What are Distributed Energy Resources (DER)?

DER are on-site or near-site assets that generate, store, or manage electricity, including solar PV, battery storage, EV charging, and controllable loads.

Can DER provide backup power during grid outages?

Yes. When configured for backup operation and islanding, DER and microgrids can support critical loads during outages.

Distributed Energy Resources (DER)

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are transforming how electricity is generated, consumed, and managed. Smart Grid Charge designs, deploys, and operates grid-interactive DER portfolios—including EV charging, battery storage, on-site generation, and flexible loads—that reduce operating costs, increase resilience, and unlock participation in modern grid programs.

Smart Grid Charge Design Build Architecture for Distributed Energy Resources build for resiliency and reliability

Customized Renewable Energy Systems

Tailored solar, wind, and hybrid renewable energy systems designed to meet specific power needs. Achieve energy independence and reduce reliance on traditional grid power, lowering operational costs and carbon footprint.

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration

Seamless Distributed Energy Resources (DER) integration, including advanced energy storage solutions and seamless interconnection services. Our solutions ensure the efficient storage of excess energy for use during peak demand, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability. By integrating solar PV systems, we maximize clean energy generation and optimize energy usage. Our advanced monitoring and control systems provide real-time insights, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with state and utility programs.

Full Telemetry and Real-Time Monitoring

Comprehensive monitoring and control systems providing real-time data and insights into energy generation and usage. Optimize energy management and make informed decisions to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

Turnkey Design and Implementation

Full-service design, build, and implementation of DER systems, from initial planning to final deployment. Hassle-free, comprehensive solutions that ensure seamless integration and maximum performance.

Grid-Interactive Energy Assets for Cost Reduction, Resilience & Revenue

What Are Distributed Energy Resources?

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are decentralized energy assets located at or near the point of consumption rather than at large, centralized power plants. When properly designed and integrated, DERs provide flexibility to both asset owners and the electric grid.

Unlike legacy backup or standalone systems, modern DERs are digitally enabled, grid-connected, and capable of responding dynamically to pricing signals, grid conditions, and operational needs.

Who DER Is Ideal For

Commercial Property Owners • Fleet Operators • Municipalities • Utilities & Energy Providers • Real Estate Developers • Campuses & Mixed-Use Properties • Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities • Infrastructure & Energy Investors

Distributed Energy Resources vs Traditional Energy Infrastructure

Traditional energy infrastructure relies on centralized generation and one-way power flows. Distributed Energy Resources invert this model by placing flexible, controllable assets at the grid edge—closer to load and closer to value creation.

Key Differences

Traditional Infrastructure
Centralized power plants
Limited flexibility
Long upgrade cycles
Passive load consumption
Utility-owned assets

Distributed Energy Resources
Decentralized, site-level assets
Real-time responsiveness
Modular, scalable deployment
Active grid participation
Owner-controlled infrastructure

What We Do — And What We Don't

Distributed Energy Resources are not a single technology or product.
They are an infrastructure strategy that combines assets, controls, interconnection, and long-term operations. Smart Grid Charge designs DER portfolios as systems—not as isolated installations—so they remain viable as grid rules, tariffs, and markets evolve.

What We Do

Design DER portfolios that are DERMS-ready and VPP-capable from day one
Engineer for IEEE 1547-2018 interconnection compliance and utility requirements
Integrate heterogeneous assets (EV + BESS + solar + loads) as unified systems
Manage utility interconnection processes and approval workflows
Build for long-term performance, safety, and grid code evolution

What We Don't Do

Install standalone assets without grid-interactive controls or monitoring
Deploy equipment that cannot evolve with grid program requirements
Bypass utility interconnection standards or safety codes
Design systems that strand assets when markets or regulations change
Promise grid revenue without validating local program availability

Types of Distributed Energy Resources We Deploy

Smart Grid Charge enables a wide range of DER technologies designed to work together as integrated energy systems:

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Grid-optimized Level 2 and DC fast charging that supports fleet electrification, public charging, and workplace programs while managing demand and capacity constraints.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Lithium-ion battery systems that provide peak shaving, backup power, grid services, and operational flexibility for commercial and municipal sites.

On-Site Generation
Solar PV and other on-site generation assets that reduce energy procurement costs and improve resilience when coordinated with storage and load management.

Flexible Commercial Loads
Controllable building and process loads—such as HVAC, refrigeration, and industrial equipment—that can respond to grid signals when appropriate.

Why Distributed Energy Resources Matter

DERs deliver value at both the site level and the grid level.

