About REopt
The REopt® platform and accompanying analysis services optimize planning of generation, storage, and controllable loads to maximize the value of integrated distributed energy systems for buildings, campuses, and microgrids.
Formulated as a mixed integer linear program, REopt recommends an optimally sized mix of renewable and distributed energy, conventional generation, and energy storage technologies; provides a dispatch strategy for operating the technology mix at maximum economic efficiency; and estimates the net present value of implementing those technologies.
REopt's Multi-Technology Integration and Optimization Capabilities
Optimized Minimum Cost Solution
REopt considers energy cost drivers, available energy technologies, and building energy loads and generates an integrated, cost-optimal energy solution that guides investment in economic, resilient, and sustainable energy systems. Illustration by Fred Zietz and Julia Laser, NREL
REopt Platform
Under development at NREL since 2007, the REopt platform was initially created to identify and prioritize cost-effective renewable energy projects across a portfolio of sites. Today, NREL researchers also use REopt to optimize the size and operating strategy of microgrids, storage, and energy/water systems. NREL's REopt analyses have supported decisions that led to more than 260 megawatts of renewable energy development.
Learn more about the REopt development team.
Review a list of REopt partners and clients.
REopt Web Tool
Formerly known as REopt Lite®, NREL's REopt web tool offers a broad range of REopt platform capabilities at no cost to the user. The publicly available web tool helps commercial building managers evaluate the economic viability of distributed PV, wind, battery storage, combined heat and power, and thermal energy storage at a site; identify system sizes and battery dispatch strategies to minimize energy costs; and estimate how long a system can sustain critical load during a grid outage.
The REopt web tool can also be accessed through an application programming interface and open source code.
The REopt web tool has been funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), Advanced Manufacturing Office, Geothermal Technologies Office, and by the Clean Energy Group's Resilient Power Project. Learn more about the REopt web tool's ongoing software updates.
A REopt analysis can be applied to a variety of energy optimization projects.
Contact NREL To Initiate a REopt Analysis
NREL offers expert analysis services using the REopt platform, which provides techno-economic decision support throughout the energy planning process—from portfolio-level screening to project development to energy asset operation.
There are two options for engaging with NREL to conduct a REopt analysis:
- Private sector clients can partner with NREL under a technology partnership agreement.
- Federal agencies can request technical assistance funding from FEMP or partner with NREL under an interagency agreement.
Email REopt@nrel.gov to learn more about REopt analysis services and the REopt web tool.