Summary:
OpenSolar’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Tariff feature enables accurate modeling of virtual energy storage programs—allowing your solar customers to store energy in the grid and retrieve it later with distinct billing logic. This capability aligns with utility programs such as Endesa Solar Plus and Urban Solar Energy, providing real cost savings and greater proposal transparency.
Table of Contents:
- What Are Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Tariffs?
- How the VPP Feature Works in OpenSolar
- Example Scenario: VPP in Action
- Key Interface Features in OpenSolar
- Customer Benefits
What Are Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Tariffs?
Virtual storage tariffs allow solar customers to export excess energy to the grid, where it’s stored in a virtual battery. Customers can later retrieve this energy before drawing from the utility, with two separate cost components:
- Shipping Cost ($/kWh): A fee for retrieving stored energy from the virtual battery
- Utility Usage Cost ($/kWh): A higher rate for energy drawn from the grid when the virtual battery is depleted
This structure helps maximize the use of self-generated energy and reduce reliance on costly utility electricity.
How the VPP Feature Works in OpenSolar
OpenSolar’s VPP Tariff feature supports the following functions:
1. Virtual Battery Tracking
- Monitors energy stored in the virtual battery (in kWh)
- Automatically draws from this storage before utility energy is used
2. Energy Billing Logic
- Shipping Cost applies when retrieving energy from virtual storage
- Utility Usage Cost applies for any additional energy needed beyond virtual storage capacity
3. Integrated Bill Calculation
- Shipping Costs = Energy pulled from virtual battery × shipping rate
- Utility Usage Costs = Energy bought from utility × utility rate
Example Tariffs Already Available in OpenSolar
- Urban Solar Energy – Residential Basic Option with Virtual Storage
- Endesa – Solar Plus & Virtual Battery
Example Scenario: VPP in Action
Scenario: Energy Fully Covered by Solar and Virtual Battery
Customer Profile
- Solar System: 5 kW
- Monthly Generation: 600 kWh
- Monthly Consumption: 800 kWh
- Utility Rate: $0.15/kWh
- Shipping Rate: $0.05/kWh
Energy Breakdown
- Direct Solar Consumption: 400 kWh
- Virtual Battery Storage: 400 kWh
- Utility Usage: 0 kWh
Bill Calculation
- Shipping Cost: 400 × $0.05 = $20
- Utility Cost: 0 × $0.15 = $0
- Total Bill = $20
Result: The customer avoids all utility energy charges and only pays for energy retrieved from the virtual battery.
Key Interface Features in OpenSolar
1. Design & Proposal Pages
- A new “Virtual Storage” section visualizes usage
- Green shading on the daily energy profile represents virtual storage energy
- Red shading continues to represent energy exported to the grid
2. Bill Savings Table
- A new column titled “Electricity Imported from Virtual Storage (kWh)” gives visibility into energy use from virtual storage
Customer Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | Maximizes solar usage while minimizing utility spend |
| Transparency | Clear visual charts and billing logic enhance understanding |
| Flexibility | Compatible with utility programs supporting virtual storage tariffs |
FAQs
1. How does this impact savings estimates?
OpenSolar now includes VPP billing logic in savings projections, improving accuracy for customers enrolled in virtual storage programs.
2. Can customers track stored energy?
Yes—proposals display detailed insights into energy stored, retrieved, and consumed.
3. How do I set up a VPP tariff?
Go to the Energy tab, select an existing utility tariff that includes Virtual Storage, or create a custom tariff and set “Virtual Storage” as the compensation mechanism.
Start Leveraging VPP Tariffs Today
Harness the value of virtual energy storage and empower your customers with greater control, savings, and sustainability—directly within your OpenSolar proposals.
Let me know if you'd like this version formatted for publishing in the Help Center, localized for specific utilities, or integrated into training material.
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