Xendee FAQ
Explore answers to common questions about Xendee, the award-winning platform for microgrid and DER optimization.
Microgrid GlossaryAbout Xendee
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What is Xendee?
Xendee is an integrated software platform for microgrid and distributed energy resource (DER) design, optimization, and operation. It combines financial modeling, AI-driven optimization and multi-node capabilities to support organizations in developing resilient, cost-effective, and low-carbon energy systems.
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Who uses Xendee?
Utilities, energy developers, engineering firms, government agencies, data center operators, consultants, OEM's, and universities use Xendee to design, analyze, and optimize microgrids and EV charging infrastructure.
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What is a microgrid and how does it differ from a traditional grid?
A microgrid is a localized energy system that can operate independently or alongside the main utility grid. Unlike a traditional grid, it integrates distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV, batteries, and generators to provide local reliability, energy savings, and resilience.
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What problems does Xendee solve?
Xendee helps distributed energy project owners and stakeholders reduce project risk, shorten design timelines, and identify the most economical and sustainable system configuration by uniting techno-economic analysis and AI optimization in one workflow.
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How is Xendee different from other microgrid design tools?
Unlike point-solution tools or spreadsheets, Xendee integrates all stages of the project lifecycle from site analysis, to detailed technical design, financial optimization, and finally live operation in a single platform with built-in support for multi-year and multi-node projects. Xendee is also constantly expanding our catalog of DER technologies and publishing research on new techniques and modeling strategies.
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What are the benefits of an integrated design and operation platform?
Xendee's integrated platform helps optimize microgrid performance by using the same algorithm from site selection to live operation to generate reliable results that predictably meet financial goals. Xendee also streamlines design workflows and allows seamless project sharing between business development representatives, engineers, and financiers.
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How accurate are Xendee’s optimization results?
Xendee uses Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) to co-optimize investment and operation, validated against more than 200 peer-reviewed research and industry benchmarks. Accuracy depends primarily on input data quality. In the last 5 years alone the team has covered more than 92 thousand Microgrid and DER design scenarios for more than 600 organization, which have been scrutinized by each organization.
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Where can I learn more about how Xendee works?
You can explore our Microgrid 101/201 Video Series, detailed documentation, and recorded webinars available in the Resource Library at xendee.com/resources.
Platform Capabilities
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What is Xendee’s AI Optimization Engine?
Xendee’s AI optimization engine applies mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and generative optimization to rapidly find optimal system configurations and operation strategies that minimize cost, emissions, or maximize resilience.
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Does Xendee support multi-site or multi-node systems?
Yes. The multi-node microgrid capability models multiple interconnected energy nodes with shared generation, storage, and distribution infrastructure to analyze community-scale or campus-scale systems.
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Can Xendee model EV charging stations?
Yes. Xendee can model EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) loads and optimize them alongside generation and energy storage to determine the lowest-cost charging strategy or demand response schedule.
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How does Xendee handle thermal technologies?
The platform includes modeling for combined heat and power (CHP), thermal storage, chillers, and waste heat recovery systems to optimize both electric and thermal energy flows.
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Can Xendee model hydrogen systems?
Yes. Xendee models hydrogen electrolyzers and fuel cells as controllable components for energy generation, storage, and conversion, supporting hybrid energy systems and long-duration storage studies.
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What are Xendee’s financial modeling capabilities?
Xendee performs complete lifecycle cost analysis, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), Charging as a Service (CaaS), Energy as a Service (EaaS), and incentive modeling such as tax credits or carbon pricing.
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How does Xendee optimize system operation?
As an inherent part of each DESIGN optimization, Xendee considers the most optimal dispatch including variable tariffs, demand response signals, and weather conditions to maximize savings, reliability, and resiliency. Xendee is the only tool available, which can simulate real-time operation during the design process.
Then, during live operation, our OPERATE controller acts as a forward looking optimization engine that analyzes system operation for each interval three days into the future to discover opportunities for improvement. Since Xendee considers the same controller methodology in OPERATE as used in DESIGN, the alignment with reality is superior to other approaches.
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Can Xendee model export limits and grid interconnection requirements?
Yes. Under the PCC: Utility Connection settings, you can specify both power and energy export limits. Xendee also models interconnection constraints and buy-back rates.
*This answer is specific to Xendee DESIGN
Sustainability and Policy
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Can Xendee help organizations reach net-zero goals?
Yes. Xendee supports net-zero planning by optimizing systems for carbon intensity reduction, renewable energy credit (REC) integration, and cost-effective emissions mitigation strategies.
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How does Xendee calculate carbon emissions?
Xendee models Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and calculates carbon intensity for each technology or energy source, enabling users to include carbon pricing or offset strategies in optimization scenarios.
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How much can a microgrid save on energy bills and carbon emissions?
Savings depend on system design, location, and tariff structure. On average, microgrids modeled in Xendee show 10–30% cost savings and up to 90% CO₂ reduction when optimized for renewable integration and storage.
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Does Xendee support government or utility incentive modeling?