For Asset Owners

Reduced electricity costs through peak demand management
Improved resilience during outages and grid disruptions
Lower infrastructure upgrade costs through strategic load management
New revenue opportunities through grid programs (where available)

For the Grid

Local capacity support during peak demand
Faster response to grid disturbances
Deferred transmission and distribution upgrades
Increased integration of renewable energy resources

DER Readiness Requirements

Successful DER deployment requires careful planning beyond equipment selection:

Interconnection Review: Utility hosting capacity analysis and IEEE 1547-2018 compliance
Site Electrical Infrastructure: Panel capacity, service size, and safety system evaluation
Controls & Monitoring: Communications infrastructure for DERMS integration and performance tracking
Operational Constraints: Load priorities, backup power requirements, and safety interlocks
Regulatory & Incentive Alignment: Local codes, utility programs, and incentive eligibility

Smart Grid Charge evaluates these requirements during feasibility to prevent costly redesigns.

Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure

Battery Energy Storage Systems

DER + DERMS + VPP (How It All Connects)

Distributed Energy Resources create the physical foundation but value is unlocked through orchestration.

DER = the assets (EV chargers, batteries, generation, loads)
DERMS = the control and optimization layer
VPP = the market and grid services layer

Smart Grid Charge designs DER portfolios that are DERMS-ready and VPP-capable from day one, avoiding costly retrofits and stranded assets.

The DER Lifecycle

Distributed Energy Resources must perform across decades—not just at commissioning. Smart Grid Charge supports DER portfolios through the full lifecycle:

Plan: Feasibility, siting, and regulatory alignment
Build: Engineering, interconnection, and commissioning
Operate: Monitoring, optimization, and compliance
Evolve: Expansion, DERMS integration, and VPP participation

This lifecycle approach prevents stranded assets and ensures DER portfolios remain economically and operationally relevant.

Common DER Use Cases

Commercial & Industrial Facilities
Reduce peak demand charges, stabilize power quality, and maintain operations during outages.

Fleet & Transportation Hubs
Support EV fleet charging while avoiding costly service upgrades and managing coincident demand.

Multi-Family & Mixed-Use Properties
Enable tenant EV charging, shared energy infrastructure, and future grid participation.

Municipal & Public Infrastructure
Support resilience, climate action plans, and participation in utility or state programs.

Campuses & Portfolios
Coordinate DER assets across multiple buildings or sites for portfolio-level optimization.

DER Design Principles

Smart Grid Charge applies a grid-first approach to DER deployment:

Interconnection compliance (IEEE 1547-2018)
Utility tariff and rate optimization
Open standards and interoperability
Safety and lifecycle performance focus
Future participation in grid programs

We design DER systems to perform under real grid constraints, not theoretical models.

Our DER Services

1) Feasibility & Asset Planning
Load and usage analysis • Hosting capacity and interconnection review • DER sizing and configuration

2) System Design & Integration
Electrical and controls architecture • Coordination across EV, storage, and generation • DERMS readiness planning

3) Deployment & Commissioning
Utility coordination and approvals • Safety testing and commissioning • Performance validation

4) Operations & Optimization
Ongoing monitoring and performance analysis • Expansion planning as portfolios grow • Preparation for DERMS and VPP participation

Measurement, Verification & Asset Performance

Long-term DER value depends on verified performance and operational transparency:

Baseline Establishment: Pre-deployment consumption patterns for savings verification
Performance Monitoring: Real-time tracking of generation, consumption, and grid interactions
Compliance Reporting: Documentation for utility programs, incentives, and regulatory requirements
Expansion Planning: Data-driven recommendations for portfolio growth and optimization

Why Smart Grid Charge

Smart Grid Charge approaches DER as infrastructure, not equipment.

Our Differentiation:

Deep understanding of grid constraints and utility processes
Integrated EV, BESS, DERMS, and VPP expertise
Engineering-led design and deployment
Focus on long-term performance and compliance

We build DER systems that are designed to evolve as markets, technology, and regulations change.

Regional Coverage

We support DER design, deployment, and operations across: NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, CA, TX, FL, CO, and GA. Interconnection requirements, utility programs, and incentive availability vary by location and are validated during assessment.

Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems

Virtual Power Plant Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About DER

Are DER only for renewable energy projects?
No. While DER often includes solar and storage, EV charging, flexible loads, and batteries alone can qualify as DER depending on the use case and grid program.

Do DER require utility approval?
Most grid-connected DER require utility interconnection review. We manage this process and design systems to meet utility requirements.

Can DER operate independently during outages?
When paired with storage and appropriate controls, DER can support islanded or backup operation depending on system design.

How do DER generate revenue?
Revenue opportunities depend on location and asset type and may include demand response incentives, capacity payments, and avoided energy costs where programs allow.