Name
Benefits of an Off-grid Microgrid-enabled Community
Date & Time
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Steve Pullins Heidi Poscher Missy Stults
Description

Microgrids are enabling energy resilience and sustainability in the multifamily buildings sector. SouthTown in Ann Arbor supports this point. Construction started in March 2024. This project is an eight-story mass-timber multifamily residence with commercial space and an internal garage with EV charging for all spaces. The power to the site is from a microgrid with fuel cells, solar PV, and energy storage. The non-combustion resources supply power, heating, and cooling alongside a geothermal heat pump system. There is no electric utility connection to the site. The primary objectives of this low-to-middle income residence are (1) to provide a safe place to shelter-in-place when the grid fails in the deep of winter, and (2) provide a net zero GHG emission-free lifestyle. This panel will describe the residential site, microgrid, fit to the city’s sustainability goals, and benefits and challenges of going off-grid.

Session Type
Panel Session