The Future of Microgrids: Coming to a Neighborhood Near You [From the Editor]

The guest editors of this issue, Ralph Masiello and Mani Venkata, have titled their guest editorial "Microgrids: There May Be One in Your Future." Their answer is a resounding yes, and the articles they are introducing offer proof of this conclusion. After citing multiple reasons for reaching that conclusion, they offer "there is enough activity in the microgrid world today that multiple market research studies are touting billions of dollars of microgrid business in the next few years." That claim will be backed by the information contained in the seven feature articles that cover the theme of our issue. An overview of the technical articles and features presented in this issue is then given. Next, predictions regarding increased solar activity in the foreseeable future abound this year are briefly discussed along with the upcoming IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) elections.