Scaling microgrids has long been a sticking point in the clean energy conversation—custom-built and complex, they’ve traditionally defied mass deployment. But what if microgrids could be treated as products rather than projects?
In this episode of the Energy Changemakers Podcast, host Elisa Wood sits down with Alok Singhania, Senior Partner at Gridscape, to explore how standardizing microgrids can reshape the energy landscape. Alok unpacks Gridscape’s innovative approach to making microgrids modular, scalable, and manufacturable, like any other piece of equipment. Together, they examine regulatory roadblocks, federal policy uncertainty, and the educational gaps holding back market adoption.
From tribal installations to community colleges, Alok shares real-world examples of Gridscape’s work, outlining a clear path to making microgrids central to a decentralized, resilient, and equitable grid of the future.
Why most microgrids are stuck in a “custom project” loop
Gridscape’s approach to productizing microgrids for scale
How permitting delays and lack of public understanding slow adoption
Why a decentralized grid is critical for resilience and cost savings
The impact of utility policy and the “over-the-fence rule”
How community microgrids could become the future of energy infrastructure
Real-world examples from fire stations, tribal lands, and college campuses
Insights on federal tax incentives, tariffs, and future-proofing the industry
Alok Singhania is a senior partner at Gridscape, a microgrid technology and project development company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a background in both technology and entrepreneurship, Alok has been instrumental in transforming microgrid systems from custom installations into scalable, modular energy solutions. His work supports communities, critical infrastructure, and institutions in their journey toward energy independence and grid resilience.
U.S. Investment Tax Credit (ITC) overview: energy.gov
San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians Microgrid Case Study
Shabo College Microgrid Project
Fremont Fire Station CEC Microgrid Project
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