Microgrid

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.

An operating state in which an appropriately configured property electrical system is isolated from the utility grid and supplied by local resources such as storage or generation. Island-mode capability, transition behavior, supported loads, and runtime depend on system architecture, approved protective equipment, available energy, and site conditions.

Small-scale power generation, storage, and demand-response assets located at or near the point of consumption — as opposed to centralized utility generation plants. Examples include rooftop solar, residential battery storage, EV chargers (acting as loads or future V2G sources), and small generators. A residential microgrid integrates multiple DERs under one control architecture. Utilities are increasingly interested in aggregating residential DERs for grid services, but the primary value for estate owners is local resilience — not grid participation.