Hybrid System

The intelligence layer of a residential microgrid — a dedicated power management computer that monitors all energy sources and loads in real-time, optimizes battery state of charge, decides when to start/stop generators, manages power flow between sources, executes load shedding if needed, and enables remote monitoring. A microgrid controller is what distinguishes a true microgrid from a collection of independently operating devices. Consumer battery products use basic inverter logic, not a dedicated controller.

Solar panels that convert sunlight directly into DC electricity. In a microgrid, solar PV is one generation source managed by the microgrid controller — typically the primary source during daylight, charging batteries and supplying loads directly. Solar can be grid-tied (exporting excess), battery-coupled (charging storage), or both. Solar output is variable by weather and season; microgrid design accounts for seasonal variation, particularly in northern latitudes.

Two common fuel options for residential backup generators. Natural gas is convenient (no on-site storage, runs from utility supply) but is vulnerable to supply disruption during major outages — a critical failure point exposed during Winter Storm Uri when natural gas infrastructure failed across Texas. Propane requires on-site tank storage but provides fuel independence from utility infrastructure. Remote properties and storm-resilient systems often use propane for this reason.