Keep the parts of your business that matter running. Plan solar, storage and backup power as one coordinated system.
01
One system. A clear purpose.
A microgrid connects local generation, storage and controls. It can work alongside the utility or operate independently when designed for islanding. Solar panels alone do not provide that capability: the switching, protection and controls need to be designed together.
02
Start with your critical loads
Refrigeration, irrigation, communications and essential equipment have different power needs. Identify what must stay on, what can wait and how long the site needs to operate through an outage. Bring interval electricity data and existing equipment details to the first assessment.
03
Generation, storage and backup
Solar supplies daytime generation. Batteries can shift energy and support selected loads. A generator may extend backup duration when fuel is available. The right combination depends on the site, operating schedule, available space and the loads you want to protect.
04
Plan for normal days and outages
Ask for two operating scenarios: everyday energy use and islanded operation. Review the proposed controls, transfer sequence, supported loads, expected runtime and the assumptions behind each estimate before choosing equipment.
05
From site review to a working system
Vital Energy’s assessment considers electrical loads, equipment placement and local requirements. A proposal should identify equipment and controls, permitting and utility coordination, installation scope, commissioning and operator handoff. Confirm the schedule after the site has been assessed.
06
Keep performance visible
Discuss monitoring access, service responsibilities and a maintenance schedule with the project team. Generator servicing and the solar and battery systems’ manufacturer requirements remain part of the long-term plan.
A documented Vital Energy installation
Power for a community gathering place.
Generac’s Boys & Girls Club case study credits Vital Energy with installation and records commissioning in May 2023. Solar, storage and microgrid controls support the facility’s critical loads.
- Solar capacity
- 33 kW
- Storage power
- 80 kW
- Stored energy
- 288 kWh
The documented design uses islanding protection and load prioritization. These are project-specific specifications, not a promise for another site.
Read Generac’s case study ↗Your next step
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