Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar and Schneider Electric complete first joint microgrid project

Duke Energy Renewables, REC Solar and Schneider Electric recently completed their first joint microgrid project, which also includes a solar array, on the Schneider Electric Boston One Campus headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts.

Schneider Electric built the microgrid on the campus of its North American headquarters. REC solar built and will operate the solar array. Duke Energy Renewables, which owns a majority interest in REC Solar, owns the microgrid and solar array and will sell the power to Schneider Electric through a long-term power purchase agreement.

“The integration of an advanced microgrid at the Schneider Electric campus reduces its energy costs, incorporates more sustainable energy and delivers demand-side efficiency, while also offering resiliency to the facility in the event of a loss of power from the grid,” Chris Fallon, vice president of Duke Energy Renewables and Commercial Portfolio, said. “Additionally, in partnership with Schneider, we can research and develop new microgrid technologies, solutions and applications in a real-world environment.”

The microgrid is projected to generate over 520,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. It contains a 354-kilowatt (AC) solar array with 1,379 solar modules and a natural gas generator that will allow the solar panels to operate during grid outages.

In addition to the Boston One site, Duke Energy Renewables, Schneider Electric and REC Solar are also working on a second microgrid project for the Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Safety Headquarters and Correctional Facility.