Distributed energy systems: A review of classification, technologies, applications, and policies

The sustainable energy transition taking place in the 21st century requires a major revamping of the energy sector. Improvements are required not only in terms of the resources and technologies used for power generation but also in the transmission and distribution system. Distributed generation offers efficiency, flexibility, and economy, and is thus regarded as an integral part of a sustainable energy future. It is estimated that since 2010, over 180 million off-grid solar systems have been installed including 30 million solar home systems. The article concludes that support policies play a critical role in the promotion of DES. Since 2010, the number of countries with distributed generation policies has increased by almost 100%. This article presents a thorough analysis of distributed energy systems (DES) with regard to the fundamental characteristics of these systems, as well as their categorization, application, and regulation. It outlines and highlights the key characteristics of the energy technologies that are currently in use for distributed generation. Furthermore, significant aspects of a variety of DES projects from across the globe are discussed and analyzed to formulate a globalized visualization of DES technologies their challenges, potential solution, and policies.