Rooftop

Sunrun launches a battery program as net metering ends in California

Sunrun launches a battery program as net metering ends in California
(Images from the installation of a Sunrun solar panel system on the roof of the home of HGTV's Property Brothers.)

As net metering comes to an end in California, lowering the value of exported rooftop solar, Sunrun is launching a subscription service that it said will help customers adapt to the policy change by incorporating co-located battery storage systems.

Sunrun's "Shift" offering is intended to help customers increase self-consumption during peak hours when rates are highest and reduce low-value exports to the grid by using battery storage, the company said in a press release.

The program does not provide backup power capabilities and, as a result, is expected to limit labor hours, equipment costs, and potential panel upgrades often required for conventional home backup systems.

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California's transition from net metering to a net billing regime takes effect April 15. The California Public Utilities Commission approved the new policy last December in a proceeding commonly referred to as NEM 3.0.

Distributed energy advocates and solutions providers opposed the policy change, which incentivizes the co-location of battery storage with solar systems to recognize the evolution of California mature market.

Sunrun's battery storage program announcement comes a month after Sunnova, another leading residential solar and battery storage provider, launched a program to offer new customers a free battery to counter NEM 3.0.

Sunnova's offer targets customers who sign up for a residential lease of both solar and storage services. The "free" battery, valued at $8,000, does not include the cost of installation, the solar system, or Sunnova's 25-year warranty.