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Sunrun Distributed Power Plants

Delivering large-scale power needs quickly with Distributed Dower Plants (DPP) that go beyond the limitations of traditional Virtual Power Plants (VPP).

  • Dispatched nearly 18 GWh in 2025 with peak output of 416 MW.
  • More than 106,000 Sunrun customers enrolled in DPP programs.
comparison sunrun dpp

the challenge

Meeting the need for reliable dispatchable power.

With electricity demand growing, meeting that need is becoming more challenging as traditional energy generation and delivery methods have long timelines to deploy.

our solution

Meet peak demand quickly and avoid soaring capacity prices.

Sunrun Distributed Power Plants exceed traditional VPPs by dispatching new, incremental generation and storage. With approximately 4.0 GWh of networked storage capacity, this on-demand resource dispatches energy exactly when and where it’s needed most.

Connect with the Sunrun Grid Services team (GridServices@sunrun.com).

What they are saying

LUMA | Puerto Rico Grid Operator

"We celebrate a major energy milestone, thanks to the commitment and collaboration of our customers and the CBES program. Last night, we managed to dispatch approximately 70,000 batteries, contributing around 48 MW of energy to the grid. This collaboration helped cover a generation shortfall of nearly 50 MW, assisting in avoiding multiple load shedding events and keeping the lights on for longer in many communities across the island."

NRG | Brad Bentley, Executive Vice President, President of NRG Consumer

"Texas is growing fast, and our electricity supply must keep pace. By teaming up with Sunrun, we’re unlocking a new source of dispatchable, flexible energy while giving customers the opportunity to unlock value from their homes and contribute to a more resilient grid.”"

Benefits

Your power needs met, now.

Helping meet grid needs, now.

Utility-Scale Capacity

Deliver large-scale capacity on-demand to improve grid reliability and meet your power needs.

Rapid, Targeted Deployment

Bypass long build times and interconnection queues by tapping into Sunrun’s DPP.

Targeted Local Relief

Deliver localized relief on feeders, distribution lines, and substations under stress.

Grid Services Compliance

Meet RTO, state and demand flexibility program goals.

sunrun dpp solution

Why Sunrun?

End-to-end solution.

We control the entire process. From installation to dispatch to customer service. This end-to-end ownership simplifies operations and guarantees a seamless partnership.

The Sunrun difference

Reliably forecasted, reliably dispatched, reliably settled

Energy delivery during grid peaks, high-cost utility hours, and emergency events.

Advanced technology stack

Powered by our internal DERMS platform, we can actively dispatch 4 GWh of networked storage capacity with advanced telemetry, real-time dispatch, and AI-driven forecasting for precision performance.

Superior customer experience and engagement

Our direct engagement with customers, including autoenrollment capabilities, ensures higher participation and better performance. Our network is as reliable as it is smart.

Connect with the Sunrun Grid Services team (GridServices@sunrun.com).

Case studies

How Sunrun is delivering 360 MW of capacity to California

Powering up Puerto Rico: Sunrun's rapid response to a national energy crisis

The power of local in CA: Delivering hyper-local relief when it matters most

Lights on, costs down: Sunrun's strategy for grid resilience in the Northeast

Deliver capacity and reliability today

Let's partner to build a smarter, more resilient grid for tomorrow, today.

Connect with the Sunrun Grid Services team (GridServices@sunrun.com)

Press

Sunrun + NRG launch a virtual power plant to ease Texas power demand

Sunrun sees 400% growth in virtual power plant participation

California’s Distributed Power Plant program could deliver hundreds of millions in cost savings while supporting grid reliability

Sunrun and PG&E dispatch energy from Northern California homes to form distributed power plants providing local grid relief

Ford F-150 Lightnings are powering the grid in first residential V2G pilot

FAQs

A Distributed Power Plant (DPP) goes beyond the limits of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). While a VPP often relies on behind-the-meter resources like demand response, thermostats, or managed EV charging—essentially turning energy use up or down—a DPP can actively dispatch and export energy back to the grid, coordinated by a single owner or operator of the resources. 

This capability to instantly export MWs of energy to the grid makes a DPP far more powerful and valuable - with no impacts on the customer comfort and no customer fatigue. It not only delivers the traditional grid services of a VPP but also provides customer resiliency, bill savings, and true grid support through the dispatch of incremental MWhs. By leveraging solar + storage systems at scale, DPPs give utilities flexible, dispatchable capacity while keeping homeowners protected and engaged.

This higher level of control, speed, and reliability allows a DPP to function like a true power plant, but with even more value. It can respond quickly to grid needs, provide precise support at both the bulk and local levels, and maintain backup power for customers at the same time.

In short, a VPP manages load. A DPP delivers power, offering utilities flexible, dispatchable capacity that strengthens the grid and benefits the homes that participate.

Yes. Sunrun manages the full customer experience through our operations team, serving as the trusted partner from enrollment through ongoing participation. This lets utilities focus on grid operations while we handle customer engagement and support.

Sunrun provides flexible data sharing and integrations, including aggregated performance data, enrollment details, and dispatch results. No utility software or additional equipment is required to take advantage of Sunrun's DPP — in fact, the largest programs in the country don't require any. We ensure secure interfaces or custom integrations that align with utility platforms and compliance if needed.

Each utility partner has a dedicated Account Manager as their single point of contact, overseeing implementation, reporting, and ongoing support for efficient, high-touch service.

Sunrun’s DPP technology prioritizes homeowner needs while supporting the grid. Features like Storm Watch and adjustable battery reserves maintain backup power during outages while dispatches are co-optimized for grid value.

Yes. Our DPP platform is highly flexible and can meet unique dispatch needs—whether outside peak hours, for special load profiles, or event-triggered responses.

Yes. We regularly integrate with DERMS and third-party administrators, enabling seamless enrollment, data sharing, and coordinated dispatch within existing frameworks.