DER Key Players & Case Studies

The DER ecosystem involves various players—technology manufacturers, developers, aggregators, utilities, and regulators. This section highlights leading U.S. players and examines notable case studies demonstrating DER integration.

Key Players

OEMs and Tech Providers

  • Solar PV/Inverter Mfrs: First Solar (US panels); Enphase Energy, SolarEdge (leading distributed inverter/optimizer suppliers with control features).
  • Battery/Storage Providers: Tesla (Powerwall/Megapack, VPP operator); LG Energy Solution, Panasonic (cells); Fluence (large-scale systems & software).
  • Smart Device/IoT Companies: Ecobee, Google Nest (thermostats); ChargePoint, Enel X, EVgo (smart EV charging); Span.io (smart panels); Schneider Electric (home energy management).
  • DER Software & Platform Providers: AutoGrid (DERMS/VPP platform); EnergyHub (residential DER aggregation for utilities); DERMS vendors (Opus One/GE, Siemens, ABB, Itron).

Aggregators and Developers

  • Sunrun: Leading residential solar/storage TPO, aggregates home systems (e.g., 20 MW ISO-NE capacity contract).
  • Tesla: Manufactures EVs/batteries, operates VPPs (e.g., CA PG&E program delivering 16.5 MW).
  • Enel X (formerly EnerNOC): Major C&I demand response aggregator (manages thousands of sites for peak relief in PJM, NYISO, etc.). Similar players: CPower, Voltus.
  • Swell Energy, Stem Inc.: Aggregate distributed batteries (residential - Swell; commercial BTM AI optimization - Stem) for grid services/market bidding.

Utilities Pioneering DER Integration

  • Consolidated Edison (ConEd - NY): Landmark BQDM program used DER (52 MW) as NWA to defer $1.2B substation, incentivized under REV.
  • Hawaiian Electric (HECO - HI): Innovator managing extreme DER penetration via advanced inverters, new tariffs (Self-Supply, Smart Export), Battery Bonus program. Treats aggregated DER as resource adequacy.
  • California IOUs (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E): PG&E VPP w/ Tesla; SCE storage procurements; SDG&E Borrego Springs microgrid. Use Distribution Resource Plans, Hosting Capacity Analyses, online interconnection portals.
  • Duke Energy (NC/FL etc.): Testing VPPs, managed EV charging, utility-owned rooftop solar proposals.
  • Energy Cooperatives (e.g., Kit Carson EC - NM, Pedernales EC - TX): Setting high DER goals, deploying community solar/storage for member value and resilience (e.g., Kit Carson daytime 100% solar). NRECA supports co-op DER deployment.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: California (CAISO) Duck Curve & DER Response

  • High solar penetration (~12 GW BTM) created steep evening ramps ("duck curve").
  • Solutions include: TOU rates encouraging midday usage/charging; emergency response via Flex Alerts (voluntary conservation) and VPPs (Tesla Powerwall VPP injecting 16.5 MW in 2022 heatwave, helping avoid blackouts); Demand Response Auction Mechanism (DRAM) for aggregated peak reductions; SGIP storage incentives; V2G pilots (electric school buses).
  • Demonstrates DER's role in managing high variable renewable grids.

Case Study 2: New York REV & ConEd’s BQDM

  • ConEd used 52 MW of targeted DER (efficiency, solar, storage, DR) to defer a $1.2B substation upgrade, saving $300M+.
  • NY PSC provided financial incentives, aligning utility profit with DER success under the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) framework.
  • Proves DER can provide reliable grid services at scale as Non-Wires Alternatives. Led to broader DER integration in NY planning.

Case Study 3: Hawaii’s DER Grid

  • Highest solar per capita; faced reliability issues ~2015.
  • HECO pivoted from halting interconnections to requiring advanced inverters and new tariffs (Self-Supply, Smart Export) promoting storage.
  • Battery Bonus program incentivized adding storage and exporting during evening peak to replace retired coal capacity.
  • Shows regulatory agility and transition from viewing DER as problem to solution for 100% renewable goals.

Other Illustrative Examples

  • Green Mountain Power (VT): Deployed utility-controlled home batteries (Tesla Powerwalls) creating ~30 MW VPP, saving customers money by reducing regional peak demand charges.
  • Microgrid Projects: Bronzeville (Chicago), MCAS Miramar (San Diego) demonstrate resilience, islanding capabilities during outages, often integrating multiple DER types.
  • ERCOT Contingency Reserves: Post-2021, DER (Tesla Powerwalls) enrolled in Controllable Load Resource category for fast response, showing DER value even in energy-only markets.

These cases highlight that successful DER integration requires innovative strategies, supportive regulations, and collaboration between diverse players. They provide valuable lessons for other regions navigating the DER transition.