SUNY Erie: DER Communication Installation Considerations

About the Course:

With the passage of IEEE 1547-2018, as of 2021 nearly all Distributed Energy Resources, including solar PV, energy storage systems, and natural gas/diesel generators, will be required to communicate with utilities and system operators using communication protocols specified by the IEEE 1547 standard. While the application of data communication networks in this field is not new, the inclusion of data communication features in definition of a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) system makes data communication essential to the viability of the system. Accordingly, DER system installation companies are required to have personnel who know how to apply these technologies in secure and reliable manner.

This course will provide individuals wishing to become network technicians in the energy business
with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to install, configure, and operate DER networks
on rooftop, commercial, and utility-scale energy generation systems.

This is a self-paced course with all assignments, quizzes, and final exams due by the end date of the course.  We strongly recommend that you make weekly progress in the lessons, quizzes and assignments. Should you need assistance, weekly virtual office hours are available or you may email the instructor at any time.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will understand:

• Theory of operation
• System design considerations
• Role of IEEE 1547 – 2018
• Smart inverter function and their applications
• Relationship between electrical functions and communication functions
• How to work with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
• Role of proprietary communication protocols
• What to consider for network security
• What to consider for installation and scheduling
• How to commission and what the default settings are
• How to coordinate with operations team
• Available certifications and regulatory requirements
• What additional resources are available