sonnen and SOLRITE Energy have announced the integration of ADAPT Energy controllers and Eaton AbleEdge smart breakers into their virtual power plant (VPP) network, in a move aimed at intelligently managing household loads and extending the lifespan of home batteries during peak times and power outages.
The new concept relies on connecting home batteries to smart breakers capable of temporarily shutting down non-essential and high-energy-consuming loads—such as pool pumps—when the public grid needs additional support or when homes experience a power outage. By reducing the power directed to unnecessary appliances, the batteries can channel more electricity to the grid or keep critical devices running for a longer period.
What Changes Practically for Users?
Load management is carried out automatically without the need for complex electrical wiring modifications or moving circuits to a separate distribution panel, as the new breakers are compatible with existing panels. Furthermore, this system does not grant operators absolute authority to disconnect any device, as the system requires prior consent from homeowners and their voluntary participation in the program, while specifying only the loads allowed to be disconnected, such as pumps and high-consumption appliances.
Additionally, this system helps address a common technical problem during power outages: large appliances consuming battery power quickly and causing sudden load surges that can overload the system when starting up. The ADAPT system automatically coordinates between the smart breakers and the sonnen battery to disconnect heavy loads and reconnect them immediately once the power supply returns.
Availability and Geographical Scope
SOLRITE builds and finances residential solar and battery storage projects through virtual power plant agreements with no upfront costs for owners, and currently operates in the states of Texas, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Illinois, with plans to expand its service scope. The companies have not yet mentioned details regarding pricing or commercial availability for current customers.