Now Anyone Can Join A VPP, With Or Without Solr Panels

The article discusses the expansion of virtual power plant (VPP) participation to households without rooftop solar panels, highlighting SOLRITE Energy’s recent introduction of a battery-only option in Texas. Traditionally, VPPs allow ratepayers to reduce utility bills by sending electricity from their solar panels or home energy storage to the grid. SOLRITE’s new program, launched on February 11, enables customers to install home energy storage systems from sonnen (a Shell subsidiary) with no upfront costs, paying $20 monthly plus 12¢ per kWh for electricity usage. This battery-only virtual power plant agreement (VPA) opens VPP benefits to a broader audience, with expectations to sign up 10,000 new customers by 2026 and provide 600 MWh of flexible energy to the Texas grid. The program currently serves customers in Houston, Corpus Christi, and McAllen, with savings dependent on individual consumption and local utility rates. The 12¢/kWh rate is competitive compared