Yes. Users can model investment tax credits (ITC), accelerated depreciation (MACRS), SGIP, custom incentive structures (such as cash flow adjustments), and more to accurately optimize financial results.
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How do incentives like ITC or rebates affect microgrid project economics?
Xendee models the economic impact of incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), MACRS depreciation, Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), demand response, Self Generation Incentive Programs (SGIP), and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Incentives are applied as revenue in later years of the project analysis.
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Does Xendee include tax credits and incentives in the upfront cost?
No. Upfront costs reflect capital expenditures only. Incentives such as ITC, SGIP, or RECs are modeled as revenue in future years.
Using Xendee
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How do I get started with Xendee?
Users can request access through Xendee’s contact page or by scheduling a demo. Once onboarded, they can access the cloud-based platform and begin project setup, feasibility analysis, and system design. Requests to join the OPERATE partner program can also be made here.
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What data is required to start a new project?
Xendee requires load profiles, tariff data, technology costs, and site parameters such as location and fuel prices. Default datasets are included for many global regions. Xendee supports full automation via APIs and users can easily import weather data or tariff data via 3rd party links and APIs.
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Can I import or export data?
Yes. Users can import CSV or API data for load profiles and export results in multiple formats for reporting or integration with other modeling tools.
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Is Xendee cloud-based or installed locally?
Xendee is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. No installation is required on your local systems. Xendee maintains cyber insurance and also carries general liability insurance for comprehensive protection. Xendee uses cookies for client authentication and Permission-Based Authorization (RBAC). More information about Xendee's Cybersecurity Policies can be found here.
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Does Xendee support team collaboration?
Yes. Teams can collaborate by sharing project files with team members, customers, and the Xendee team including shared technology catalogs.
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Can I integrate Xendee with other tools or APIs?
Yes. The Xendee API allows integration with custom dashboards, data pipelines, or asset management platforms. Xendee also offers our DISCOVER API which allows users to analyze portfolios of site locations at scale to locate the best opportunities for microgrid projects.
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How long does it take to run a full optimization study in Xendee?
Optimization time varies by model complexity. A standard single-node project typically solves in under 3 minutes, while multi-node or time-series analyses may take longer.
Modeling Concepts
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What is a techno-economic optimization?
Techno-economic optimization integrates technical system modeling with financial analysis to identify the most cost-effective and sustainable investment strategy and asset configuration.
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What is the difference between design optimization and operation optimization?
Design optimization determines the ideal size and mix of technologies; operation optimization determines how those assets run over time to minimize cost or emissions.
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How does Xendee ensure reliability and resilience?
Xendee uses resilience metrics and N-1 redundancy logic to ensure critical loads are met even during outages or component failures.
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What are scenarios and sensitivity analyses?
Scenario comparison allows testing of different technology, cost, or policy assumptions. Sensitivity analysis quantifies the effect of uncertain inputs on outcomes.
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What optimization methods does Xendee use?
The platform uses a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach. For OPERATE the MILP is combined with AI-enabled load and renewable energy forecasting. Multi-objective analyses are possible and can be based around costs, carbon reduction, and increased resiliency among others.
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Does Xendee support sub-hourly tariff modeling?
Xendee models time-of-use (TOU) rates in hourly and sub-hourly intervals.
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Can Xendee model battery degradation or performance over time?
Yes. Battery degradation can be modeled linearly or with a custom non-linear degradation curve. You can also define annual performance changes in the multi-year module.
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What types of batteries and storage systems can Xendee model?
Xendee supports a variety of battery chemistries, including Lithium-ion (LFP, NMC), Flow Batteries (Vanadium, Iron Flow), Lead Acid, and Compressed Air Storage.
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Can Xendee import solar PV data from PVsyst or Helioscope?
Yes. While Xendee automatically uses PVWatts to calculate performance, users can upload yield data directly from PVsyst, Helioscope, or other modeling tools.
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Can Xendee model curtailment or outage scenarios?
Yes. Users can assign economic values to loads to simulate curtailment and prioritize critical loads during outages.
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Can Xendee simulate parallel optimizations?
Yes. Xendee allows up to two parallel optimizations, queuing additional runs automatically.
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Why might an optimization take longer to run?
Large datasets, multi-node models, tight constraints, or high-precision settings can increase runtime. Simplifying constraints or using representative days can improve speed.
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Does Xendee optimize for resilience or reliability?
Xendee can optimize for cost or carbon and apply resilience as a constraint. Reliability can be modeled using redundancy (N+X) or backup capacity constraints.
Financial and Economic Questions
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How are energy costs calculated?
Energy costs are based on site-specific time-of-use (TOU) tariffs, demand charges, and fuel rates. Xendee automatically applies these during optimization.
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How does Xendee account for financing and discount rates?
Xendee applies a discount rate to future cash flows and allows customization of loan terms, inflation, and depreciation schedules.
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How does time-of-use (TOU) pricing affect microgrid design?
TOU pricing directly influences how Xendee schedules generation and battery storage. During high-cost hours, Xendee shifts loads or discharges stored energy to minimize costs.
