The term distributed energy resources (DER) refers to renewable energy systems or units frequently installed at homes or businesses to supply them with electricity. Because the electricity is produced or controlled “behind” the electricity metre at the residence or business, DER is also known as “behind the metre.” Here is how it works-
Save money and the environment.
You may be surprised to learn how much money you can save by reducing your energy consumption through a distributed energy solution. By switching to solar panels, you’ll reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by an average of 2 tons per year—equivalent to planting over 1,000 trees yearly!
As a homeowner, you can save anywhere from $1,500-$10,000 annually on your utility bills while reducing emissions. And don’t worry; if you’re not ready for it right now and would rather go with a traditional power company than give control over your electricity bill to someone else, we won’t hold it against you. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with what works for another decade.
Generate your electricity.
Distributed energy is a new way to generate electricity. You can produce your power with distributed energy and store it in a battery. Then, when you need the power, you can use it later to run things in your home, like lights, appliances, and even vehicles. You don’t have to rely on an electric company anymore!
How does this work? In traditional generation systems, large plants generate electricity for everyone using fossil fuels (like coal) or nuclear power plants. They send that electricity out over high-voltage transmission lines connecting homes and businesses around them. In contrast: with a distributed energy solution—microgrids—you would create your local power plant right where you live! Instead of relying on big plants outside of town that send their energy through transmission lines into local homes or businesses. Instead, everyone (or group) produces its clean energy right where they need it most—and then shares some with neighbours, too, if needed/wanted!
Sell your excess energy to the grid.
You can sell your excess energy to the grid. Distributed energy solution is a system that allows you to sell your excess energy to the grid for profit. The power company will then buy it from you and use it in their facilities, which reduces their carbon footprint and helps them meet goals set by state or federal regulations. You’ll get paid for the energy you produce!
Conserve electricity for when you need it most.
You can also conserve electricity by using a programmable thermostat to adjust your home’s temperature. This way, you won’t have to waste energy heating or cooling an empty house while away at work or school.
Another easy way to save energy is by switching out old appliances with new ones that are more efficient: consider replacing your old refrigerator, air conditioner, and water heater with newer models. You should also replace any incandescent light bulbs in your home with LED lights as these use less power than traditional ones.
Distributed energy solutions provide many benefits.
Distributed energy solutions provide many benefits, including lower energy costs, increased reliability, and improved environmental performance.
The cost of a system will vary depending on the number of panels installed and their size. System cost also depends upon your location because solar panels work best in areas with enough sun exposure to produce electricity at least 50% of the year.
Generally speaking. However, distributed utility-scale projects have a payback period (the time it takes for you to recoup your investment) of less than ten years.
Whether you’re an individual homeowner or a large business, the benefits of distributed energy solutions are clear. They can help reduce your carbon footprint and keep your energy costs down.
