The platform, developed by Solnet Group, allows commercial and solar utilities to join a collective pool of virtual power plants, enabling them to participate in balancing markets, contribute to greater grid stability, and earn additional revenue. Companies participating in the virtual power plant network receive compensation for being on standby and providing production flexibility.
The fluctuating production of renewable energy sources and geopolitical uncertainties such as Russia's potential hybrid influence on electricity markets have led to increased volatility in energy prices and instability in electricity markets. Optimal operation of the electricity grid and increasing reserve market capacity are also nationally significant. Solar utilities and energy storage units can play a crucial role in grid balancing services, helping counteract the variability of renewable energy generation and generating extra income for participants.
Great potential – new European of Buildings Directive
Now smaller commercial solar utilities and variable-capacity energy storage can also take part. Solnet Manager is launching first in Finland, with planned subsequent markets including the Netherlands and Germany.
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There is great potential for this new solution. The provisions for solar power in the European Performance of Buildings Directive confirmed by the EU in March 2024 will further increase the number of industrial and commercial onsite solar installations. The directive requires the installation of onsite solar power systems across Europe on all new commercial and public buildings by 2026, on all commercial and public buildings undergoing major renovations by 2027, on all new residential buildings by 2029, and on all existing public buildings by 2030.
Service model of Solnet
Solnet Manager controls a diverse pool of solar utilities and energy storage units as a virtual power plant, optimizing the flexible renewable capacity to provide auxiliary services. The platform handles all necessary services, including participation, reporting, aggregation of combined virtual power plant capacity, and targeting of balancing markets to maximize profitability.
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Under a service model, Solnet Group takes care of the logistics, from device integration and onboarding to management and report generation. Business Finland has provided funding for the project in its research phase. (hcn)
