Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) - DERs integrate renewable and storage for local power generation.

If the controller is the brain, then distributed energy resources (DERs) are the muscles. DERs are small, modular energy sources or storage systems that are distributed throughout a power grid. They are a fundamental departure from the massive, centralized power plants of the past. The most common types of DERs include rooftop solar panels, on-site wind turbines, combined heat and power systems, and, most importantly, battery storage.

The rise of DERs is a game-changer. By generating and storing power closer to where it's consumed, they reduce transmission losses and increase energy efficiency. They also give individual consumers and businesses the ability to generate their own power, transforming them from passive consumers into active "prosumers." The proliferation of DERs, managed by advanced controllers and software, is fundamentally changing the physics of the grid, making it more flexible, resilient, and responsive to local needs.