What is a Microgrid?
A good question to get started with! A microgrid is a miniature utility grid that can provide power to its residents, even if the larger grid goes down due to power outages or unforeseen circumstances. The Brooklyn Microgrid combines this function with the idea of a communal energy network, composed entirely of local, clean energy.
I have an Apple Device - how do I download the app?
First things first, you’ll need to make sure your device can support the requirements of the application. The app requires a minimum of iOS firmware 7.0 installed. In terms of devices, you’ll need a minimum of an iPhone 5, iPad Mini 2, iPad 3, iPad Air, or iPod 6, or more recent iterations of each to be able to run the application.
Ready to go? Great! Tap on this link while on your device to go straight to the App Page, and tap “Get” to begin the download:
If you’re on your desktop or laptop, you can still go ahead and click the link to download the app, ready for when you want to move it to your device. Don’t forget, you can always search for “Brooklyn Microgrid” by tapping “Search” in the bottom right hand corner of the screen when you have the App Store open on device. If you’re having trouble, please check out our community at www.facebook.com/brooklynmicrogrid as your peers may have the answer you’re looking for, or reach out to support@brooklynmicrogrid.com!
I have an Android Device - how do I download the app?
First things first, you’ll need to make sure your device can support the requirements of the application. The app requires a minimum of firmware Jellybean 4.3 installed in order to run it.
Ready to go? Great! Tap on this link while on your device to go straight to the Play Store App Page, and tap “Install” to begin the download.
If you’re on your desktop or laptop, you can still go ahead and click the link to download the app, ready for when you want to move it to your device. Don’t forget, you can always search for “Brooklyn Microgrid” within the Google Play Store on your device. If you’re having trouble, please check out our community at www.facebook.com/brooklynmicrogrid as your peers may have the answer you’re looking for, or reach out to support@brooklynmicrogrid.com!
How do I create a Brooklyn Microgrid account?
So you’ve downloaded the app and want to get started on trying out some of the features, right? Let us guide you through a quick registration step by step, to get you on your way!
-
Tap the app on your device to open up the first menu, where you’ll see the message “Welcome to Brooklyn Microgrid!”
-
Go ahead and tap on “Join Brooklyn Microgrid”.
-
Tap on “email” and input the email you would like to have associated with your Account. This will act as your username.
-
Tap on “password” and type in a secure password that is at least 8 characters in length. Whilst we do encrypt the details you provide, it is always recommended you use a combination of capitals and lowercase letters, as well as numbers to form your password. Make sure you don’t share it with anyone else and that is unique to your Brooklyn Microgrid account!
-
Tap “confirm password” and re-enter your password.
-
Tap on “Enter” when are ready to go!
-
You should now be taken to the Map Overview screen of the app.
-
This the standard level of registration needed to use the app. But we strongly recommend taking it to the next level! To register as a “Prosumer”, you can do so by tapping on the icon in the bottom left hand corner of the screen, when on the map overview screen:
-
Tap “Register” on the Energy Dashboard pop up screen.
-
Answer whether or not you currently own solar panels by tapping either “Yes” or “No”.
-
You’re now taken to the “Your Account” screen. Go ahead and fill in the details needed for “Full Name”, “Phone”, “Street”, and “Zip Code.” If you have any concerns regarding the safety and use of your private information, please review our Privacy Policy.
-
Tap “Continue” when are happy with the information you have input.
-
On the next screen, “Your Utility”, you can input you the name of your utility provider and your utility account number, if you wish. Doing so will allow us to show you the last 12 months of your energy usage. This step is not mandatory so you can “Continue” with or without inputting that information.
-
We’d like to know how we found you! On this screen, we would love if you could let us know where you heard about the Brooklyn Microgrid. You can tap more than one option then hit continue when you’re ready. You don’t have to complete this step but we’d really appreciate it if you did!
-
On this final screen, you have the option to subscribe to our newsletter as well as finding out more about our future projects! Tap on either or both if you want this information, otherwise tap “Let’s Go!” to complete the registration process.
You now have access to the Energy Dashboard!
If you want to view your profile, including the information you’ve provided, go ahead and tap on the silhouette in the top right hand corner of the screen. If you want to edit any of the information you’ve provided, tap on the cog icon on the far right to access your settings. If you’d prefer to reach out to use to manage your profile, please email support@brooklynmicrogrid.com. Remember, we will never ask you for your password!
What does the app allow me to do?
The BMG app features a map which you can use to pinpoint locations with existing solar panels and/or potential future solar rooftop sites. For example, if your neighbor Bob has existing solar panels, you can upvote Bob’s rooftop with a simple finger tap, signaling to the world that Bob is pumping out green energy for himself and the community. You’ll also be able to mark sites that have potential for housing solar panels; including schools, hospitals, archery ranges and fencing schools.
How do I upvote a rooftop?
To upvote a potential solar site in your neighborhood, go to Map in the BMG app and find that location. If your desired location already has a yellow pinpoint, then click the pinpoint and add your vote to that site. If there is no pinpoint already on the map, locate your desired location by entering a zipcode and/or address, and begin upvoting!
Do I need a meter to use the app?
No, anyone can use the app.
Is there a fee to sign up?
Brooklyn Microgrid App is completely free, our platform is designed to be participatory and include the entire community from all different walks of life. Although we have a transactive portion of the app that will include any “in app purchases”, we still allow members to upvote, map existing solar and eventually, monitor what other potential energy choices that may interest them at no cost.
When can I sell my energy?
We are currently testing the marketplace to optimize performance and include the input of every participant for determining what is the local price for Brooklyn-produced clean energy.
If you don’t add any additional wiring how do you control where the electrons flow from the buildings?
We have developed a virtual energy market on top of the existing infrastructure where our hardware accounts for what electrons are being produced and what is being consumed. Therefore we can understand what kWh amount needs to be credited and debited on your existing service based on how much you produce and how much your home or business consumes.
If you need further support, feel free to reach out to us by phone or email.
347.790.1016
