Sunrun, Rockland Utilities Launch VPP with 300 Solar Systems

In a significant step for New York’s energy future, Sunrun, a leading provider of residential solar, and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), have activated the state’s largest residential virtual power plant (VPP). The initiative, which launched in late October 2024, aggregates the power of over 300 solar-plus-storage systems to create a decentralized, clean energy resource.

Approved as a demonstration project by the New York State Public Service Commission, this year-round VPP is designed to fortify the local grid. When electricity demand spikes, Sunrun coordinates the network of home batteries to discharge stored solar energy, reducing strain on the utility’s infrastructure. By the summer of 2024, the program had already enrolled 325 systems, contributing approximately 2 MW of capacity, and was dispatched 18 times to support the grid during peak events.

“This is an important step toward the future of fortifying New York’s energy grid, utilizing innovation to build a more affordable and reliable way to deliver power,” said Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun. O&R’s Director of Distributed Resource Integration, Andre Wellington, added that the project unlocks “incredible benefits” by using innovative home solar-plus-storage as a flexible resource to deliver “clean and reliable energy.”

Homeowners who join the program receive significant incentives. In exchange for a 10-year commitment, participants get a free or heavily discounted home battery, which is funded by an upfront payment O&R provides to Sunrun based on installed capacity. This arrangement gives customers backup power security, as they are guaranteed to retain at least 20% of their battery’s charge for personal use during outages, even when the VPP is active. Participants also earn utility bill credits for the excess power their renewable energy systems contribute to the grid.

“We quickly signed up once we learned that a Sunrun solar and battery system could protect our home from outages while also bolstering the grid for our community,” said Joseph Ortiz, a participating customer in Rockland County. “It’s gratifying to know that—without us even lifting a finger—our home is supplying clean solar energy back to the grid to benefit everyone.”

Sources for Sunrun, Rockland Utilities Launch VPP with 300 Solar Systems

1. [PDF] November 6, 2024 Honorable Chair and Commissioners New York …
2. Sunrun Builds and Operates New York’s Largest Residential Power …
3. Sunrun’s Power Plant Programs Complete Successful 2024 with …
4. [PDF] Orange & Rockland / Sunrun Virtual Power Plant: Technical Speci …
5. Virtual Power Plant Programs Summary Table
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