Distributed energy resources (DERs) explained | Eaton PSEC

Distributed energy resources (DERs) are small-scale energy generation units situated on the consumer’s side of the meter. DERs include solar panels, wind turbines, UPSs, battery energy storage systems, generators, and even EVs that can all be interconnected to the electrical grid. Typically, DERs are located at or close to electrical loads and owned by electrical consumers as opposed to the utility.

Nate Carnovale, EnergyAware Products Lead Engineer, explains all this in detail along with reasons for electricity consumers to install DERs which include resiliency, efficiency, and sustainability benefits.

Expanding on the efficiency benefit, Nate discusses how grid programs allow distributed energy resource owners to generate revenue from their energy resources.

Finally, as the power grid evolves to account for the electrification of everything, the addition of DERs adds complexity and risks. To account for that, safety codes and standards are being updated and added. Nate explains a few of these such as IEEE Standard 1547, IEEE 2030 series, UL 1741, and interconnect agreements. The objective of codes and standards is to safeguard physical and cyber security of systems along with operator and power system safety.

Thank you for watching one of our many educational videos on the topic of power systems. Schedule a visit to one of Eaton's Power Systems Experience Centers in either Pittsburgh or Houston to learn more!

Chapters
00:00
01:03 Intro
02:41 What are distributed energy resources
05:14 Benefits of adding DERs
07:21 Financial benefits of DERs
11:22 DER grid programs
12:47 DER safety codes and standards

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[geoffreytacher]

Great Video! Very informative and fun. Now get back to work, these lights aren't going to light themselves!