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An Introduction to Microgrid Systems
2 hours
to complete
Instructor-led
Last updated 01/2026
About this course
Welcome to Mayfield Renewables’ course on An Introduction to Microgrid Systems!
This two-hour course introduces key concepts and best practices to design and engineer a microgrid system. Instructors Tyson Bittrich and Zach Snyder will walk you through common microgrid functions, the process of islanding, the basics of controls, the importance of goal setting, and more.
This two-hour course introduces key concepts and best practices to design and engineer a microgrid system. Instructors Tyson Bittrich and Zach Snyder will walk you through common microgrid functions, the process of islanding, the basics of controls, the importance of goal setting, and more.
Additional Resources:
If you want a deeper dive into fire codes and NEC requirements mentioned in this course, check out the Mayfield Renewables Code Corner series on YouTube for bite-sized explainer videos updated regularly.
If you are part of a team and would like to take this course live (remote or in-person) with a group, reach out to education@mayfield.energy or fill out the Contact Us form on our website.
Learning Objectives
- Microgrid systems
- Load Shedding
- Islanding
- Load Design
- Microgrid Controls
Course outline
7 modules
2 hours to complete
1:37 hours
of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
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Module 1 • 3 assignments
Lesson 1: Microgrid Introduction
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Lesson 1: Microgrid Introduction
Welcome to Mayfield Renewables’ two-hour course on An Introduction to Microgrid Systems!
This course consists of five lessons, each with a short comprehension quiz.
This first lesson sets the foundation for the rest of the course. Instructors Tyson Bittrich and Zach Snyder define what we mean by a "microgrid system" and overview typical microgrid goals and functions.
We recommend downloading the course presentation PDF and following along as you watch the videos, which you can do here in the first module.
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Module 2 • 2 assignments
Lesson 2: Islanding
Module 2 • 2 assignments
Lesson 2: Islanding
What happens when a grid fails? In lesson 2, we’ll consider the transition from grid-interactive microgrid behavior to microgrid functionality during island mode, including introductory coverage of the equipment components involved in the transition, ride-through requirements, “closed” and “open” types of transition.
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Module 3 • 2 assignments
Lesson 3: Load Design Considerations
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Lesson 3: Load Design Considerations
In Lesson 3, Zach leads the class through load design considerations, including the selection of loads, load shedding options, and the management of loads
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Module 4 • 2 assignments
Lesson 4: Load Shedding Examples
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Lesson 4: Load Shedding Examples
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Module 5 • 2 assignments
Lesson 5: Microgrid Controls & Course Conclusion
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Lesson 5: Microgrid Controls & Course Conclusion
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Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
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Instructor
An engineer, an educator, and a technical committee member who reviews proposed changes to the National Electrical Code®, Ryan Mayfield has been committed to raising the bar on renewable energy industry best practices since 1999. “We know that the more expertise you have, the more you can drive down risk,” Ryan says. “That’s why we built Mayfield Renewables with...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.