Generac Bolsters C&I Microgrid Offerings with Ageto Acquisition
On-site electrical generator manufacturer Generac Power Systems is fortifying its push into the full-service microgrid sector by acquiring controller firm Ageto.
The transaction announced Monday will aid system integration efforts for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers, Generac President of the Domestic C&I division, Erik Wilde, said in a statement. The two companies have collaborated since 2021 on the integration of Ageto’s microgrid controller into Generac’s battery energy storage systems and generators.
“This acquisition enhances our ability to offer a complete energy technology ecosystem to domestic commercial and industrial customers with multi-asset sites,” Wilde said. By integrating Ageto’s controllers and software, “we’re simplifying asset integration, control and optimization for our customers and creating a competitive advantage for Generac.”
To be considered a microgrid, on-site power assets such as solar, battery storage and gen-sets require a controller system to coordinate and monitor all parts of the microgrid. The microgrid controller market, which has grown significantly in recent years as customers seek to interconnect sustainability goals with energy reliability requirements, could grow 20% annually to a $45 billion global revenue market by 2034, ResearchandMarkets forecast earlier this year.
Ageto's controllers have been utilized in microgrids such as the Hotel Marcel project in Connecticut (pictured above) and in the remote town of Hughes, Alaska, among many others.
"With Generac's support, we are positioned to expand our offerings, enhance our technology, and scale to address the evolving energy landscape and continue on our mission," Ageto co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Michael Murray and co-founder/Chief Technology Officer Anthony Johnson posted on Linked In.
Since Murray and Johnson started the company seven years ago, Ageto's ARC controller system has been deployed to more than 100 operating microgrids globally.
The Ageto deal is the latest Generac Power Systems acquisition as it bolsters its multi-asset microgrid holdings. In late June, Generac announced it was buying energy storage engineering, procurement and construction firm PowerPlay Battery Energy Storage System from a division of SunGrid Solutions.
The PowerPlay acquisition was also characterized as part of Generac’s goal to offer a complete energy ecosystem to C&I customers in the U.S.
In July, Generac Power Systems was awarded a grant of up to $200 million over five years to facilitate installation of residential solar and battery energy storage for disadvantaged households in Puerto Rico. The company has engaged in backup power installations within the island territory for more than 20 years.
Late last year, Generac announced it was making a “minor investment” in smart electric vehicle charging technology supplier Wallbox. As part of the investment, Generac said it would offer Wallbox’s EV charging solutions to its own customers.
Generac was a sponsor at the Microgrid Knowledge 2024 Conference this past April in Baltimore. Microgrid 2025 will be April 15-17 in Dallas.
