Three years ago, we wrote that microgrids were poised to take off due to their key benefits of lowering energy costs, strengthening resilience, and easily integrating renewable sources. Present-day indicators continue supporting the forecast, with California’s Title 24 spurring a wave of microgrid developers, while Proposition 7 in Texas funds the creation of backup microgrids at critical facilities across the state.

However, the complexity and requirements for deploying distributed energy resources (DERs) in a microgrid demand a more sophisticated approach to project development and execution than traditional solar-plus-storage installations.

Below, we examine the microgrid-friendly legislation in the two largest solar and energy storage states and how developers and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPCs) firms can leverage the TrinaPro total solution for streamlined procurement, optimized compatibility, and enhanced performance of all the main microgrid system components.

California's Title 24 Energy Code: A Catalyst for Microgrid Innovation

To improve grid efficiency and reduce the duck curve evening peak, California implemented Energy Code Title 24. The code mandates solar PV and battery energy storage systems for all new constructions and existing buildings applying for renovation or new addition permitting.

By requiring solar PV and storage systems, the code effectively creates the core components of a microgrid in every new commercial building, presenting a unique opportunity for solar developers to expand their offerings beyond traditional grid-tied systems.  

ERCOT’s Multi-Billion Dollar Boost to Strengthen Resilience

Following the devastation caused to the Texas grid by 2021’s Winterstorm Uri, the Lonestar State has been working hard to strengthen its energy resilience. Grid operator Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported more than 8 GW of total installed energy storage resource capacity within the grid through the end of August 2024, with forecasts that the BESS buildout could double to more than 18 GW by the end of 2025.

Texans took action by voting for Proposition 7, which allocates nearly $2 billion for microgrid development at critical facilities. This initiative represents a paradigm shift in the state’s approach to grid resilience and opens up significant opportunities for solar developers and EPCs. The Texas storage market’s continued rapid growth, coupled with the state's abundant solar resources, creates an ideal environment for microgrid deployments.

A One-Stop Shop for Your Main Microgrid Components

Deploying microgrids is far more complicated than installing a traditional solar plus storage array. Unlike a traditional solar plus storage installation that maintains uninterrupted interconnection with the primary grid, a microgrid can disconnect from the main grid during outages and remain operating in a process called islanding. This key feature that makes microgrids such a compelling solution for strengthening resilience requires seamless communication and optimized interconnection between the system’s DERs, such as the solar PV modules, energy storage systems (ESS), and loads. 

However, in most instances, developers and EPCs will find that they need to source all of the necessary DERs for the system from various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, vendors, and distributors. This approach creates more chances for supply chain risks, interoperability issues, and project delays. The solution involves partnering with a total solar solution with a one-stop solar shop that streamlines procurement, ensures component compatibility, and optimizes system performance.

In the complex distributed energy landscape, the TrinaPro total solution offers a compelling value proposition for developers and EPCs by providing a comprehensive, pre-integrated package of key microgrid components.

TrinaPro addresses several critical challenges developers and EPCs often face:

1. Simplified procurement: Streamlines the sourcing process, reduces project complexity, and mitigates supply chain bottlenecks.

2. System compatibility: Ensures seamless interoperability between solar modules, inverters, energy storage systems, and control hardware.

3. Optimized performance: Pre-engineered system designs maximize energy yield and overall microgrid efficiency.

4. Scalability: A modular approach allows for easy expansion and integration of additional DERs to meet evolving energy needs.

Learn more about how TrinaPro delivers an optimized bundle of high-efficiency, high-powered Vertex solar modules, scalable TrinaStorage battery energy storage systems, and additional balance-of-system (BOS) components, including trackers, inverters, racking, and wiring.