Sonnen, SOLRITE Energy launch grid-optimizing virtual power plant in Texas

Brian Martucci | Source: Utility DIVE | Posted 01/20/2025

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The program aims to relieve congestion and improve renewable power economics on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid, sonnen USA CEO Blake Richetta said.

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A new virtual power plant in Texas, developed by sonnen USA and SOLRITE Energy, will leverage residential solar and battery installations to shape load, provide grid services, and reduce participants' retail electricity prices by up to 40%. The companies' "virtual power plant power purchase agreement" offers homeowners solar panels and two 20-kWh sonnen batteries at no upfront cost, enrolling over 40 MW of capacity between September and early January.

Unlike traditional "solar buyback" virtual power plants, the sonnen-SOLRITE VPA strategically controls when and how energy is shared with the grid, generating revenue through price arbitrage. Participants pay $0.12/kWh for up to 80% of their home's power usage, representing a significant discount compared to standard rates in Texas. The program aims to improve the economics of renewable energy, lower energy costs for consumers, and support higher levels of renewable penetration on regional grids.

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Source Link: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/sonnen-solrite-energy-grid-optimizing-virtual-power-plant-vpp-texas/737693/

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Sonnen, SOLRITE Energy launch grid-optimizing virtual power plant in Texas

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