Microgrids disconnect themselves from the main grid and rely on local generation sources, such as solar, wind, and/or natural gas, and battery back-up systems.

Microgrids are used by a range of facilities — including communities, hospitals, universities, businesses, military installations, critical facilities (such as fire stations), airports, and government buildings.

 

Although microgrids have been around for decades, microgrid technology has matured over the past 5-10 years.

The visible part of a microgrid may include solar panels, wind turbines, natural gas generators, other forms of local generation, and batteries. To maximize reliability, microgrid power lines are typically buried underground. The microgrid controller, which is the “brains” of the microgrid is a software-based system that manages energy supply within the microgrid.

Cuyahoga County has identified an initial set of pilot projects that will be deployed over the next five years. Once this first set of projects is established, the County will expand the number and size of its microgrid districts.