A microgrid is a small-scale power grid that can operate independently or in conjunction with the area’s main electrical grid. Microgrids operate by collecting energy and storing it in a solar battery ready for use at any time. As the saying goes, old habits die hard, but at this point it seems pretty clear where we are all headed – toward a smart, computer-controlled grid – with distributed (mostly) clean power generation – and with numerous, often independently owned, power generation sources from wind farms, large and small arrays of solar panels, and, where feasible, hydroelectric power stations.