Sunrun, PG&E to roll out 30-MW virtual power plant to support CA grid

Solar and battery storage provider Sunrun announced plans on Monday to create a 30-MW virtual power plant by enrolling up to 7,500 existing and new rooftop solar and battery systems in Pacific Gas & Electric’s footprint.

Storage systems that enroll in the program will be asked to discharge power to the grid every day between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. from August through October, a period when electricity demand in California tends to be the highest. Customers will be compensated with a $750 upfront payment and be given a free smart thermostat.

While virtual power plants are not a new technology, this one is different in that it is laser-focused on the peak of the summer, said Scott Peattie, director of business development with Sunrun. “[I]t will be reliably dispatching every day, so we’re not going to be waiting for an emergency alert from [the California Independent System Operator,]” Peattie said.

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Source: Utility Dive

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