Microgrids / Community Power
Localized energy solutions for resilient communities
What Are Microgrids?
Microgrids are localized power systems that can operate independently from the main grid, providing reliable electricity to communities, campuses, and critical facilities.
Campus Microgrids
Universities, hospitals, and corporate campuses with their own generation and distribution systems.
Rural/Islanded
Remote communities and islands that rely on local renewable energy and storage systems.
Resilience Hubs
Critical facilities like hospitals, emergency centers, and military bases that need uninterrupted power.
4,000+
Microgrids operating worldwide
40 GW
Total microgrid capacity globally
Microgrid Components
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
- Battery storage
- Backup generators
Energy Storage
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Flow batteries
- Thermal storage
- Hydrogen storage
Controllers
- Microgrid controllers
- Energy management systems
- SCADA systems
- Predictive analytics
Switchgear
- Circuit breakers
- Transfer switches
- Protection relays
- Isolation devices
Use Cases
Critical Facilities
Hospitals, emergency centers, and military bases require uninterrupted power for life-saving equipment and operations.
- 99.99% uptime reliability
- Instant backup power
- Islanding capability
Remote Villages
Communities without grid access can achieve energy independence through renewable microgrids.
- Solar + battery systems
- Community ownership
- Reduced diesel dependence
Disaster Resilience
Microgrids provide power during natural disasters when the main grid is compromised.
- Emergency response support
- Community shelters
- Communication systems
Technical Architecture
Islanding
Microgrids can disconnect from the main grid and operate independently during outages or emergencies. This requires sophisticated control systems to maintain voltage and frequency stability.
Black Start
The ability to start up without external power sources. Microgrids use battery storage or backup generators to initiate power generation and restore service.
Control Strategies
- Master-Slave: One generator controls frequency and voltage
- Droop Control: Multiple generators share load proportionally
- Peer-to-Peer: Distributed control among all resources
- Predictive Control: AI-based optimization of operations
Grid Integration
When connected to the main grid, microgrids can provide ancillary services like frequency regulation, voltage support, and demand response.
Ownership & Finance Models
Utility-Owned
Electric utilities develop and operate microgrids as part of their service territory, often focusing on reliability improvements and grid support services.
- Regulated rate recovery
- Grid integration benefits
- Customer service focus
Community Co-ops
Local communities pool resources to develop microgrids, often with renewable energy focus and democratic governance.
- Member ownership
- Local economic benefits
- Environmental focus
Third-Party ESCOs
Energy service companies develop, own, and operate microgrids under long-term contracts with customers.
- Performance-based contracts
- No upfront capital required
- Expertise and maintenance
Regulatory Hurdles
Interconnection
Complex technical and regulatory requirements for connecting microgrids to the main grid, including safety standards and protection coordination.
Tariff Structures
Uncertainty around how microgrids will be compensated for grid services and how customers will be billed for energy consumed.
Wheeling
Challenges in transporting power across utility service territories and determining appropriate transmission charges.
Case Studies
Community Solar + Battery - Minnesota
Challenge: Rural community wanted renewable energy but lacked individual rooftop solar options
Solution: 1 MW community solar garden with 500 kWh battery storage
Results:
- 100 households participate
- 25% bill savings for members
- Grid support during peak hours
- Local job creation
University Microgrid - Princeton
Challenge: Campus needed reliable power for research facilities and student housing
Solution: 15 MW combined heat and power plant with solar and battery storage
Results:
- 99.9% uptime during outages
- 30% reduction in carbon emissions
- $2 million annual energy savings
- Research platform for energy innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost vs backup genset?
Microgrids typically cost 2-3x more than backup generators initially, but provide fuel savings, grid services revenue, and environmental benefits over time.
Can we sell excess power?
Yes, microgrids can export power to the main grid when they have excess generation. Compensation depends on local utility policies and market structures.
How long can a microgrid operate?
Operation duration depends on fuel storage, renewable generation, and load management. Most microgrids can operate for days to weeks independently.
What happens during a blackout?
Microgrids automatically detect grid outages and switch to island mode, providing continuous power to connected loads without interruption.
Ready to Explore Microgrid Solutions?
Discover if a microgrid is right for your community or facility.