Residential solar is becoming residential solar + storage + VPP
Nov 13, 2024
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Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun, is a champion of a customer-led energy transition, driving the evolution of residential solar into a clean energy lifestyle. She discusses how Sunrun is integrating electric vehicle chargers and energy storage into its offerings. The conversation touches on California's regulatory challenges and the economic incentives driving battery storage adoption. Powell also emphasizes the need for competitive markets that simplify consumer choices while addressing the energy demands posed by data centers and encouraging innovation.
Sunrun has evolved from just solar panel sales to integrating solar, storage, and EV charging for comprehensive home electrification.
The company's participation in virtual power plant programs allows customers to contribute to grid stability while earning economic incentives.
Deep dives
Evolution of Sunrun's Business Model
Sunrun has transformed from solely selling solar panels to becoming a comprehensive clean energy lifestyle company. The company now emphasizes the integration of solar, storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging into its offerings, thereby promoting whole home electrification. Currently, more than half of Sunrun's customers also install energy storage systems, indicating a significant shift towards creating distributed power sources. This evolution is fueled by the need for customers to adopt technologies that can enhance their own energy use and contribute to a more resilient grid.
The Importance of Electric Vehicle Integration
Electric vehicles are becoming a vital part of Sunrun's offering as they can enhance home energy management and grid stability. The integration of EV charging stations is not only about providing convenience but also serving as a gateway for consumers to further electrify their homes. Through partnerships, such as the one with Ford on their F-150 Lightning, Sunrun aims to demonstrate how EVs can participate in virtual power plant programs, allowing customers to earn credits by contributing their vehicle batteries back to the grid. This approach highlights the growing recognition of EVs as larger storage assets in distributed energy systems.
Regulatory Challenges in California
Mary Powell discussed the negative implications of recent regulatory decisions in California, particularly regarding the NIMBY movement, which has led to abrupt changes detrimental to solar businesses. While they recognize the potential advantages of integrating more storage into the grid, the manner in which these regulatory decisions are implemented has caused instability in the market. Powell expressed concern over how such transitions can disproportionately affect smaller solar companies while Sunrun has been able to pivot more effectively. Ultimately, these challenges underscore the need for a smoother and more thoughtful regulatory approach to support the growth of distributed energy resources.
Future of Distributed Power Plants
Sunrun is rapidly scaling its participation in virtual power plant (VPP) programs, with tens of thousands of customers already engaged. The company is actively moving towards auto enrollment for existing customers, enabling greater integration of residential solar and storage into these distributed energy systems. Powell emphasized the value that these assets bring, not only for the homeowners but also as crucial resources for the grid, especially during peak demand periods. Looking ahead, Sunrun sees potential for even broader adoption of VPPs as they help to alleviate pressures on utility infrastructure while offering economic incentives to participating customers.
In this episode, I chat with Sunrun CEO Mary Powell about how residential solar is evolving into much more than just panels. We dive into Sunrun’s expansion as a “clean energy lifestyle” brand, Mary’s belief in a customer-led energy transition, and alternatives to the tech bros' virile obsession with nuclear power.
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