System Advisor Model (SAM) for Renewable Energy Finance

Are you involved in planning or evaluating renewable energy projects but need a reliable tool for financial forecasting? The System Advisor Model (SAM) is essential for turning technical data into viable business decisions. This course provides a practical, step-by-step introduction to using SAM for detailed performance modeling and economic analysis. You will gain the skills necessary to accurately forecast project returns, evaluate financing options, and understand the core metrics driving renewable energy investments. What you'll learn: * Understand the core components and input requirements for accurate technical and performance modeling in SAM. * Practice setting up detailed technical models for common renewable technologies like photovoltaics and wind. * Configure modern financial structures, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and various debt financing models. * Analyze key economic metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). * Apply sensitivity analysis to evaluate project risk under changing market conditions or resource variability. The course begins with foundational concepts of renewable energy project economics and guides you through setting up, running, and interpreting project simulations within the SAM environment. We emphasize understanding the relationship between technical inputs and financial outputs. This course is designed for absolute beginners—project analysts, engineers, and finance professionals new to renewable energy modeling. No prior experience with the SAM software or advanced financial concepts is required. Start developing robust financial models for sustainable energy investments today.