Sunrun, a leading provider of solar power and energy storage solutions, has unveiled the United States’ first-ever vehicle-to-home (V2H) energy system, leveraging its customers’ own Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks equipped with bidirectional charging technology?
Automobile-to-home energy crops
Bidirectional charging technology enables electric vehicles to receive energy from the grid while also feeding stored power back into homes or buildings. This home battery system, in conjunction with Sunrun, offers homeowners a robust shield against power outages caused by severe weather events or grid malfunctions, ensuring uninterrupted vital services and peace of mind.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a grant to Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), Maryland’s largest utility, to develop the state’s first-ever electric vehicle (EV) charging megastation. The utility collaborated with Sunrun on a regulatory-approved program, partnering with three Sunrun customers in BGE’s service area.
Shoppers have purchased their personal Ford F-150 Lightnings, along with Ford’s CoStar Professional and Home Integration techniques, entirely through Sunrun. Brian Foreman, a resident of Howard County, Maryland, made history by powering his home with energy harnessed from his electric vehicle’s battery, while simultaneously utilizing the grid, thanks to Sunrun and BGE’s innovative vehicle-to-home energy program.
From June 1 to September 30, 2024, Sunrun is conducting a networked monitoring of participating Ford F-150 Lightning electric vehicles, leveraging their stored energy during weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Enrolled clients will receive a fee contingent upon the volume of energy they contribute, valued at approximately $800 throughout the four-month program.
Sunrun CEO Mary Powell stated:
This innovative program serves as a pioneering concept, with no equivalent implemented by any other market player, aiming to expand its scope nationwide.
This groundbreaking collaboration sets the stage for a futuristic energy network where electric vehicle owners can participate in grid resilience and utility value stabilization for the benefit of all.
During the sweltering summer months, the energy grid can become severely strained, making it imperative to utilize stored vitality in electric vehicles for peak demand management.
As advancements in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology continue to evolve, bidirectional charging is gaining momentum. Batteries can store excess energy and release it efficiently, rendering them a practical alternative to traditional backup generators. Several major automakers, including Ford and Nissan, have developed electric vehicles (EVs) that leverage their existing capabilities.
Electrek’s Take
Building on its momentum in residential solar and battery storage, Sunrun is poised to take another crucial step forward with the introduction of bidirectional EV charging. As a homeowner with a Sunrun solar panel installation on my rooftop.
While Sunrun’s venture influence may have a certain scope, its actual reach remains uncertain. If widely adopted, vehicle-to-home technologies could help support energy grids during peak periods. Additionally, solar integration may be further facilitated by storing excess clean energy in vehicle batteries for later use when needed. This initiative harmonizes with ongoing endeavors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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