First Microgrid Tour was Huge Success
October 8th was a big day for our Microgrid
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when people gather around real, working technology and ask big questions together. Our recent
Energy IoT Microgrid Tour at Port Labs was one of those nights.
A Warm Welcome
The evening began with a relaxed gathering as music played, chairs were set, and Kyle worked his behind-the-scenes magic — setting up demos, scanning QR codes, and making sure everything ran smoothly. I walked the room, shaking hands, meeting new faces, and feeling the buzz of curiosity.
Sharing Stories and Showing the Tech
Kyle kicked things off with a lively introduction, complete with a crowd cheer (yes, that happened!). I shared slides on community microgrids from Elaine Baker, a volunteer with Energy IoT Open Source and Own Our Power, then I gave a high-level overview of the Energy IOT Open Source vision, and a live SunSpec demo that worked flawlessly thanks to some smart prep.
Then Akash took the mic to share fresh insights from his trip to Cairo, showing how this technology is making a real difference on the ground. His stories reminded everyone that microgrids aren’t abstract concepts — they’re changing lives right now.
Sunlight, Small Groups, and Good Conversations
After the presentations, we all moved outside to the microgrid itself. The weather was perfect — the late afternoon sun was warm, and small groups formed naturally. People asked thoughtful questions, dove into discussions, and explored the gizmo setup together. Even 20 minutes after the official end, about ten people were still there, talking and touring the lab.
A Community in Motion
In total, over 50 people signed up for the event, and more than 20 came in person. Many found us through Climatebase, a climate-tech career network. Several participants signed up for upcoming paid workshops, some expressed interest in mentoring, and others simply wanted to keep learning. This mix of experience levels — from technical experts to the newly curious — made for rich conversations.
Attendees shared with me that they learned so much in general about why Community Microgrids are different than other types of Microgrids, why Open Source is so critical, and they loved all the networking.
What’s Next
We’re now following up with attendees to match mentors, fill workshop slots, and continue building this open-source energy community. A special shoutout to Akash, Kyle, Arila, and the volunteers who made this event flow so smoothly.
This tour wasn’t just about showcasing a $50K microgrid. It was about igniting a movement — one that blends technology, community, and real-world impact.
If you were there, thank you for making it such a beautiful night. If you missed it, don’t worry — there will be more tours and workshops to come. Check out the list here: https://www.eiot.energy/events
