Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Aethera Solutions do?
Aethera Solutions provides containerized microgrid systems, medium voltage substations and battery energy storage solutions (BESS) designed to ensure resilient, reliable and sustainable power in critical environments. We specialize in systems for data centers, defense operations, embassies, and other enterprises where downtime is not an option.

2. What makes Aethera different from large competitors?
Most competitors sell catalog-driven, stationary systems. Aethera designs modular, expeditionary and tactical solutions built in 10’ CONEX containers optimized for rapid transport, airlift, and deployment. We emphasize:

  • Resilience under contested or disaster conditions,

  • Scalability from 30kW to MW-class systems, and

  • Speed of delivery and integration.

This makes us uniquely suited for defense, government and mission-critical operations where agility and survivability matter.

3. Are your systems compatible with renewables?
Yes. Aethera’s microgrid controller prioritizes solar PV, or other renewable sources, and battery storage while using gensets only as backup. This approach:

  • Cuts fuel consumption by up to 40%,

  • Reduces logistics risk from resupply convoys or airlifts, and

  • Shrinks the emissions footprint while ensuring mission assurance.

4. You use diesel generators. How can this be considered “clean” energy?
For Aethera, clean energy is about smart integration and efficiency. Our systems optimize renewables and battery energy storage first. We only use diesel when necessary. This ensures maximum efficiency, lower fuel use, and fewer emissions. Plus, our genset modules are fuel-flexible and can be adapted for biodiesel or hydrogen-ready engines in the future.

5. What standards do your systems meet?
Aethera complies with rigorous DoD and international standards, including:

  • Tactical Microgrid Standard (TMS) MIL-STD-3071

  • UL-9540 / UL-9540A, UL-1741/1741SA, UL-1973

  • IEEE-1547 Interconnection Standard

  • NFPA-855 Fire Safety for Energy Storage Systems

  • IEC 61850, Modbus / TCP protocols for interoperability

  • Navy-specific MIL-STD-1399 Section 300B for shipboard AC interfaces

6. How do you address cybersecurity risks?
We build with cybersecurity at the core of our systems, designed with closed architecture to reduce attack surfaces. Optional features include:

  • AES-256 VPN tunnels for remote updates,

  • Compliance with CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171, and

  • Role-based access, audit logging, and optional air-gapped configurations.

Aethera ensures mission assurance without cyber compromise.

7. What happens when systems are idle or dormant?
Our microgrids maintain ready-to-deploy status through:

  • Automated self-diagnostics and scheduled tests to ensure readiness,

  • Battery cycling to preserve health and performance, and

  • Remote monitoring (when authorized) with alerts for preventive action, ensuring systems are always mission-ready on short notice.

8. Can your systems scale to larger capacities?
Yes. Our standard AS-30, AS-70, and AS-140 units can be deployed individually or in clusters. For larger projects, we design and integrate up to MW-scale deployments (e.g., 3MW / 9MWh systems for Arctic radar stations), all while maintaining the same modular CONEX format.

9. Who are your typical customers?
We serve defense and government (DoD, U.S. Department of State, NATO allies), critical infrastructure (embassies, hospitals, military bases) and commercial enterprises (data centers, tech companies, energy-intensive industries).

10. How fast can Aethera deliver and how is it funded?
Traditional DoD funding can be slow, but Aethera offers flexible acquisition models:

  • Pilot and demonstration projects: Enable early deployment under limited scope and provide operational validation for rapid scaling.

  • Direct procurement via FSRM: Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization funds can be used to quickly procure deployable microgrids tied to installation resilience and mission assurance.

  • Equipment purchase approaches: Structured to accelerate the first invoice and cash flow while aligning with procurement authorities.

  • Other Transaction Authority (OTA): A fast, flexible contracting mechanism that bypasses traditional FAR-based processes, allowing rapid prototyping and follow-on production for innovative energy resilience solutions.

  • Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) & Service-Specific Rapid Capability Offices: Provide fast-track pathways for dual-use technologies with strong defense applicability.

11. Do your systems integrate with other vendors?
Yes. Our SCADA and microgrid controller support IEC-61850, Modbus / TCP, and expandable protocols, ensuring compatibility with third-party PV, BESS, and genset solutions.

12. How does certification and training work for partners?
Aethera operates a three-tiered partner certification program (Silver, Gold, Platinum) to qualified global partners. The program covers installation, maintenance, and long-term service. Certification is valid for two years with recertification pathways and requires an online exam, including mandatory safety and cybersecurity modules.

13. Where are Aethera’s operations based?
We operate with support hubs in Chattanooga, Tennessee (USA) and Northern Italy (EU), and deliver solutions worldwide, from Europe and Africa to the Indo-Pacific. 

14. How does Aethera Solutions ensure high power quality for DoD and mission-critical applications?
Aethera integrates advanced power conditioning and control technologies to deliver the highest-quality electrical signal to critical DoD systems. Our containerized microgrids use:

  • Grid-forming inverters that provide precise voltage and frequency reference

  • Low harmonic distortion filters to protect sensitive equipment such as radar, ISR, and communications systems

  • Fast transfer switches and UPS subsystems to ensure seamless transitions between diesel, battery, PV, or grid sources

  • Real-time power quality monitoring through our microgrid controller and SCADA, enabling proactive adjustments

The result is a stable, clean, and resilient power signal, compliant with DoD and international standards (MIL-STD-1399, IEEE-1547, UL-1741, and NFPA-855). This guarantees mission-critical operations can rely on uninterrupted, high-quality energy in any environment

15. How does Aethera Solutions reduce the risk of systems being detected by enemy sensors (“heat signal”)?
Aethera designs its containerized microgrids with low-signature operations in mind, meeting DoD requirements for concealment and survivability. Our systems incorporate:

  • Priority use of renewables and batteries, minimizing generator runtime and therefore heat, noise, and emissions,

  • Insulated, NEMA-rated containers with efficient HVAC, which reduce thermal hotspots visible to IR sensors,

  • Low-noise gensets and muffling systems to cut acoustic detectability,

  • Electromagnetic shielding and load management to reduce EM emissions and prevent signal spikes, and

  • Mission-aware operation, allowing commanders to align generator use with tactical conditions.

This ensures Aethera’s microgrids provide resilient power without increasing exposure, protecting both infrastructure and personnel in contested environments.

Contact
Email info@aetherasolutions.com for more information or to request a consultation.