The as-a-service model continues to grow in popularity for microgrids and other forms of distributed energy, most recently reflected in news from Fairbanks Morse and Younicos.
As-a-service-models offer customers a way to avoid capital installation costs and pay for only energy and any related services produced by projects. The customer also is typically spared operations and maintenance, which is handled by a third party.
Fairbanks Morse said that it is applying its as-a-service platform to a 10-MW dual fuel combined heat and power microgrid used by a Fortune 500 company in Puerto Rico.
Fairbanks includes software that allows generation to be monitored in real time to deliver on fuel and reliability guarantees. An open platform, it can be customized to add more resources, such as solar, wind, or energy storage, at a future date.
Meanwhile, energy storage company Younicos is launching a new energy storage as-a-service rental product. Younicos ships containerized battery systems to the site and then operates them on behalf of the customer.
“More than just a financing tool, our model is a full-service option for those in need of intelligent energy storage. It allows our customers to benefit from the speed, flexibility and versatility of our industry-leading battery solutions, without having to make a long-term commitment,” said Dan Ibbetson, managing director global solutions at Aggreko, Younicos parent company.
Younicos is offering two- to four-year rental contracts initially and in 2019 will make monthly terms available. Customers pay a rental fee, as well as mobilization and de-mobilization charges, but no other costs.
The as-a-service-model is a variation on solar power purchase agreements, which helped launch the popularity of solar a decade ago by relieving the customer from making a cash investment in equipment and installation.
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