Technology Development
Bill Kramer, Principal Investigator, left, and Sudipta Chakraborty, Lead Researcher, discuss a modification for the 50 kW Modular Power Block that can help move renewable energy on and off the grid.
Photo by Connie Komomua, NREL
NREL develops modular interconnection technology that can provide reasonably priced interconnection and improved functionality for energy management and grid support. Work in this area also includes the development of advanced control and monitoring technologies and operational concepts to enhance the integration of distributed energy resources with the electric grid.
If distributed resources are to achieve their full potential, they must be interconnected with the electric power system. However, interconnection technologies are often site-, technology-, and utility-specific. As a result, interconnection is frequently expensive and time-consuming. Through technology development research, NREL works collaboratively with industry and stakeholders to address these challenges.
Learn about NREL's current technology development projects:
