Sunnova Grows its Virtual Power Plant Network to Support the Grid and Compensate Customers

Sunnova Energy International Inc. (“Sunnova”) (NYSE: NOVA), an industry-leading adaptive energy services company, announced continued investments and expansion to its virtual power plant (VPP) network, providing increased reliability, reduced emissions, and lower costs.

With its VPP investments, Sunnova is boosting accessibility in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Texas to enable customers to rapidly access stored battery power during periods of peak demand – and in some cases send excess power back to the electrical grid – reducing strain on the grid and minimizing blackouts.

The clean power produced by Sunnova’s rooftop solar and battery storage customers helps offset the need for utilities to use heavily polluting traditional power plants during peak demand periods. In return for their demand battery response and contribution, customers are compensated for the power supplied by their batteries in most programs.

“We are revolutionizing the role of solar and storage while putting money back into our customers’ pockets – and the response has been overwhelming,” said William J. (John) Berger, Sunnova’s chief executive officer. “Our customer base of more than 419,000 comprises an estimated 1-gigawatt hour of storage capacity, and this vast clean power source will go a long way in supporting struggling grids, decarbonizing our energy systems, and compensating participating customers – creating a win-win-win for everyone involved. The future of home energy services is here.”

One recent example of Sunnova’s VPP leadership is demonstrated through the LUMA Battery Emergency Demand Response Program (BEDRP) in Puerto Rico. As the leading residential solar and battery storage services company in Puerto Rico, Sunnova currently manages more than 1,000 enrolled customers, where capacity of approximately 10 megawatt hours is provided to supplement LUMA’s resilience against outages. By voluntarily participating in the program through the Sunnova Flex Power Program, Sunnova customers play an active role in bolstering the grid and supporting a reliable power supply for Puerto Ricans.

“Electricity demand is being driven to record levels and the power grid is not ready – but VPPs can offer critical help,” said Berger. “We see VPPs as insurance for the grid, as they are ready now to provide power in times of need and tackle the impending challenges ahead of a constrained electric system. We are proud to be expanding our VPP service to help customers combat the skyrocketing price of electricity and shore up the grid in times of need.”