Microgrids

Most solar-energy systems are designed to connect to the utility grid and when the grid fails, that solar-PV system fails. Microgrids include energy storage and sometimes multiple generation assets providing energy to multiple buildings on a university campus, commercial complex, or private island. Microgrids often integrate traditional fossil-fuel generators or other sources and are typically called “hybrid microgrids”.

Hurricanes Sandy, Irma, and Maria showed us the importance of resiliency and autonomy in our energy supply. A building, multiple buildings, or community with a stand-alone microgrid designed to be highly survivable could be more resilient than a conventional utility-grid distribution system.

But microgrids also allow electricity users to control when and how much electricity they take from the utility grid. Time-of-Use pricing is leading to more expensive electricity during the hours when it is most in demand. A microgrid can manage those costs by reducing utility usage to hours when the cost is lower.

There is also a growing market for fully islanded systems that have no utility service. We have engineered and built a number of these systems, both inside and outside the country. These are typically isolated islands that are too far from a utility service provider. We are the experts in the planning, engineering, and construction of microgrids, including control systems, medium-voltage site distribution, redundancy, and energy efficiency to reduce capital investment.

Key Projects