Solving the DER Integration Puzzle for a Resilient, Flexible Grid

In the world of energy, the dream is clear: a smart, flexible grid where every battery, EV charger, and smart thermostat works together seamlessly. But behind this vision lies a challenge that energy providers, DER aggregators, and device manufacturers know all too well—the complexity of integrating a growing array of devices in a way that doesn’t break the bank, demand extensive coding, or require endless troubleshooting.

Imagine a symphony orchestra, where every instrument represents a different energy device. But instead of following a unified score, each “instrument” operates with its own set of rules, protocols, and timing. Batteries require precise control and monitoring to manage charge cycles and ensure safe, efficient operation; EV chargers, though largely standardized with OCPP, often have differing API structures and configurations depending on the manufacturer; and HVAC systems frequently rely on proprietary protocols or unique configurations. Integrating them into one smooth, responsive system is like trying to get a jazz band, a rock group, and a classical orchestra to play together in perfect harmony—all at the same time.

For DER aggregators and utilities, the problem is not just device complexity. There’s the added need for cloud infrastructure capable of managing diverse data structures, supporting load flexibility, and adjusting to grid demand on the fly. This requires a communication and control platform that can handle the nuances of each device while responding to real-time grid needs. Without an integration solution that accommodates these demands, grid flexibility—one of the most promising tools for a resilient energy future—remains a distant goal.

The Integration Challenge: Diverse Protocols, Limited Access, and a Lack of Flexibility  

Every device in a distributed energy resource (DER) network has its own protocol and set of communication requirements. Here are a few of the integration challenges energy providers face:

• Different Communication Protocols: Devices like batteries, EV chargers, and HVAC systems use protocols such as Modbus, OCPP, and proprietary APIs. Creating a network where each device communicates seamlessly is complex and resource-intensive.
• Limited Cloud Infrastructure: Most DERs lack the infrastructure to support real-time device monitoring and control, which is essential for dynamic retail pricing and load flexibility.
• Restricted Market Access for Manufacturers: Even when devices are compatible, many manufacturers struggle to access VPP markets directly due to the diverse API integration requirements across DERMS and VPP platforms, leaving valuable resources untapped.
• Managing Multiple Devices Behind a Meter: As energy systems move toward dynamic energy pricing, the need to orchestrate multiple devices—such as batteries, EV chargers, and HVAC systems—behind a single energy meter becomes essential for whole-home or whole-building energy management. This orchestration ensures devices work together, maximizing grid support and maintaining a positive customer experience.

These challenges leave aggregators, DERMS, and utilities in a bind, often forced to work only with large device manufacturers who hold significant market share simply because they lack the resources to integrate with smaller players and new classes of DERs. This limitation becomes even more daunting in the commercial sector, where no single manufacturer dominates the field. As a result, building a diverse and responsive network of DERs becomes an uphill battle, with one-off integration strategies that are neither scalable nor adaptable. The complexity and scale of today’s energy demands call for a more flexible, inclusive approach—one that enables seamless integration across a variety of manufacturers, regardless of size. Without this, the full potential of DERs remains out of reach, and the goal of a truly resilient, flexible grid slips further away.

Enrolling Customers, Not Just Devices  

A flexible, resilient energy grid requires more than just connecting devices—it requires engaging customers as active participants. Enrolling customers rather than only their devices allows them to decide how their distributed energy resources (DERs) will interact with the grid. This level of control is essential for creating a positive customer experience, especially as dynamic pricing models and demand response programs become more prevalent.

Allowing customers to set preferences for each DER—whether it’s a battery, EV charger, or HVAC system—ensures they can prioritize comfort, cost savings, or sustainability goals. By tailoring energy use to their needs, customers are more likely to participate in programs that benefit the broader grid. This approach maximizes flexibility, as aggregated DERs can adapt based on individual customer settings, responding effectively to grid demands while respecting customer preferences.

Empowering customers to control how their DERs contribute to grid stability is a powerful tool for utilities and aggregators, fostering customer loyalty while enhancing grid resilience.