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How does Xendee report results?
Results include detailed cash flow summaries, LCOE, emissions reports, and resilience metrics, all exportable for stakeholder review. Optimal dispatch profiles and operational levels are also provided.
*This answer is specific to Xendee DESIGN
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How does Xendee define the ‘reference case’?
The reference case represents system operation without a microgrid, including existing costs and utility dependence. Optimization results are compared against this baseline.
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What’s the difference between payback period and break-even year?
The break-even year is when cumulative savings equal cumulative costs. The payback period reflects total project payback, including reinvestments or irregular cash flows.
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Can I download my project results from Xendee?
Yes. Optimization results can be downloaded as CSV files from the Results page in either GIS or Expert mode.
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Does Xendee account for O&M costs and downtime?
Yes. Generator maintenance costs can be modeled per kW or kWh. Downtime can be simulated through reduced operational hours.
Security, Support & Access
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How does Xendee secure my data?
All data are encrypted in transit and at rest, hosted on secure cloud infrastructure with role-based access controls. More information about Xendee's Cybersecurity Policies can be found here.
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What kind of support is available?
Xendee provides documentation, tutorials, and direct technical support through customer success managers and engineering teams. Xendee also offers dedicated modeling services which can be purchased a-la-carte or as part of a licensing package.
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Can universities or researchers use Xendee?
Yes. Academic and research licenses are available at a discounted rate for teaching, research, and training in microgrid design and optimization.
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How can I request a demo or proposal?
Visit xendee.com/demo to request a discovery call with our team to learn more about the Xendee platform and the right license for your needs.
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What browsers are recommended for Xendee?
Xendee supports the latest versions of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox for best performance.
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Can I run Xendee on macOS or Linux?
Yes. Xendee is fully web-based and works on any operating system with a modern browser.
Integrated Software Platform
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Modeling Services
Augment your team's capabilities with modeling services from Xendee's Microgrid & Distributed Energy Project Experts.
Xendee's modeling experts extend your team with the on-demand expertise and capabilities you need to ensure accuracy and speed on major projects.
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Utilize our team of experts to help design optimized energy systems for civil infrastructure, military bases, company campuses, EV charging stations, and more.
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Rapidly analyze large portfolios of potential sites for ideal project locations.
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Create projects using a wide variety of new technologies including EV charging stations, generators, and hydrogen electrolysis (Xendee supports 25+ different types of Distributed Energy Resources).
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DISCOVER API
Model and compare a large amount of microgrid & DER designs you can connect your internal portfolio of site locations to Xendee's API to access the full suite of Xendee features without leaving your internal processes. Maximize your return on investment by finding sites in minutes – not months.
With DISCOVER API, you can easily:
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Analyze the potential for DER across thousands of sites in minutes.
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Develop a portfolio-level view of overall ROI potential - Rank sites across portfolio, identify quick wins, optimally sequence sites in a timeline.
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Easily transition from portfolio analysis to detailed site design.
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PROPOSE
Accelerate the deal-making process with a business development tool to streamline accurate DER, Microgrid, and EV infrastructure proposals.
Reduce your cost of customer acquisition and increase your sales team's speed-to-quote with unmatched confidence and pricing accuracy.
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Create sophisticated DER and EV infrastructure proposals that win client project approval faster.
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Reduce pricing errors and generate accurate proposals that improve sales conversion.
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Get more deals signed with faster speed and unmatched sophistication for project proposals.
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DESIGN
Model power and energy flow in your microgrid or EV charging network together with financial constraints to create the optimal energy infrastructure design, without the need for time-consuming manual iterations.
DESIGN streamlines the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) or infrastructure modeling process, allowing you to arrive at a finance and engineering-ready design that will:
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Improve cost efficiencies
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Reduce carbon emissions
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Support resiliency
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Automatically determine cable and transformer sizes between network nodes
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Optimize your electric vehicle fleet
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OPERATE
OPERATE is an AI-powered supervisory controller that enables microgrids to constantly evaluate and optimize their operational strategy by comparing real time performance with a digital-twin testbed.
OPERATE's dynamic approach compares current operational strategies with forecasted optimal alternatives, empowering teams to adapt to events like changing weather patterns, outages, and utility rates without disrupting ongoing operations. The result is lower costs, reduced carbon emissions, and extended equipment lifespans achieved by optimizing dispatch, utility purchases, and operational strategies using real-world data as a baseline for comparison. -
MOBILITY
Quickly model your EV charging solution for optimized return on investment and resilience by leveraging distributed energy resources (DER).
With Xendee's MOBILITY features, you gain the predictability that you need by modeling an optimal EV charging solution.
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Account for time-of-use/demand charges, distinct EV and building tariffs, and energy availability.
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Model increasing EV penetration and evolving charger ratings.
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Design charging-as-a-service models to achieve predictable return on investment.
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Rapidly analyze a portfolio of potential EV charging sites to determine site suitability.
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Design grid-connected or microgrid-enabled EV charging infrastructure.
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