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- Manuals
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- Languages
- EN
- Last added
- 2026-09-29
Featured NREL manuals

NREL CREST Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool User Manual
The CREST Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool (CREST) is a spreadsheet‑based model that estimates the cost of energy (COE) for solar, wind, geothermal, anaerobic digestion, and fuel‑cell projects. This manual explains the model’s architecture, input requirements, and how to run analyses to support policy decisions such as feed‑in tariffs.
The guide walks users through the five technology modules, describes input categories, financing options, and output calculations, and provides sample data and appendices for each technology. It also outlines how to perform sensitivity analyses and interpret results for policy‑making purposes.
Covers: Introduction · Model Design and Features · Guided Tour · Understanding and Using the Inputs Worksheet · Operating the Model · Running and Comparing Multiple Analyses
Latest NREL manuals
NREL CREST Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool User Manual
User Manual 43 pages · 748 KB · ENUser manual for the CREST spreadsheet tool that helps policymakers evaluate renewable‑energy cost‑based incentives.
Which document do I need?
User Manual
Day-to-day operation, settings and troubleshooting. Start here if the product is already set up.
Questions answered in NREL manuals
What is the primary output of the CREST model?
The model calculates the cost of energy (COE) in cents per kilowatt‑hour.
From: NREL CREST Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool User Manual
Can the CREST model perform sensitivity analyses?
Yes, it allows users to vary incentive durations, escalation rates, and other assumptions to test sensitivity.
From: NREL CREST Cost of Renewable Energy Spreadsheet Tool User Manual
