Businesses can build the exact energy solution they require using innovative microgrid systems. A microgrid is a self-contained system that can be connected or disconnected from the main power grid to run independently as needed. Companies that use one can ensure they have consistent access to energy and customize how it’s produced.
Benefits of a Microgrid for Businesses
A microgrid can be an extremely valuable investment for businesses, coming in handy during power outages and allowing companies to transform their energy usage.
Energy Independence
Microgrids allow businesses to have an independent power grid to fall back on at any time. The connection to the main grid can be turned off during an outage due to weather or maintenance, allowing the company to continue functioning.
This is particularly important for businesses that rely on constant access to electricity, such as those specializing in food, medicine or other perishable goods.
Energy Optimization and Control
In addition to independence from the power grid, microgrids also give businesses more control over their electricity. This allows them to optimize and fine-tune it to their unique needs and goals.
For example, energy inefficiency is one of the top reasons businesses invest in new air conditioning and HVAC systems. However, the power generation supplying energy to those systems can also cause inefficiencies. The local power grid might use outdated infrastructure that causes higher heating and cooling costs, or local utility suppliers might employ inefficient operating practices.
A microgrid lets businesses get their power elsewhere as needed, maximizing the energy efficiency gains from new HVAC equipment and appliances. This is worth noting for companies that want to reduce their systems’ carbon footprints since they can run their microgrid off renewable energy.
Energy Customization
A microgrid doesn’t just allow businesses control over their energy access — it also lets them customize where that power comes from. Companies can set up a microgrid with any kind of generation technology they want.
Suppose a certain type of power generation technology is well-suited for a business’s needs and goals. It can base its microgrid around that, regardless of where energy on the main power grid comes from. This is particularly advantageous for companies that want to take an innovative approach to their energy needs and shift to renewables.
Microgrids and Renewable Energy
Microgrids can be a great way for businesses to switch to renewable energy. It allows them to draw at least part of their power from green sources without completely leaving the main grid or needing to tie their renewable infrastructure into it.
A microgrid simplifies transitioning to renewable energy by giving businesses the option to flip a switch when they want to go between their renewable microgrid and the main grid. Clean power is widely acknowledged as the future of energy generation, and many businesses are trying to implement it if available.
A microgrid can allow businesses to use renewable energy even if their local grid does not have renewable power sources tied into it yet. For instance, a company could install its own solar PV panels, connect them to a hand-picked energy storage system and run off a fully green microgrid. During cloudy seasons, the business could simply switch back to the main grid.
Operating off a renewable microgrid is highly advantageous for meeting sustainability goals. These initiatives impress consumers and also give businesses access to tax incentives and other financial benefits for renewable energy users.
Energy Customization With Microgrids
Microgrids open up countless new opportunities for businesses to customize their energy solutions to their unique needs and goals. Companies can have reliable, independent access to power separate from the main grid. Plus, microgrids easily allow the transition to renewable energy with customized clean infrastructure. These systems offer control, personalization and reliability.