As part of its Grid Modernization Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $25 million in available funding through an effort called Enabling Extreme Real-Time Grid Integration of Solar Energy (ENERGISE) to help software developers, solar companies and utilities accelerate the integration of solar energy into the grid. One of the key challenges DOE sees to further solar deployment is the ability to integrate distributed generation sources like rooftop solar panels into the grid while balancing that generation with traditional utility generation to keep reliable and cost-effective power flowing to homes and businesses. The new funding opportunity will help support companies working to meet that challenge. ENERGISE specifically seeks to develop software and hardware platforms for utility distribution system planning and operations that integrate sensing, communication, and data analytics, DOE said.
DOE release: Energy Department Announces $25 Million to Accelerate Integration of Solar Energy into Nation’s Electrical Grid