Microgrids for businesses

Microgrids: what they are and why they matter right now

A commercial or industrial microgrid is an intelligent energy system that combines several generation sources (mainly renewable, such as solar energy, as well as backup sources, such as diesel generators), batteries, an intelligent management system (EMS), and all internal consumers of the enterprise into a single energy circuit.
In the event of an external power failure, the microgrid switches to “island” mode, ensuring complete autonomy, and in stable network conditions, it integrates as an active node capable of not only consuming but also supplying or balancing energy in the overall power system.

Get a consultation

Energy challenges of the new decade: what businesses see

According to the Ministry of Energy, in 2024, the average level of emergency power cuts in Ukraine increased 3.7 times compared to the pre-war period. More than 60% of enterprises identified energy supply as a critical risk to operational continuity. At the same time, tariffs for non-residential consumers have increased by an average of 42% in the last 18 months alone.
In these conditions, the issue of energy sustainability is no longer just a technical one — it has become financial, managerial, and strategic. Stability in energy consumption is now not just a “bonus” but a prerequisite for survival and competitiveness.According to the Ministry of Energy, in 2024, the average level of emergency power cuts in Ukraine increased 3.7 times compared to the pre-war period. More than 60% of enterprises identified energy supply as a critical risk to operational continuity. At the same time, tariffs for non-residential consumers have increased by an average of 42% in the last 18 months alone.
In these conditions, the issue of energy sustainability is no longer just a technical one — it has become financial, managerial, and strategic. Stability in energy consumption is now not just a “bonus” but a prerequisite for survival and competitiveness.

Key features and benefits of MicroGrid solutions for businesses

Energy security as a permanent condition, not a temporary solution

The microgrid ensures guaranteed uninterrupted operation of the enterprise even during prolonged power outages. In the event of a complete power failure, the system switches to isolated mode, maintaining the enterprise's infrastructure without operator intervention.

Reduced costs through intelligent balancing of sources and tariffs

Microgrids allow you to use stored energy during peak hours, switch loads to the most cost-effective source in real time, reduce consumption from the grid during peak tariff periods, and completely avoid downtime due to accidents.

Flexibility in configuration and scalability

The system can be scaled to meet the needs of a specific enterprise — from minimal backup power to full energy autonomy with the possibility of further supplying energy to other consumers (peer-to-peer model, PPA partnerships, etc.).

How a micro-network is set up

Typical micro-network architecture

The main goal of an industrial microgrid is to maintain stable operation of all internal consumers of the enterprise, from machine tools to computers, with maximum benefit. According to our calculations, enterprises that have implemented a microgrid save an average of 18–24% on energy consumption each year — not including possible income from the sale of surpluses or participation in the ancillary services market.

Own renewable energy sources — solar or wind power plants — generate free energy for immediate consumption, reducing dependence on the general grid and high tariffs.

Since renewable energy generation is intermittent, its surplus is stored in a battery (BESS energy storage system). The battery releases energy when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing, ensuring continuity of power supply. The battery can be charged from the grid during periods of low tariffs and then sell the stored energy when tariffs rise. This generates additional income for the enterprise.

In the event of an external grid failure, the microgrid switches to autonomous mode. If its own generation and battery reserves are insufficient, a backup generator (diesel or gas) is automatically started. It guarantees a stable power supply and maintains the operating frequency of the grid.

When the connection to the external grid is restored, the battery can be used to provide ancillary services to the general grid, helping to maintain its stability.

All these complex processes are automatically coordinated by the energy management system (EMS). EMS directs energy flows where they are most effective, ensuring energy security, the lowest prices per kilowatt-hour, and complete control.

Component Purpose

Solar power plant (100–5000 kW) Generation of base flow with the lowest cost

BESS (100–1000 kWh) Accumulation of surpluses, peak shaving, arbitrage, reserve

Diesel/gas generator Quick start-up in case of shortage, additional reserve

Smart EMS controller Intelligent energy flow control

Smart Grid interface Network integration, dispatching, reports

Investment attractiveness: what the economy shows

When properly integrated, microgrids not only recoup the initial investment, but also generate positive cash flow for the enterprise in the form of reduced operating costs and new revenue streams.

System payback period

On average, 3–5 years, depending on the usage model

Average ROI

With the right settings — 18–22% per annum

Life cycle

10–20 years depending on equipment

Why Unisolar?

300+ MW of implemented solar power plants
Deep expertise in BESS and energy strategic solutions
In-house engineering team and full EPC cycle: from feasibility study to launch
Post-project support, service, monitoring, and system updates

Get a consultation

Ready to reduce business costs with solar energy?

Our engineers will prepare a personalized calculation, help you choose the optimal solution, and support you at every stage of implementation.

Learn more:

Watch webinar recordings on industrial and commercial microgrids

Video presentations on the technical, economic, and legal aspects of commercial and industrial microgrids. Models for operating and monetizing microgrids.

Who will find this useful:

SES owners, technical directors, financial directors, production managers

View all videos

Microgrids for businesses — autonomy and efficiency

Modern businesses require a stable and predictable power supply. That is why more and more companies are investing in microgrids (micro-grids, microgrids, micro-grids, microgrids, micro-grids). These are local energy systems that combine their own generation (solar power plants, wind turbines), storage systems (BESS), backup power sources, and an intelligent management platform — Energy Management System (EMS).

The result is a closed energy system (CES) that operates independently of the central grid and provides businesses with uninterrupted power even during peak or emergency periods.

Why microgrids are changing the rules of the game for businesses

Energy independence
Microgrids allow businesses to operate autonomously without stopping production during outages.
Cost optimization
Thanks to BESS and EMS, microgrids reduce electricity consumption from the grid during peak hours and increase the efficiency of their own generation.
Predictability and ROI
The payback period for implementing a microgrid is 3–5 years on average. Businesses gain stability and a quick return on investment.
Scalability
The system is easily adaptable — from powering a single plant to comprehensive management of multiple facilities.
Sustainability and ESG
The use of renewable energy sources in microgrids reduces the carbon footprint and increases the company’s attractiveness to investors and partners.

How a microgrid with BESS and EMS works

BESS — stores excess energy during the day and releases it in the evening or during peak loads. This reduces costs and protects production processes.
Energy Management System (EMS) — the “brain” of the microgrid. It analyzes consumption and production data, forecasts loads, and automatically distributes energy flows between generation, batteries, and consumers.
BESS — the result of integrating BESS and EMS: a closed system with a high level of reliability and controllability.

Why choose Unisolar

Expertise — over 300 MW of installed solar stations and implemented BESS solutions in our portfolio.
Full cycle — from design and energy profile calculation to commissioning and service support.
Innovation — implementation of EMS with intelligent data analysis and integration into business processes.
International experience — implementation of projects in Ukraine, Moldova, and EU countries.

A microgrid (micro-grid, microgrid, micro-network) is not only an engineering solution but also a strategic business asset. It guarantees stability, optimizes costs, and provides competitive advantages for years to come.

Contact Unisolar to learn how a microgrid with BESS and EMS can increase the efficiency and energy independence of your enterprise.

Subscribe to our news

Be the first to receive industry news, helpful tips, and special offers from the Unisolar team - everything you need to know about solar energy.

By clicking the button, you agree to the processing of personal data