Traditional grid vs microgrid consumption
TRADITIONAL GRID
High cost of last-mile installation
Consumer pays for option of getting electricity, and a modest amount for incremental consumption
Generation charges cover both fixed and variable costs
More diversity. Can handle incremental load
Can spread cost of unit out across
MICROGRID
Energy generation more expensive (because of limited diversity factor and need for reliability)
If solar, no fuel costs, so consumer averages fixed costs into expected consumption
Last-mile installation, operation & maintenance costs similar to traditional grid
Has less headroom to negotiate increased consumption load
Charged per unit