The proliferation of renewable power generation presents the world with both opportunities and challenges. For example, in the best of times, surging energy demand is being met by renewable energy sources, while, in challenging times, the momentary imbalances commonly associated with these resources are a threat that may cause capacity shortages, frequency variations, and outages. Energy experts around the world are innovating new technologies to allow us to define how we can effectively generate and consume always-on power in a decentralized grid.
Today, the grid is the primary source of power for most businesses and is largely reliant on nonrenewable sources. Emerging microgrid solutions provide the ability to toggle seamlessly between primary power sources (the grid) and secondary or tertiary sources, including renewable sources of energy. A microgrid is a self-sufficient energy system that provides power to a specific site or building, often using one or more kinds of distributed energy, including solar panels, wind turbines, and generators.