ABSTRACT
Smart grids are supported by renewable energy production and storage capability from individual buildings. As PV becomes prevalent in the market, there is overproduction in daylight hours and an increased demand as the sun sets (called the duck curve). It is difficult for traditional grid management to supply dramatic demand changes in a short 3-hour timeframe. Local production and storage reduce the overall demand for energy across the grid and add to the grid's ability to compensate for increased demand situations and generation plant emergencies. When grids can't compensate, customers end up with rolling blackouts. Microgrids are emerging that are able to operate buildings and neighborhoods even when the utility grid is down (island mode). New technology is on the market that allows for buildings to have both AC and DC wiring which is effective because there is so much DC-powered equipment, such as LED lighting and cell phones.
