GenPro Energy Development has completed the construction of a microgrid powered by solar energy and energy storage for CS Precision Manufacturing in Green, Nebraska. This solar microgrid is the first of its kind in the state, powered by 1560 550 watt solar modules and three BYD Chess 120 kilowatt energy storage units.

A few years ago, CS Precision Manufacturing began to see solar energy as a viable option to subsidize energy consumption, "said CEO Scott James. We quickly realized that the many benefits of solar energy go far beyond financial aspects. Environmental benefits, partial energy independence, stable energy costs, and community responsibility were the key factors driving our decision to implement a solar farm. Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that does not emit any greenhouse gases. By reducing our dependence on traditional energy sources, we will minimize our carbon footprint and help address climate change to the greatest extent possible

Before converting the facility to solar energy, CS Precision hired GenPro Energy to conduct a feasibility study.

When we launched the project in 2020, the interval data provided by the utilities was very limited, "said Molly Brown, who led the development of GenPro. We have installed data loggers at every utility service and collected 1-minute interval data for a whole year

After collecting and uploading interval data for analysis, other technical issues need to be addressed. This facility has four different types of power services. GenPro has partnered with Gering's power company and its wholesale supplier, the Nebraska Municipal Energy Authority, to reconfigure the interconnection between the facility and the distribution network. The design of microgrids can store energy and use it when demand increases, thereby offsetting peak usage times. Compared to fossil fuels, solar energy provides a more stable cost structure.