Onsite Generation

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.

A backup generator produces electricity during outages or backup conditions. In a microgrid, it may work with batteries, transfer equipment, and load controls.

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.