Swell Energy raises $120 million to expand deployment of virtual power plants
The funding will support existing VPP development and the deployment of an additional 200 MWh of contracted capacity.
Sunrise brief: U.S. to deploy massive amount of renewables by 2030, thanks to the IRA
Also on the rise: Solar microgrid community launched in California. Wisconsin groups find 100% clean energy + electrification to be ambitious but feasible. And more.
Sunrise brief: Sunrun completes successful residential virtual power plant in New England
Also on the rise: Estimate your home solar potential with the Solar Calculator. Solar racking products and trends at RE+. And more.
Sunrun completes successful residential virtual power plant in New England
In the hot summer months, thousands of residents with solar-plus-battery systems networked together to reduce peak energy costs and provide grid stability for ISO-New England’s customers.
Virtual Power Plants (VPP) to unlock energy savings, backup power for renters
VPPs represent an innovative way to efficiently use distributed solar and storage, offering savings and backup power to renters. In California, PearlX and Sunnova, among others, are launching services that connect renters with solar, backup energy storage, and bill savings.
Real barriers to virtual power plants
The technology is available for virtual power plants to be rolled out across the United States, argues Jigar Shah, the director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. Their implementation would result in a cascade of benefits, including extending the adoption of distributed energy resources like rooftop PV and lowering electricity costs for consumers.
Can homes with solar+storage act as virtual power plants?
A case study on the efficacy of residential solar and energy storage in forming virtual power plants during peak demand events is shared by Dr. Ahmad Faruqui, economist-at-large and grid controls expert.
Making the most of PV and Li-ion battery storage
In the third in a series on virtual power plants, Jigar Shah discusses the range of possibilities for aggregated, behind-the-meter solar and storage in the United States today.
Sunrise brief: Biden presses pause on solar tariffs
Also on the rise: Jigar Shah explains the benefits of virtual power plants in furthering energy affordability. White House takes executive action to spur US solar manufacturing. Solaria settles patent claims against Canadian Solar. And more.
Achieving a zero-carbon grid: opportunities in virtual power plants
Jigar Shah reflects on the challenges that come with achieving a zero-carbon electric grid and how the emerging technology of the Virtual Power Plant, or VPP, can turn those challenges into opportunities for all Americans.
