Microgrid
Combine solar, battery storage and grid connection expertise to deliver EV infrastructure without delays
How can a microgrid help?
A microgrid is an on-site energy system that combines solar generation, battery storage, and smart controls to enable EV charging with reduced reliance on the grid. VEV combines solar generation, battery storage, NERS-accredited ICP capability and VEV IQ, the intelligence behind the solution, into a single, integrated solution.
This hybrid approach allows you to:
- Reduce reliance on immediate grid capacity through on-site energy generation
- Deploy EV charging faster without waiting for full grid upgrades
- Optimise available power using battery storage and smart energy management
- Accelerate connections where needed through ICP-delivered infrastructure
Instead of waiting years for the grid to catch up, you can take control of your energy strategy and unlock EV charging at your site now.
How to overcome EV charging grid constraints in the UK
Why are EV charging grid constraints happening?
There are three key drivers:
- Limited grid capacity: Local networks were not designed for high-power EV charging demand
- Rising electricity demand: Electrification of transport, heating, and industry is accelerating faster than infrastructure upgrades
- Infrastructure bottlenecks: Grid reinforcement projects can take years to plan, approve, and deliver
Why traditional grid upgrades often fail?
Relying solely on a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) upgrade can be:
- Slow: Connection timelines can extend to 2–5 years
- Expensive: Significant upfront costs for reinforcement
- Uncertain: Capacity is not always guaranteed even after waiting
This creates a major challenge for businesses that need to deploy EV charging quickly to meet operational or regulatory targets.
How do microgrids overcome grid constraints?
Grid capacity limits and long connection delays are slowing down EV fleet electrification across the UK. The VEV solar microgrid solution combines on-site generation, battery storage, and intelligent energy management to help you deploy EV charging faster without waiting years for grid upgrades. By generating and storing energy locally, you can accelerate deployment, reduce costs, and gain greater control over your energy infrastructure. An integrated system reduces peak demand on the grid and ensures reliable charging capacity for your fleet.
And if you do need new grid connections, it’s important you work with an Independent Connection Provider who is able to manage the process from end to end, bringing you faster access to the power you need.
This hybrid approach of onsite and grid power means you are able to scale faster, reduce risk and meet your power demands.
Examples of delivering in a power constrained world
Creating a clean energy microgrid with solar and battery storage to solve power constraints
Dawsongroup vans appointed VEV to provide a full turnkey electrification solution at its largest depot in Milton Keynes.
- Deployment of 34 × 22 kW EV chargers connected to the microgrid
- Installation of a 262kWp solar PV system
- Integration of 300 kWh battery storage
- Implementation of the VEV IQ digital platform for smart charging management and intelligent load balancing of on- and off-grid power usage
34 x 22 KW
EV chargers installed and connected to the microgrid
262 kWp
Solar PV system integrated into the microgrid, supported by 300 kWh battery storage
65
Tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved annually (forecasted)
Developing the First Milence Electric HGV Charging Hub in the UK
Milence appointed VEV to manage the development of its first UK electric HGV charging hub at Immingham, Able Humber Port, serving UK and Europe.
- Installation of 400 kW DC chargers powered by a 3.6 MVA connection
- Full design including architecture, electrical and civil design
- Reduced CO₂ impact with fibre concrete
16,000m²
Strategically located charging hub site at Immingham, Able Humber Port
8 × 400 kW
High-power DC chargers in phase one, supported by a 3.6 MVA connection
32 Bays
Future-proofed design allowing expansion to serve hundreds of HGVs per day
Developing Manchester Airport Group’s Electrification Strategy
VEV applied its expertise in EV charging strategy and fleet electrification in the context of airport operations to develop a comprehensive EVCI plan for MAG. VEV’s approach combined technical expertise, operational insight, and collaborative stakeholder engagement to create a strategy that aligned with MAG’s sustainability goals while ensuring day-to-day operations could continue smoothly.
- Energy requirements at full electrification
- Half-hourly charging profiles and peak demand patterns
- Optimal charger types and numbers for each use case
65
Million passengers annual across Manchester, London, Stansted and East Midlands airports
2038
Net Zero target
20 Year
Investment plan enabling financially viable electrification
How can you avoid project delays?
VEV removes this bottleneck by combining solar generation, battery storage, and NERS-accredited ICP (Independent Connection Provider) capability into a single, integrated solution.
This hybrid approach reduces reliance on immediate grid capacity while enabling faster deployment timelines. Where additional power is required, our ICP expertise allows us to design and deliver connections more efficiently helping you energise your site sooner and scale with confidence.
Who are microgrids ideal for?
- EV fleet depots
- Logistics and warehouse facilities
- Bus and transport hubs
- Industrial and commercial sites with limited grid capacity
How can you optimise your onsite power generation?
Addressing the grid constraints in the UK as well as the long lead times in gaining new connection, VEV brings you the ultimate way to accelerate the power you have available on site. But most importantly through the use of VEV IQ to optimise your use of the power ensuring the right equipment and vehicles have the power they need when they need it.
Reduce energy spend
Put unused roof space to work and reduce dependence on imported grid electricity during peak-price periods.
Support fleet electrification
Use on-site generation and storage to help power EV charging infrastructure more efficiently.
Improve site resilience
A smarter on-site energy system can improve operational resilience and reduce exposure to grid constraints.
Accelerate infrastructure delivery
With VEV’s ICP capability, you can move faster through connection and infrastructure planning.
Book your assessment today
Contact us todayHow can VEV help?
We help customers assess rooftop solar in the context of the whole site: power demand, charging strategy, storage, controls and connection requirements. This means clearer decisions, faster mobilisation from concept through to delivery. Instead of appointing separate consultants, connection providers, charging specialists and energy contractors, you can work with VEV as your single supplier that understands how the pieces fit together commercially and operationally.
Working with VEV, you have access to end to end delivery, faster connections with VEV ICP and intelligent energy management with VEV IQ.
Rooftop Solar
Assess technical and commercial viability for warehouse roof space and on-site generation potential.
Battery Storage
Improve self-consumption, manage peak demand and create a more flexible energy system.
EV Charging Infrastructure
Align rooftop solar with depot, fleet or workplace charging plans for a stronger business case.
ICP Capability
As an Independent Connection Provider, VEV can help simplify and accelerate the route to energisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microgrid?
A microgrid is a local energy system that combines solar panels, battery storage, and smart controls to generate and manage electricity on-site, reducing reliance on the national grid.
Can I install EV charging without a grid upgrade?
In many cases, yes. A solar microgrid with battery storage can reduce peak demand on the grid, allowing EV charging to be deployed without immediate or full grid upgrades.
How does a microgrid reduce grid dependency?
By generating and storing energy locally, a microgrid reduces the amount of electricity needed from the grid—especially during peak demand periods.
What is an Independent Connection Provider (ICP)?
An ICP is an accredited provider that can design and deliver grid connections, often faster and more flexibly than traditional routes through a Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
How long does it take to deploy a solar microgrid?
Timelines vary depending on site requirements, but integrated solutions can significantly reduce delays compared to relying solely on grid upgrades.
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