As an experienced solar expert, I want to delve into a transformational partnership that’s navigating the solar and storage industry in unprecedented ways. Residential solar installer Sunrun and utility Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have teamed up to create Peak Power Rewards — a program that significantly boosts the reach of solar panels for your home.
The scheme welcomed around 8,500 Californian solar and storage customers who agreed to supply power during peak demands on the grid. This amped-up fleet functioned much like a distributed network, forming a decentralized grid that remained reliable for over 90 days, offering an average of 27 MW during peak hours.
The capability of the distributed power plants, integrated with home solar and storage systems, confirmed PG&E’s belief in this solar company. With a maximum instantaneous output of almost 32 MW, the distributed solar and storage assets frequently supplied up to 30MW of power — enough to sustain more than 20,000 homes!
This venture is a revolutionary example showcasing how solar companies are operating and delivering power on par with traditional centralized power plants. More significantly, this solar array for homes was operational within six months of signing the contract, far surpassing the timeline of utility-scale projects. This prompt initiation illustrates the agility and speed of small-scale, distributed solar projects.
The Peak Power Rewards program operated between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.— a period of peak electricity demand in California. As a reward for solar service, customers were given a previous payment of $750 and a free smart thermostat, whereas their batteries continue to reserve sufficient energy to support their households during outages.
Participating in such programs reflects the essential role of solar-plus-storage in shifting towards a cleaner energy future, especially in a state like California. PG&E currently operates the largest number of behind-the-meter solar installations with approximately 820,000 customers attached to its grid. This adds nearly 8 GW of capacity to the grid, with about 670 MW representing energy storage systems.
The landmark achievement in California demonstrates how solar companies across the nation can spearhead the wave of renewable energy adoption. Recognizing the power of residential solar-plus-storage systems linked as distributed power plants are key in providing flexible, on-demand power stabilization.
At the same time, this powerful synergy of solar and batteries is a potent shield against soaring energy rates. Despite the challenges faced by residential solar installers (like high interest rates and tricky net metering negotiations) in states like California, projects like this reassure solar companies they are pathing the way for a green future that is prudent, reliable, and resilient.
Engaging in these initiatives can bring substantial benefits to those considering solar panels for their home, while helping advocate for regulatory changes that will revitalize the suffering solar industry. I strongly recommend homeowners globally to consider joining their local solar and storage initiatives to enjoy the financial, environmental, and community-based benefits.
The powerful blend of solar and battery storage means we are not just adopting solar; we are pioneering a new era of decentralized, green energy. This future looks bright with solar!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/29/sunrun-solar-plus-storage-power-the-grid-during-peak-demand/
