Microgrid Systems: Level 1 Foundations
Designing and engineering distributed energy systems for resilient power.
Registration for the April 2026 cohort is now open.
Early bird tuition is $1,540. After April 3, 2026 tuition will be $1,640.
Course Dates: Synchronous online sessions will be held April 17, and 24, and May 1, 8, and 15.
The in person lab day is May 22.
Registration closes April 10, 2026.
Microgrids are revolutionizing how we generate and distribute electricity. They offer cleaner, more resilient, and decentralized energy systems that can operate independently when necessary and support the main grid for added capacity.
What is a Microgrid?
Microgrids are small-scale power grids powered by a combination of energy sources (solar, wind, diesel, natural gas, hydrogen, geothermal, and other resources) to generate electricity for a localized area, such as a university campus, hospital complex, local community, military base, or other critical infrastructure.
Microgrids can connect to the primary electrical grid for economic advantage under peak loads, but also operate and function independently in “island mode”, ensuring continuous power during blackout conditions.
See the Department of Energy definition here.
Microgrids Level 1: Foundations is an introductory course for aspiring energy systems workers entering the sector or industry professionals seeking insights and decision support. It provides a practical overview of microgrid technologies, their applications, and their growing role in modernizing and supporting the energy sector.
Program Objectives: This credential incorporates Systems Engineering (SE) principles, a transdisciplinary, integrative approach designed to help teams manage complexity, design, and change in increasingly interconnected technical systems. By focusing on how individual components work together to fulfill the goals of the whole system and respond to stakeholder needs, SE ensures effective collaboration and system performance.
INCOSE, the leading global professional society, advances these practices through standards and MBSE (model-based SE methods), including the use of Digital Twin modeling and simulation capabilities.
Learn more about our expert instructors, guest lecturers, and INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification opportunity:
Course Overview REGISTER TODAY
Financial Assistance
Cuyahoga County residents can complete the WIOA Training Request Form HERE
Why This Matters
- Rapid Growth & Emerging Market: The capacity of Microgrids has surged by roughly 11% over four years, signaling a strong growth trajectory
- Resilience & Emission Reduction: Microgrids offer communities energy independence during disasters, reduce emissions through localized generation and heat recovery, and improve system efficiency
Local and Social Value: Especially in heat-prone and climate-fragile regions, microgrids coupled with resilience hubs are enhancing public safety and access to critical services
Tailored Training & Workforce Development
To ensure long-term operational success and local capacity-building, we craft bespoke training and education programs for energy professionals:
- Technical Competence in Microgrids: Training covers microgrid fundamentals, control strategies, energy management systems (EMS), battery energy storage systems (BESS), renewable integration, and operational modes like islanding and grid-connected transitions.
- Instruction: We design immersive, hands-on workshops covering control systems, custom logic configuration, cybersecurity, and real-world microgrid operation
- Custom Curriculum Design: Education modules are adapted to organizational needs—whether focused on resilience, decarbonization, or smart-grid-enabled buildings.
- Ongoing Support & Certification: We provide course guides, certification materials, and documentation to support continued learning and professional growth.
Build a stronger workforce – Telepath Systems and Ohio TechCred
TECHCRED OHIO – MICROCREDENTIAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
We are excited to announce that our Microgrid Systems – Level 1 Foundations course at Cleveland State University is now approved under the State of Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation’s TechCred workforce development initiative.
This means Ohio-based employers looking to stay at the forefront of the new energy transition can register their employees to train in Microgrid Systems and receive full tuition reimbursement upon completion.
What is TechCred?
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy. TechCred’s innovative workforce program reimburses you as an employer for industry-recognized, technology-focused training programs and certificates.
For full list visit of credentials: https://techcred.ohio.gov/about/credential-list
How do businesses get started with TechCred?
- Upskill your team: Choose the tech-focused credentials your organization needs and decide how many employees to train.
- Simple process: Partner with an approved training provider and apply online.
- Ohio-based advantage: Eligible employees must live in Ohio with a verifiable address.
- Earn reimbursement: Get up to $2,000 per credential once training is completed.
- No employee cap: Each employee can earn multiple reimbursements per funding round
- Maximize funding: Secure up to $30,000 per round in training reimbursements.
- Flexible timeline: All training must be finished within 12 months of your award date.
TechCred GUIDLINES APPLY TODAY!
Still got questions?
Telepath Systems can assist you in applying for the TechCred program and securing qualifying training for your employees. Email info@telepathsystems.com
A certificate in microgrid systems can lead to various job opportunities in the energy sector, particularly focused on sustainable energy solutions, power systems, and electrical engineering. Here are some potential roles:
Microgrid Engineer/Technician
This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining microgrid systems, including the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. Responsibilities may also include troubleshooting, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the stability of the grid.
Energy Systems Analyst
Professionals analyze the performance of energy systems, including microgrids, and recommend improvements for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. They often work with data from energy monitoring systems to optimize energy distribution and consumption.
Renewable Energy Project Manager
Individuals in this position manage projects that involve the installation and commissioning of microgrids or renewable energy systems. They ensure projects meet regulatory requirements and stay within budget and timeline constraints.
Power Systems Consultant
Consultants work with companies and municipalities to design and implement microgrid solutions, providing expertise on integrating distributed energy resources, regulatory compliance, and system optimization.
Electrical Engineer – Power Systems
This role focuses on designing and optimizing electrical systems that include microgrid configurations. Engineers may work on the technical aspects of connecting different power sources, storage solutions, and load management systems.
Grid Integration Specialist
Specialists work on integrating microgrids with existing utility grids, ensuring that systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid. This includes handling control systems, energy storage, and power quality issues.
Energy Policy Analyst
Individuals with expertise in microgrids can contribute to the development of policies and regulations related to energy management, renewable integration, and grid resilience. Analysts often work with government agencies, non-profits, or consulting firms.
These roles are commonly found in renewable energy companies, utility providers, engineering firms, government agencies, and research institutions. The demand for skills in microgrid systems is growing, particularly as the energy sector shifts towards decentralized, resilient, and sustainable power solutions.
The Microgrid Systems microcredential series is a collaboration between CSU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Washkewicz College of Engineering, the Division of Continuing and Extended Education, and Telepath Systems, ensuring industry-relevant content and real-world applications.