit carryforward
   • Demand charge reduction and time-of-use (TOU) strategies
   • System cost estimation and simple payback analysis
   • Available incentives: federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Florida sales tax exemption

Optional / Supplemental Topics

• Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants — architecture, islanding capability, and control systems
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) — micro-CHP systems, prime movers, and thermal recovery
• Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Storage — PEM and solid oxide fuel cells; green hydrogen production via electrolysis
• Electric Vehicles and V2G Technology — EV charging levels, EVSE installation (NEC Article 625), and vehicle-to-grid integration
• Energy Management Systems (EMS) — SCADA, smart inverters, demand response, and IoT-based monitoring
• Thermal Energy Storage — ice storage, hot water thermal mass, and building-integrated thermal systems
• Advanced Florida Policy Topics — FPSC rule changes, community solar programs, and utility avoided-cost tariffs

Resources & Tools

• Codes & Standards: NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (current edition) — Articles 690, 694, 700, 706; IEEE 1547-2018; UL 1741 SA
• Software: PVWatts Calculator (NREL), Helioscope or Aurora Solar for system design; HOMER Pro for microgrid modeling
• Hardware / Lab Equipment: Grid-tied PV simulator, battery storage training modules, digital multimeters, clamp meters, power quality analyzers, charge controllers, grid-tie inverters
• Reference Texts: Photovoltaic Systems (American Technical Publishers); Battery Energy Storage Systems (EPRI); NABCEP Study Guide for PV Installation Professional
• Online Resources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — energy storage data; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) resource maps; Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) interconnection rules; Florida Building Code — Electrical Volume

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete this course as part of an Energy Power Technology program are prepared for entry-level and advancement opportunities in the following fields:

• Solar PV Installer / Technician — residential and commercial PV system installation and service
• Energy Storage Technician — BESS installation, commissioning, and maintenance for utility and behind-the-meter applications
• Electrical Contractor (Renewable Energy Specialty) — licensed electrical work on distributed generation systems under Florida statutes
• Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Technician — utility or independent power producer field technician roles
• Energy Auditor / Analyst — site assessment, load analysis, and system feasibility studies
• Microgrid / Smart Grid Technician — operations and maintenance of microgrid control systems
• EV Charging Infrastructure Technician — EVSE installation and maintenance (with supplemental training)

This course also supports preparation for industry-recognized credentials, including the NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) certification and NABCEP PV Associate credential, as well as stackable certificates within Florida college Electrical Power Technology and Renewable Energy programs.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) — This course directly supports the knowledge domains of the NABCEP PVIP exam, including system design, electrical integration, and commissioning.
• NABCEP PV Associate — Entry-level credential appropriate for students completing this course.
• OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 (Construction) — Safety content in this course aligns with OSHA electrical and fall-protection standards relevant to rooftop and ground-mount PV installations.
• Florida Electrical Contractor License (EC) — Course content supports continuing education and foundational knowledge requirements for the Florida-licensed electrical contractor seeking to perform or supervise renewable energy installations.

Florida-Specific Requirements

Students should be aware that all distributed generation installations in Florida must comply with the Florida Building Code — Electrical Volume, Florida Public Service Commission interconnection rules, and the requirements of the applicable local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). A Florida state-licensed electrical contractor is required to perform or supervise DG system installations. This course provides foundational technical knowledge but does not itself confer a contractor license.