What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant is a system of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. They are usually run by local utility companies who oversee this balancing act.

What is a virtual power plant (VPP)?

The “virtual” nature of VPPs comes from its lack of a central physical facility, like a traditional coal or gas plant. By generating electricity and balancing the energy load, the aggregated batteries and solar panels provide many of the functions of conventional power plants. They also have unique advantages.

Are virtual power plants a good idea?

Governments and private companies alike are now counting on VPPs’ potential to help keep costs down and stop the grid from becoming overburdened. Here’s what you need to know about VPPs—and why they could be the key to helping us bring more clean power and energy storage online. What are virtual power plants and how do they work?

How much will virtual power plants cost in 2025?

"Virtual power plants are at the center of that." Investment in these so-called distributed energy resources is forecast to eclipse $110 billion between 2020 and 2025, according to research firm Wood Mackenzie. HOW DO THEY WORK?

Do virtual power plants have a physical form?

For more than a century, the prevalent image of power plants has been characterized by towering smokestacks, endless coal trains, and loud spinning turbines. But the plants powering our future will look radically different—in fact, many may not have a physical form at all. Welcome to the era of virtual power plants (VPPs).

Does Sunrun have a virtual power plant?

Sunrun last year, for example, operated a virtual power plant with thousands of homes in New England that provided 1.8 gigawatt-hours to the grid during June through August.