Tuition and funding options are discussed during your admissions interview so we can personalize the experience and answer all your questions.

Yes — we require a small, fully refundable application fee ($200). This helps us ensure that applicants are genuinely committed and ready to take the next step in becoming certified microgrid developers.

If for any reason you are not accepted into the program, your application fee will be 100% refunded — no questions asked.

This process allows us to dedicate personalized attention to serious candidates and maintain the high quality and integrity of the CMD program.

Once you submit your application, our admissions team will review your qualifications and goals to ensure strong alignment with the CMD Program’s mission.

If selected to move forward, you’ll be invited to a one-on-one admissions interview where we’ll explore your background, answer your questions, and walk through tuition details and funding options.

Our goal is to ensure this is the right opportunity for you — and that you’re the right candidate for the program.

You can expect a decision within 5–7 business days following your interview.

The CMD Program is designed for serious professionals, entrepreneurs, and consultants who are ready to lead in the fast-growing microgrid sector.

It’s a great fit for those who are:

• Transitioning into clean energy leadership roles

• Expanding their renewable energy business offerings

• Seeking certification to gain credibility with clients or funders

• Passionate about creating sustainable infrastructure

It’s not ideal for those who:

• Are casually exploring solar as a side interest

• Prefer self-paced online courses with minimal accountability

• Are not yet ready to make a real investment of time, focus, and energy

This is a high-engagement, high-impact experience — not a passive course.

The program is structured to be intensive but flexible enough for working professionals. Expect to commit:

• 5–8 hours per week on learning, assignments, and coaching

• Over a period of 12 weeks (or as outlined in the current cohort)

Live virtual sessions, self-paced learning modules, and capstone project work are all designed to integrate into a busy professional schedule — while pushing you to grow.

You’ll be challenged — but you’ll also be supported every step of the way.

Certification is earned through a combination of active participation, performance in coursework, and successful completion of the capstone project.

Throughout the program, you’ll be assessed on your ability to:

• Apply technical and strategic knowledge to real-world scenarios

• Engage in discussions, peer reviews, and problem-solving tasks

• Demonstrate leadership potential in microgrid development

At the end of the program, candidates who meet all requirements will receive a Certified Microgrid Developer™ credential, along with a digital badge and official certificate to showcase on LinkedIn, resumes, and proposals.

This isn’t a certificate of completion — it’s a credential that signals readiness and expertise to the market.

The capstone is a hands-on, portfolio-grade project where you will design, analyze, and present a complete microgrid development proposal.

This includes:

• Site and load assessment

• Financial modeling

• System sizing and technology selection

• Stakeholder pitch and impact narrative

You’ll receive direct feedback from instructors and industry professionals — and leave with a tangible asset that can be used to pitch future clients or employers.

This is where your learning becomes real — and where theory meets execution.

You’ll work in teams to develop and pitch a real-world microgrid proposal based on a given scenario (e.g., rural clinic, island resort, urban resilience hub). This final presentation is evaluated by instructors for feedback and learning reinforcement.

Graduates of the CMD Program often go on to:

• Launch or scale clean energy businesses and consultancies

• Secure contracts for microgrid or distributed energy projects

• Move into sustainability or energy leadership roles

• Access new funding, partners, or clients with increased credibility

In a rapidly evolving energy landscape, certified professionals stand out with specialized, future-ready skills and a proven ability to lead projects from concept to execution.

Our alumni aren’t just trained — they’re trusted.

The CMD Program is not a passive, pre-recorded course — it's a guided, immersive training experience built for ambitious professionals who want results.

Here’s how we stand out:

• Live virtual coaching and mentoring, not just static videos

• Real-world capstone project, not abstract theory

• Community and accountability, not isolation

• Direct access to experts, not just help desks

• Credible certification, not generic completion badges

This is the only program of its kind designed to certify real microgrid leaders — not just educate them.

No. The CMD Program is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds including business, policy, construction, and consulting. Technical concepts are explained in an accessible way.

This program focuses on development strategy, including feasibility, design planning, policy, and finance — not physical installation or electrical certification.

Yes. The CMD credential helps demonstrate project-readiness and fluency in industry standards, which is valuable for engaging with utilities, grant funders, or financiers.

Absolutely. While U.S. policy examples are emphasized, the development principles, financial models, and technical strategies are globally applicable. The program also discusses international use cases and energy access challenges.