Newsletter: Sunrun Adds Storage Services

This storage newsletter was originally published on March 30, 2018.

Member Highlight: Sunrun Adds Storage Services

Residential solar installer Sunrun, a Michigan EIBC member company, has announced plans to expand its operations to include energy storage and grid services. 

According to Greentech Media, the rate of California solar customers opting to add home batteries via Sunrun’s BrightBox package has reached 20%. Due to growing customer interest, the company expanded these offerings to Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, New York, and Massachusetts.

Sunrun sees solar-plus-storage as the future, offering resiliency in the wake of major storms.

“Overall, if I look five years into the future, it wouldn’t surprise me if 80% of solar systems had battery storage,” said Executive Chairman Ed Fenster.

This move has allowed Sunrun, which has historically been a leader in solar installation, to maintain growth and cash flow amidst a turbulent year for the broader solar industry. The company’s most recent quarterly earnings report revealed expectations of steady growth through the coming year, following a trend of 15% growth year-over-year continuing through 2017.

 

Storage Newsclips

In Michigan
  • A Decentralized Energy interview with John Schaaf of Johnson Controls, highlights a microgrid project in Isle Royale, Michigan, that used solar + storage to take the island off of diesel generators.
  • The Environmental Law & Policy Center thinks DTE Energy could save ratepayers money by investing in battery storage rather than a natural gas plant.
  • In case you missed it: Consumers Energy is planning a $20 million headquarters in the utility’s “Circuit West” district in Grand Rapids, which will feature rooftop solar + storage.
From Washington
Across the Country
  • A new study explores the viability of using electric vehicle batteries as a grid recourse.
  • Greentech Media asks, “Is offshore wind a better deal with batteries?”
  • Lithium could be a lifeline for oil majors as the energy industry shifts toward lower-polluting alternatives to fossil fuels.
  • Prices for battery materials including lithium, cobalt and nickel are in flux due to the rise of electric vehicles and energy storage.
  • Michigan EIBC member company NextEra Energy is among the companies hoping to build the world’s largest Powerpack battery system in Colorado for Xcel Energy.
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee, plans to install a solar-battery microgrid at its municipal airport.
  • Volkswagen is investing $25 billion in battery supplies and technology as it looks to increase electric vehicle production. 
  • FedEx orders electric semi-trucks from Tesla.
  • A University of Chicago design has produced a true lithium-air battery.
  • There’s a massive market opportunity for storage-as-peakers in California, and it will continue to grow as solar capacity increases, according to a new study.
  • ABB’s new energy storage solution includes a high-voltage battery with a 12 kWh capacity.  
  • Colorado passed a bill to allow electricity users to store power without being penalized by excessive rates.
  • A German firm is selling batteries tied to fuel cells as a seasonal storage solution for residential customers.
  • Solar financier Sunnova has entered the solar-plus-storage market in California.

 

 

 

Events to Watch:

EUCI invites you to the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) Summit April 16 – 17 in Portland, Oregon. Register here.

Midwest Energy Research Consortium (M-WERC) presents an event examining the trends and key issues driving energy efficiency in Wisconsin and surrounding states. Join M-WERC, our members, partners and invited guests on April 19 in Milwaukee to explore energy efficiency programs and technologies. Learn more and register to attend here!

Michigan EIBC’s 6th Annual Member Meeting is scheduled for April 30 in Lansing, followed by a Lobby Day on May 1. Mark your calendars, and register here to reserve your spot at the Annual Member Meeting today.

Join ACI in San Francisco on June 6-7 for Grid-Scale Storage 2018 and learn through different panel discussions, site tours, workshops, and presentations on the significant market opportunities for energy storage. Register here.

Michigan EIBC will host a Michigan Energy Forum on energy efficiency and lighting on June 11 at member company CLEAResult’s office in Detroit. Stay tuned for details!

On July 17-19, PlugVolt will be hosting its next Battery Seminar in Plymouth, Michigan (USA), featuring an entire day of in-depth training by EnerDelon Lithium Ion technology, alongside complementary industry updates by automotive and grid storage OEMs, global battery manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. Attendees also get a tour of Intertek’s Battery Testing Center. Register here.