By Tom Eyford, Oracle global industry specialist, utility operations solutions

The growing use of electric vehicles and solar panels is propelling the trend of distributed energy resources (DERs), since—quite literally—these distributed assets require energy to be distributed to them.

These uses are driving innovation with DERs and reducing costs. Win win. They are simultaneously increasing more users’ accessibility to renewable energy technologies.

A quick glance in a parking garage will tell you everything you need to know about the popularity of electric vehicles. (Perhaps you own one yourself.) Same goes for rooftop solar panels in many neighborhoods. And solar generation is a primary component of many manufacturers’ energy-generation portfolios due to its low operating costs. As panels become more efficient and inverter technology improves, this trend will continue to accelerate.

The DERs that enable EVs and solar panels boost sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse-gas emissions, and promoting cleaner energy sources. They enhance resiliency by diversifying energy sources, minimizing disruptions, and providing backup power during outages. 

Freestanding, these benefits are appealing. Aggregated, they make a strong argument for adopting the DER strategy. Like all disruptive programs, there is natural reluctance to make these substantial changes. It’s not necessarily easy. It can be confusing. There are legitimate fears of runaway costs. And there is always the “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality.

We get it. Those are legitimate concerns. But if these inhibitions can be overcome, tremendous gains can be realized with distributed energy resources by both utilities and the customers driving those electric vehicles and pulling power from that big fireball in the sky.

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