What is a Commercial Microgrid?
A single user commercial microgrid is a great way to add resilience to your business. If your renewable energy project already includes a battery for peak shaving and load changes, then this is only a small 2-4% increase in cost; for a microgrid connected to the grid.
Insularity, the key to the success of a single-user commercial microgrid
Insularity
This type of microgrid is part of the national electrical grid most of the time. A sophisticated computer system analyzes solar or wind power generation, consumption profile, energy usage and other factors to coordinate the various devices to save you the most money possible.
However, when there is a problem with the national grid, the microgrid is disconnected and becomes a kind of independent island.
This is called “insularity”.
While the system is in island mode, a special computer process kicks in and optimizes generation from renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, generators, and batteries to maintain business as usual while disconnected from the national grid.
The advantages of single-user commercial and industrial microgrids are:
Energy saving
Resistance
Modest costs
Maximize the use of renewables
Automatic reconnection
The best candidates for the grid-connected microgrid are:
- Schools, public buildings and other critical facilities
- Hospitals
- Large commercial and industrial facilities that have or are considering a generator for backup
- Hotels, resorts and country clubs