G&W Electric is the recipient of the “2024 Midwest Clean Energy Project Award” by the Midwest Cogeneration Association (MCA). The award, presented at MCA’s annual conference, recognizes G&W Electric's groundbreaking microgrid project for its role in driving decarbonization and enhancing grid resiliency.
G&W Electric’s microgrid project began in August of 2021, transforming the company’s Bolingbrook, Illinois, headquarters roof into one of North America's largest rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. With nearly 6,000 bi-facial solar panels installed, the grid covers more than 370,000 sq. ft., the equivalent of approximately 7.7 football fields.
The microgrid is designed to ensure the reliable power supply needed to support the company's critical operations and, ultimately, the needs of its customers. The project includes 2MW of rooftop solar, a Flow Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a total capacity of 2MW for four hours, a 1.3 MVA flywheel, and 2MW of diesel generation. This state-of-the-art system also provides sub-cycle response, ensuring continuous power during disruptions and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operational costs.
Since its activation in 2023, the microgrid has demonstrated its value by maintaining power during 13 grid outage events, preventing over $1.8 million in lost production time and materials. The integrated solar system has contributed to reducing emissions by over 1,500 tons of CO2, while the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has earned over $100,000 in grid payments within its first six months of operation. The solar energy generated not only powers the plant’s manufacturing and office operations but also supports the grid through net metering of excess generation.
