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Harper College

Cybersecurity for Distributed Energy Resources (DER)

  • Cybersecurity in the Smart Energy Environment
    With increasing numbers of Internet of Things (IoT) devices being connected to the Internet, cybersecurity has become a vital requirement for the safe, reliable, and secure operation of those devices. This course introduces cybersecurity topics, the purpose of cybersecurity, and cybersecurity threats and how to protect against them.

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  • Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in the Electrical Grid
    This course introduces the concept of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) in the electrical grid and the standards that inform DER deployment. Requires no previous knowledge of the topic and is intended for students who are interested in exploring technical, professional, and operational careers in the rapidly growing distributed energy industry. Students will gain a foundation in the basic electrical concepts that are needed to understand the more detailed considerations associated with DER in the grid. Provides detailed insights into topics concerning DER interconnection standards and regulations, DER networking standards like IEEE 2030.5, and cybersecurity. Key DER technologies such as solar, wind, energy storage, and electric vehicles are also covered in more depth.

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  • Solar Energy and Networking Basics
    Learn about data communication technologies, deployment techniques, and regulatory considerations associated with photovoltaic (PV) module rapid shutdown solutions. Acquire a foundation in data communication concepts associated with PV module communication solutions and their regulated operating environments. Also covered is the evolution of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) networks based on the IEEE 2030.5 standard, how it introduces cybersecurity risks, and how these risks can be mitigated.

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Funding opportunities

CPE works with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Paths to College and Career grant to offer scholarships for people who are underemployed, unemployed, incarcerated, and previously incarcerated.

Contact us

For more information, contact Continuing Professional Education by email at cpe@harpercollege.edu or call 847.925.6340.



Last Updated: 6/9/26