Distributed energy resources for heating and cooling demands

Distributed energy resources (DERs) include rooftop PV on individual homes and a variety of generation sources that can provide electricity to DHC systems anywhere along the DHC infrastructure, including rooftop PV and small-scale solar power plants. These distributed sources are especially suited for powering cooling loads, given the match between solar generation profiles and the timing of cooling demand, but heating loads can also be met by adding thermal storage. Net metering schemes would help accelerate the deployment of DERs.

Across all segments, the on-site generation of renewable power can reduce energy costs and peak energy demand on the grid, while increasing revenues and flexibility.