> "microgrid also eases the burden on the local utility, because it can disconnect from the larger grid during a period of overload". (Either the microgrid doesn't have enough power or has too much; either way it'd be better to share its resources, no?)
Maybe, but probably not. The microgrid is often much more expensive than the regular grid, and provides noisy power that the grid doesn't want. Think diesel generators. Getting those power sources to sync up with the grid is tricky and adds much higher costs to equipment that most places don't need.
Some utilities will give you a discount on your power if a few times on their busiest days you agree to disconnect from the main grid and run your backup. These are days when power is most expensive for everyone (the grid is running their more expensive power sources), so that the microgrid is also using expensive power balances out. It is generally only considered worth doing this if you already are thinking about having a microgrid that can work when the local power goes out. However if you are already thinking about installing such a system you can save a lot of money by being able to separate from the regular grid on demand - but it isn't enough to pay for the install and maintenance costs of the microgrid.
Now if your microgrid is solar you provide clean power that is easy to sync up with the rest of the grid. To make solar work as a micro grid requires expensive batteries (which need to be maintained and replaced correctly). So for solar installs connecting to the grid makes sense if you can as it is cheaper. Even if you do want the microgrid for power outages, you can get by on a much cheaper system if you don't buy a system large enough to handle your worst case usage (which is a long sequence of cloudy days in winter)
Maybe, but probably not. The microgrid is often much more expensive than the regular grid, and provides noisy power that the grid doesn't want. Think diesel generators. Getting those power sources to sync up with the grid is tricky and adds much higher costs to equipment that most places don't need.
Some utilities will give you a discount on your power if a few times on their busiest days you agree to disconnect from the main grid and run your backup. These are days when power is most expensive for everyone (the grid is running their more expensive power sources), so that the microgrid is also using expensive power balances out. It is generally only considered worth doing this if you already are thinking about having a microgrid that can work when the local power goes out. However if you are already thinking about installing such a system you can save a lot of money by being able to separate from the regular grid on demand - but it isn't enough to pay for the install and maintenance costs of the microgrid.
Now if your microgrid is solar you provide clean power that is easy to sync up with the rest of the grid. To make solar work as a micro grid requires expensive batteries (which need to be maintained and replaced correctly). So for solar installs connecting to the grid makes sense if you can as it is cheaper. Even if you do want the microgrid for power outages, you can get by on a much cheaper system if you don't buy a system large enough to handle your worst case usage (which is a long sequence of cloudy days in winter)