Sunrun—the leading U.S. provider of clean energy subscription services—and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, have successfully launched New York’s largest residential power plant, consisting of over 300 solar systems.
Sunrun and O&R Launch Solar Storage Project for NY’s Clean Energy Goals
Managed by Sunrun and initiated by O&R, the power plant was approved as a demonstration project by the New York State Public Service Commission. This year-round initiative supports New York’s transition to clean, reliable energy and helps the state achieve its ambitious goals for storage and electrification.
Through this program, Sunrun coordinates the discharge of participating batteries to supply stored solar energy, easing pressure on the electric grid during peak demand. The solar systems also provide crucial backup power for the homes of participating customers.
“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. We are excited to see residents of New York benefit from the sharing of stored solar power and know this partnership with Orange and Rockland will show the path forward for the rest of the state,” said Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun.
Customers Receive Free Solar Batteries in Grid Resilience Program
Customers who enrolled in the program received a free or significantly discounted home battery for participating in the 10-year initiative to strengthen the electric grid’s resilience. Sunrun receives an upfront payment from O&R based on the installed battery capacity, which allows the company to offer batteries to customers at little to no cost.
Participants benefit from using their own stored solar energy and receive utility bill credits for any excess power supplied to the grid. Even when O&R deploys the batteries for grid relief, at least 20% of the stored energy remains available for backup power during local outages.
“The creation of this virtual power plant unlocks incredible benefits to the electric grid that will provide our customers with the clean and reliable energy that they expect and deserve. Home solar-plus-storage is an innovative, flexible resource that can be called upon during times of stress on our electric system and O&R is happy to be part of this opportunity to advance New York State’s clean energy goals,” said Andre Wellington, O&R Director of Distributed Resource Integration.
“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. 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,” said Joseph Ortiz, a Sunrun and O&R customer in Rockland County.
About the Partners
Sunrun Inc. transformed the solar industry in 2007 by eliminating financial barriers and making locally-generated solar energy accessible to all. As the nation’s leading clean energy subscription provider today, Sunrun offers residential solar and storage with no upfront costs. Their innovative products connect homes to renewable energy, ensuring energy security, cost predictability, and peace of mind. Sunrun also manages energy services that benefit communities, utilities, and the electric grid while delivering enhanced value to customers. With over 1 million customers and 116,000 installed storage systems, Sunrun is the largest developer of residential clean energy systems in the U.S. and accounts for nearly half of all new home battery installations nationwide. The company operates more than a dozen power plants across the country, including the largest virtual power plant owned by a single entity in the nation.
Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) is a regulated utility and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the U.S. O&R delivers electric service to about 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey (via its subsidiary Rockland Electric Company) and provides natural gas service to about 140,000 customers in New York State.