Thirteenth Five-Year Plan for Smart Microgrids

Will grid-tied microgrid customers stay connected if the grid fails?

Although grid-tied microgrid customers will likely stay connected to the grid for the foreseeable future, only islanding in the case of utility grid failure, self-consumption of microgrid generated energy could erode the revenue base that has traditionally paid for utility infrastructure investments.

What technical challenges did the microgrids project face?

Similar technical challenges were explored by the European Union MICROGRIDS project such as energy management, safe islanding and re-connection practices, protection equipment, control strategies under islanded and connected scenarios, and communications protocols .

What tax incentives are available for a microgrid?

The U.S. federal government also provides investment tax incentives for customers installing microgrid technologies. The incentives cover a wide range of technologies from solar photovoltaics, combined heat and power, and electric vehicles. Technical assistance is also provided.