US solar installer SunPower has launched its ConnectedSolutions virtual power plant (VPP), enabling SunVault battery energy storage system (BESS) customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut to earn “hundreds of dollars a year” for allowing utility access to their stored energy during peak demand.
Through its VPP, the California-based company will coordinate the charge and discharge of participating customers’ SunVault BESS. It will share electricity with the local utility while reserving enough backup power for home use.
Customers will be alerted prior to discharge and can choose to decline, or pre-set their system so their personal backup does not fall below a certain level.
