As we compiled this year's list of most-read Microgrid Knowledge stories, we were intrigued to see what captured -- and kept capturing -- our readers' attention. Storms, wildfires, innovations, blockchain, energy storage, solar and the city of Pittsburgh were among the winning topics. Companies in the top 10 articles include ABB, Consolidated … [Read more...]
Microgrids are on the rise in the U.S., but not quickly enough for the millions in the Southeast who lost power this week – and continue to have none days later -- following Hurricane Irma. Perhaps most poignant, Irma underscores what loss of electricity means to senior citizens, a potentially life-threatening situation when air conditioning … [Read more...]
Ameren's new Illinois microgrid demonstrated that it's able to seamlessly disconnect from the grid and run on renewable energy during a 24-hour microgrid islanding test this month. S&C Electric and Ameren conducted the test at a 1.475 MW microgrid in Champaign that the Midwest utility unveiled in May. Microgrid islanding -- the … [Read more...]
As discussion around development of a smart grid has steadily increased, so too has talk about smart microgrids. A critical ingredient for smart microgrids is energy storage. Energy storage can play a major role in facilitating use of renewable energy resources to power microgrids, while also protecting power stability and reliability within the … [Read more...]
With a dark legal cloud lifted from demand response, the resource is likely to find new life on the grid. But what about demand response in microgrids? Demand response – where a utility or grid operator signals customers to reduce energy use and pays them for doing so – overcame a challenge from power generators with a favorable ruling last … [Read more...]
Poised for rapid growth, the microgrid industry looks a lot like solar and independent power in earlier days. Key players are moving into place to capture market share; regulators are trying to sort out their role; utilities are watching. But U.S. microgrids also face some unique twists -- and undeniable ruts in the road. Two microgrid … [Read more...]
Commercial customers paying demand charges and time-of-use rates should seriously consider an investment in solar plus storage, a common technology used in microgrids. RMI’s Ryan Shea and Madeline Tyson describe the the organizations recent research on costs.
You may have experienced lessons learned while building your microgrid, and there’s more to learn even after your system is online. Download the handbook from S&C Electric designed to guide you through the day-to-day operations of your microgrid and think through long-term needs for microgrid care.
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