Introducing MosFusion: Simplifying Scalable DER Management

Molecule Systems developed MosFusion to solve the core challenges of integrating and managing diverse energy resources at scale. MosFusion isn’t just a tool for connecting devices—it’s a comprehensive solution that combines seamless integration with robust energy management, unifying DERs like batteries, EV chargers, and other assets under one platform.

By normalizing data and bridging communication protocols, MosFusion eliminates the complexity of connecting and controlling various devices, allowing energy operators to efficiently manage large, distributed networks. This streamlined approach enables a scalable, reliable path to effective DER management, empowering operators to harness the full potential of their energy assets.

Key Features of MosFusion

• No-Code Integration: MosFusion enables rapid Modbus or API device integration in under 30 minutes through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface—no specialized coding or costly customizations required. This quick setup allows you to focus on operations, not technical hurdles, and in commercial settings, unlocks integration for otherwise stranded legacy flexible loads.
• Multi-Protocol Support: MosFusion seamlessly connects diverse devices by normalizing data across multiple protocols, including Modbus, API, and OCPP. This ensures that all devices communicate effectively within a single, unified platform, regardless of manufacturer or protocol differences.
• Full Read/Write Control & Automation: With robust control and automated orchestration capabilities, MosFusion provides real-time responsiveness to grid changes, achieving a level of flexibility that many traditional DERMS systems lack.
• Whole-Building Device Orchestration: MosFusion enables coordinated control of multiple devices behind a single meter, facilitating comprehensive energy management for entire buildings or homes. This is particularly valuable for dynamic pricing, where synchronized device control supports the grid while optimizing customer comfort and cost-efficiency.
• Customer-Driven Participation: MosFusion empowers customers to set preferences for each of their DERs, allowing them to control how devices like batteries, EV chargers, and HVAC systems participate in grid programs. This customer engagement feature enhances flexibility, providing a tailored energy experience that aligns with individual goals—whether cost savings, comfort, or sustainability—while maximizing support for grid stability.
• Integrated Grid Participation: Once devices are integrated, they become part of Molecule’s ecosystem, ready to support peak load management, demand response, and grid stability. This means devices aren’t just connected—they’re dynamically responsive to real-time signals, market demands, and specific grid needs, enhancing both resilience and efficiency across energy networks.

MosFusion combines ease of integration with powerful control, setting a new standard for DER management at scale.

Expanding Market Access for Device Manufacturers  

With MosVPP, Molecule provides device manufacturers a single integration point to unlock access to any energy market. Instead of navigating market-specific complexities or risking missed opportunities, manufacturers can connect once and be ready for VPP revenue, demand response, and emerging incentives.

As markets evolve to require real-time responses to dynamic pricing, MosFusion ensures manufacturers stay ahead—capturing today’s opportunities and seamlessly adapting to tomorrow’s, all without repeated integrations.

This shift is already happening. For example, PG&E recently launched its Hourly Flex Pricing plan, offering real-time price adjustments based on demand and grid conditions. This plan allows customers to benefit from lower rates during off-peak hours but requires them to respond to higher prices at peak times. This type of dynamic pricing model highlights the need for integrated solutions like MosFusion that can manage multiple devices across a home or business, ensuring that energy use adapts in real time to changing rates—without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

Unlocking a New Era of Grid Flexibility with MosFusion  

For utilities, aggregators, and existing DERMS platforms, MosFusion offers more than just integration—it’s an infrastructure-as-a-service solution that empowers you to expand your current capabilities at unprecedented speed. With MosFusion, you gain the flexibility to integrate any DER device, bridging diverse protocols and enabling seamless communication across your entire energy ecosystem.

MosFusion doesn’t replace your existing systems; it enhances them, enabling real-time control, orchestrated responses, and true interoperability across all your assets. By simplifying complex integrations and unifying device management, MosFusion transforms diverse energy resources into a cohesive, dynamic force, ready to respond to the demands of today’s grid and adapt to the energy market’s future needs.

For energy professionals looking to break down integration barriers and scale their systems with ease, MosFusion is the key to unlocking the full potential of DERs. Are you ready to elevate your grid flexibility and resilience?