Distributed energy resources are small, modular, energy generation and storage technologies that provide electric capacity or energy where you need it. Typically producing less than 10 megawatts (MW) of power, DER systems can usually be sized to meet your particular needs and installed on site. DER systems may be either connected to the local electric power grid or isolated from the grid in stand-alone applications. DER technologies include wind turbines, photovoltaics (PV), fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, combustion turbines, cogeneration, and energy storage systems.
Pros
Allows resources to be developed local to the load being served.
Cons
Utility infrastructure wasn’t built with DER in mind; it can be hard to connect many DER into one larger system.
Real Talk
This is the future of energy. Our energy sources need to be sited as close to the loads they serve as possible. It will save on energy losses and transmission (wheeling) and enhance all-hazard resilience.