Sunrun aids California’s grid with solar energy

Sunrun, a leading clean energy provider, has connected over 16,200 solar-plus-storage systems to bolster California’s power grid during peak demand. In 2023, its Peak Power Rewards program supplied 32 megawatts to PG&E using 8,500 batteries, with plans to double this year. Administered by the California Energy Commission, the Demand Side Grid Support program enhances grid stability, reducing blackout risks during extreme events. Sunrun, the program’s primary aggregator, seamlessly manages and dispatches customers’ batteries, compensating them for sharing solar energy. Operating daily from 4 to 9 p.m. from May to October, it assists when demand peaks, allowing customers to maintain a 20% backup reserve for home power. The program can engage Sunrun’s systems up to 35 times in 5 months, with ongoing enrollment and expanding participation.