Microgrid-as-a-Service (MaaS) is a service-based model in which a specialized provider designs, finances, owns, and operates an on-site microgrid, while the customer pays only for delivered energy services. This approach eliminates upfront capital requirements and shifts technical and operational risk away from the user, enabling access to resilient, low-carbon and cost-stable power without investing in complex infrastructure. 

Unlike traditional microgrid projects, where customers must coordinate design, permitting and operation across multiple distributed assets, MaaS consolidates all responsibilities into a long-term service contract. Providers deliver a complete system that may include solar PV, battery storage, flexible loads, EV charging infrastructure and backup generation, managed through a unified digital control platform. The model reduces financial and engineering barriers while ensuring consistent performance standards and predictable operating costs. 

Through integrated forecasting, optimization and remote supervision, MaaS enables improved resilience during outages, reduced exposure to price volatility and higher utilization of on-site renewable resources. Modular deployment allows assets to be added over time – such as expanding storage or electrification infrastructure – without redesigning the overarching microgrid architecture.1,2 

Main outcomes of the solution 

• Reliability & Flexibility: Digitally controlled, site-level DERs that support accurate forecasting, automated scheduling and flexible load coordination. These capabilities improve local balancing, limit peak demand and reduce the operational burden on upstream networks. 
• System Resilience: Distributed assets – such as storage, backup generation and islanding controls – that maintain power during grid disturbances and support recovery from weather-related events or local outages. 
• Sustainability: Accelerates renewable integration by combining PV, storage and intelligent load management in a coordinated system. This increases local consumption of clean energy, reduces emissions and improves resource efficiency at grid-edge locations. 

Key deployment and scaling factors 

1. Conduct a holistic site assessment to determine the optimal mix of generation, storage and flexible loads aligned with cost, resilience and decarbonization goals. 
2. Implement unified digital controls that coordinate forecasting, optimization and asset-level operation across all DERs and support real-time supervision. 
3. Use modular infrastructure to expand renewable, storage, EV charging or backup capacity without redesigning existing systems. 
4. Establish clear performance guarantees and service-level metrics—such as uptime, emissions reduction and resilience outcomes – to underpin long-term contracts. 
5. Maintain continuous monitoring and data-governance processes to ensure safe operation, lifecycle optimization and transparent reporting to customers and regulators. 

Case Study 

Schneider Electric (2017)​, Global 

In 2017, Schneider Electric launched a Microgrid-as-a-Service model in the United States – later formalized through the Alphastruxure joint venture – to deploy on-site microgrids that can operate both grid-connected and in island mode. The model integrates distributed energy resources, allowing sites to generate electricity on-site, store it in batteries and manage EV charging alongside other flexible loads. The system is operated through Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure suite, which provides forecasting and optimization of on-site resources, real-time power management, SCADA interoperability and certified islanding capability. 

Montgomery County, Maryland adopted this model for transit electrification and resilience needs. Its Brookville bus depot includes a 6.5 MW microgrid with 1.6 MW solar, 3 MW battery storage and charging infrastructure for 70 electric buses. The facility maintains operations during grid disturbances and is projected to avoid around 160,000 tons of CO₂ over its lifetime. A dedicated operations center provides continuous monitoring and optimization.3 

Microgrids of this type now support airports, municipal campuses, military facilities, remote communities, nature preserves, and commercial sites, providing resilience and optimized energy management using onsite PV, batteries, and backup generation.  

Similar MaaS deployments now support airports, municipal campuses, military facilities, commercial sites and remote communities, using combinations of on-site PV, storage and backup resources. In Europe, Schneider Electric’s recent partnership with GreenYellow applies the service model to municipal and mid-sized commercial sites, enabling modular deployments without customer capital expenditure.4 

References: 

1. World Energy Outlook 2024 I IEA (2024)
2. The charge for change: Powering distribution businesses for the energy transition | Accenture (2021) 
3. Brookville Bus Depot Drives Sustainability | Schneider Electric 
4. Information provided to World Economic Forum I Schneider Electric (June 2025)