Can a microgrid be used for energy storage?

The Inflation Reduction Act incentivizes large-scale battery storage projects. And California regulations now require energy storage for newly constructed commercial buildings. The same microgrid-based BESS can serve either or both of these use cases.

How can a microgrid reduce energy costs?

To reduce energy costs, a facility with a microgrid can leverage a BESS to store power from variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, such as solar or wind, and then substitute the stored energy for utility power when utility rates are highest in an attempt to arbitrage.

Can battery storage be used in microgrids?

Another use case for battery storage on microgrids is aggregating BESS as a virtual power plant (VPP) to correct imbalances in the utility grid. At the grid level, when the supply of power from renewables temporarily drops, utilities need to respond quickly to maintain equilibrium between supply and demand and stabilize the grid frequency.

How much does a microgrid cost?

Or as S&C Electric’s David Chiesa puts it: “If you’ve seen one microgrid you’ve seen one microgrid.” So there is no quick and simple price to give a prospective customer. Sources we’ve interviewed cite project proposals as low as $250,000 to as high as $100 million. Generation typically accounts for most of the cost.

Is a microgrid more expensive than a small solar array?

True, larger microgrids will likely be more expensive than smaller microgrids — but in gross terms, not necessarily on a per kilowatt basis. In fact, generation for a very small microgrid tends to cost more per kilowatt than a comparable larger version. For example, a 50-kW solar array is more expensive per kilowatt than 1-MW solar array.

How much energy can a microgrid save?

If the microgrid operates for 10 years, then the company’s monthly energy spend spread over the 10 years is about $16,700. That’s a potential savings of about 44% before maintenance costs. The benefit could be even greater if you consider the $2 million can be deducted as a capital expenditure. Admittedly, these figures are very hypothetical.