Topic outline

  • Grid Instabilities Due to Net Metering

    Credits: 3 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course investigates the emerging complications faced by national and regional power grids due to widespread residential solar adoption, net metering policies, and high solar penetration levels. It explores why utilities in the U.S. and abroad have been slow or resistant to fully leverage net metering, focusing on the technical, economic, and regulatory concerns—particularly those surrounding frequency instability and grid reliability. 

    The course also analyzes recent case studies such as the grid instability in Spain, drawing parallels and outlining strategies for grid modernization, control systems, and distributed energy resource integration.

    Topics:

    Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand how net metering policies interact with grid operation and utility economics
    • Identify the core technical challenges introduced by large-scale residential solar integration
    • Analyze real-world case studies of grid failure due to over-reliance on intermittent solar power
    • Evaluate strategies to improve grid resilience while incorporating distributed energy sources
    • Develop a balanced perspective on utility-scale planning in the context of decentralization

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for electrical, power, energy systems, and renewable energy engineers, as well as professionals involved in utility operations, smart grid planning, and grid infrastructure modernization. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1