Microgrid Knowledge’s 10 most popular microgrid white papers of 2019 explore key questions surrounding microgrid development, finance, design, construction and operation. Top papers also focus on microgrid affordability and the evolution of distributed energy resources.
Microgrids are local power generation resources that may be coupled with storage and controllers supplying power to a facility when the grid is down or unstable. (Photo: Shutterstock/By Love Silhouette)
These paper — and energy headlines in 2019 — make clear that energy customers are looking for resiliency and reliability that often only a microgrid can provide. They show that different and fresh financing models, like energy-as-a-service, are making microgrids affordable to businesses and communities.
As a result, interest in microgrid research is high. Microgrid Knowledge members have free access to a full library of microgrid white papers , covering a range of clean energy topics, from emerging technology and trends to non-wires alternatives, financing and ownership models.
New white papers are regularly added by a range of microgrid and clean energy leaders, among them S&C Electric, Siemens, Ameresco, Schneider Electric.
Below you will find the top 10 most downloaded white papers on Microgrid Knowledge in 2019, covering everything from microgrid affordability to the evolution of distributed energy resources:
1. The Evolution of Distributed Energy Resources
This report makes plain the complexities involved in capturing DER benefits. Some of the most significant advantages occur within wholesale energy market transactions, a complex arena best pursued with guidance from experts in the space.
2. The Financial Decision-Makers Guide to Energy-as-a-Service Microgrids
A new energy-as-a-service (EaaS) model has emerged that simplifies microgrid development and ownership for organizations. EaaS relieves the microgrid host from operational and financial risk—but guarantees them the benefits. This special report highlights in detail the new model for energy-as-a-service microgrids.
3. Dawn of the Utility Microgrid: The Path to a Profitable Future
So how can utilities continue to fulfill their service reliability obligations of today, while also integrating the distributed energy and up-and-coming technologies of tomorrow? This white paper explores how today’s utilities are beginning to prepare by entering discussions around grid modernization, DER compensation, and business model transformation, by sharply enhancing core utility priorities, such as reliability, resiliency, and efficiency.
4. How Microgrids Enable Optimal Cooperation Among Distributed Energy Resources
Many facility operators need increased resiliency, efficiently, and sustainability. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like wind, PV and energy storage can address these needs. Yet also introduce many other challenges. This paper will help you learn how microgrids can optimize the integration of these assets.
Explore the full Microgrid Knowledge white paper library!
5. How to Design and Operate a Microgrid
This paper describes the design and operation of the microgrid installed for the US Department of Defense at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This white paper shares key info on how to design and operating a microgrid.
Even if you have defined some of your microgrid needs, it can be easy to overlook the details. Missing these details can result in increased costs and project delays. This handbook is designed to provide industry best practices and help you avoid common mistakes when building microgrids.
7. The Rise of Clean Energy Microgrids & Why They Make Sense
All microgrids offer greater electric reliability. But the clean energy microgrid does more. It also reduces carbon emissions and helps organizations reach sustainability goals. This report covers why clean energy microgrids make sense for hospitals, higher education institutions, military and government, and businesses.
8. Microgrid Benefits and Example Projects
Microgrid benefits include energy reliability, energy accessibility, energy independence, and energy cost optimization. This paper explores the benefits microgrids can provide and supplies examples of relevant microgrid projects.
The industry has created a new financing model — an opportunity to secure microgrid benefits by contracting for services rather than ‘buying’ an energy plant. This model is called energy-as-a-service. (Photo by Eviart/Shutterstock.com)
9. How to Get Your Microgrid Projects Financed
This paper based on interviews with prominent developers, financiers and research reports, examines the evolution of microgrid financing and the obstacles to gaining financing. It also provides concrete advice for developers about how to get microgrid projects financed.
10. The Affordable Microgrid: Securing Electric Reliability through Outsourcing
Microgrids are local power generation resources that may be coupled with storage and controllers supplying power to a facility when the grid is down or unstable. However, some businesses and institutions find the upfront cost and operational complexities too daunting to go at it alone. This special report explores the affordable microgrid and how outsourcing is making microgrids more accessible.
Read more microgrid white papers to explore key trends and topics across the microgrid industry.
