Virtual Power Plant (VPP) – What next?

What is a Virtual Power Plant?

If you have read the news lately or read any articles about energy, you may have came across the term ‘Virtual Power Plant’ or ‘VPP’. Essentially, a virtual power plant is a cloud-based system that allows multiple homes or businesses to link together their energy storage systems or generators creating a network.

Subsequently, this network enables them to ‘trade’ energy between each other. Thus creating better balance for the energy grid. This balances supply and demand.

The VPP or Virtual Power Plant monitors the network. In essence, by making small adjustments where necessary, they create a stable grid with better energy efficiency.

As a result, this is a more stable way to supply energy. When containing multiple energy storage systems or battery storage solutions, power is greener and cheaper.

How does a Virtual Power Plant work?

Demand on the grid varies depending on a number of factors. Generally, the small adjustments that a VPP can make, creates a substantial difference. For example, an office block with air conditioning running overnight with few people in the building. Also, savings can be made by dimming the lights or lowering air conditioning demand. Subsequently, multiplied by thousands, costs are cut considerably. Soon, savings start to really add up without disruption to the demand.

How does a domestic VPP work with battery storage?

In order to maximise the benefits, battery storage is a must. A solar storage battery, with Solar PV (where possible), allows your VPP network to use your excess power when your batteries are full. Essentially, trading energy at a much lower cost than buying from the grid.

Even homes without Solar PV can benefit. Battery Storage lowers energy cost through the multiple home network (VPP).

Here at Soltaro, we are taking this concept to the next stage. Working with GJ Gardener in Australia, we are currently rolling out VPP (Virtual Power Plant) e-commerce systems. Powered by Tradezone and using Soltaro Inverters with BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems).

The innovation

The lead on this project is the man behind the e-Commerce systems and omni e-sales channels for www.Emirates.com back in 2000. We’ve all witnessed the global success of Emirates Airlines.

His work includes the e-Commerce renewable energy powered automated car parking stations. A robot car parking system in the UAE that parks your car in a stack. Soltaro are collaborating in his work.

His team deploy VPP’s (Virtual Power Plant’s) integrated e-Commerce systems. Also many new energy trading and EV (Electric Vehicle) Charging methods. They work in alliance with some major global brands leveraging the AWS (Amazon Web Service) Cloud.

The Future

So, if you’re thinking Solar BESS, start thinking e-Commerce Fin-Tech. We see Skylights becoming Solar Panels, all connecting to VPP e-Commerce and or e-Business systems. A massive VPP Eco U Solar community. Exciting eh?

Finally, watch this space for more exciting updates about this project. Learn about our other schemes. Soltaro are at the forefront of game changing e-Commerce Renewable Energy projects.