Microgrid 101

Microgrids are a hot topic in the power generation industry. It feels like you can’t go more than a couple of days without seeing another article on microgrids. And no wonder – a report from Solar Energy Industries Association states that the U.S. installed microgrid capacity has reached more than 97 GW total – enough to power around 18 million homes – with 19.2 GW installed in 2020 alone. Outside of the U.S., there is a lot of talk about rural electrification in developing regions – bringing power to remote communities with combinations of clean solar and energy storage to power villages that currently have no power.

What is a microgrid? There are a number of varying definitions for what a microgrid is. Here are points that all of the definitions agree on:

  1. It is a small-scale installation with definable boundaries.
  2. It can generate its own power.
  3. It can operate either connected to a utility grid or isolated from the utility grid.
of
Microgrid 101

But why all the buzz now? Microgrids are not new – Caterpillar has been providing diesel and gas generator sets for microgrids for decades. What has changed is the emergence of cost-effective renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics and wind. This has effectively made renewable powered microgrids a financially attractive alternative to more traditional power generation. Add to this the advances in cost-effective energy storage and you can have a reliable system that produces energy at very low costs. This has driven the interest in the “new” microgrid systems.  

Explore Microgrids Application Page

Cat® Connect for Electric Power

Know how your operation is running from anywhere. Cat Connect gives you the information you need to make well-informed, timely decisions.

Learn More
cat connect
cat connect

Brochures and Testimonials

We have an Information Library of product literature, white papers, customer stories, and more. Find what you’re looking for.

View library
industry information
industry information

Generator Sets Sizing Calculator

Caterpillar Electric Power is excited to introduce you to our latest generator set sizing software, Cat Electric Power SpecSizer.

Learn More
specsizer
specsizer

Cat Dealers Make the Difference

Your Cat dealer is committed to maximizing your success, helping you get the most out of your operations with site-level solutions, service and support.

Learn More
dealers
dealers

Electric Power Newsletter

Get the latest information on Cat products and industry topics focused on helping you get the most from your investment. 

Sign Up
ep newsletter
ep newsletter

Electric Power News

Read the latest electric power news and articles relating to Cat electric power products by people in the know, on topics that matter to your business.  

Read More
ep news
ep news