About this course

This first lesson sets the foundation for the rest of the course. Instructors Zach Snyder defines a microgrid system and discusses common microgrid goals and functions. 
We recommend downloading the course presentation PDF and following along as you watch the videos. Download the PDF by clicking the ‘Downloads’ button below.

Learning Objectives

  • Microgrid definitions and functions
  • Feasibility study tools
  • Energy and resiliency modeling for microgrids

Course outline

6 modules
2 hours to complete
1:42 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 5 assignments
Lesson 1: Course Introduction & Microgrid Overview

Welcome to Mayfield Renewables’ two-hour course on An Overview of Microgrid Feasibility Studies!
This course consists of five lessons, each with a short comprehension quiz. Students must watch the entire video and complete the quiz to proceed to the next lesson in the sequence.
This first lesson sets the foundation for the rest of the course. Instructors Zach Snyder defines a microgrid system and discusses common microgrid goals and functions. 
We recommend downloading the course presentation PDF and following along as you watch the videos.

We also recommend downloading the sample feasibility report from the list of 'Downloads' below. This sample is reflective of Mayfield Renewables' feasibility study reports as of December 2025. 

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Module 2 • 2 assignments
Lesson 2: Outcomes of Feasibility - Part 1

What do we want to accomplish through a microgrid feasibility study? In Lesson 2, Zach explains the importance of aligning all stakeholders around a specific set of goals, and reviews a few common outputs from feasibility analysis. 

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Module 3 • 2 assignments
Lesson 3: Outcomes of Feasibility - Part 2

Lesson 3 builds off of Lesson 2, taking a closer look at how to estimate microgrid resilience and economic performance.

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Module 4 • 2 assignments
Lesson 4: Methods of Feasibility - Part 1

Lesson 4 provides an overview of the tools at our disposal for microgrid feasibility studies: best practices to gather field or load data, generating load profiles, and entering key financial parameters. 

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Module 5 • 2 assignments
Lesson 5: Methods of Feasibility - Part 2

You've made it to the final lesson! Here, Zach closes out the course by introducing modeling software considerations, BESS power sizing requirements, and an example project development roadmap.

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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

Mayfield Renewables Education

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 FAQ
How 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.

$35

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