### **Device Layer**: Multi-manufacturer integration
- Must talk to: Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, Enphase, Generac, sonnen, BYD, etc.
- Future-proof for EVs ("batteries on wheels") - Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla vehicles
- Communication protocols vary by manufacturer (not standardized)
- **Challenge**: Each firmware update can break integration
### **Optimization Layer**: Real-time dispatch algorithms
- **Predict solar production** (weather forecasting, cloud cover, seasonal patterns)
- **Forecast customer load** (HVAC usage, time-of-day patterns, occupancy)
- **Optimize state-of-charge** across entire fleet (some batteries fuller, some emptier)
- **Balance backup reserves vs grid dispatch** (customer must have emergency power)
- **Stack revenue streams** (energy arbitrage + ancillary services + demand response simultaneously)
- **Avoid penalties** (failing to deliver contracted capacity = financial penalties)
### **Utility Integration Layer**: Bi-directional communication
- **Receive utility dispatch requests/signals** (often via legacy protocols)
- **Execute coordinated response** across thousands of devices within seconds
- **Return M&V data** proving performance (measurement & verification)
- **Interface with utility DERMS/SCADA systems** (each utility different)
- **This is "non-trivial" engineering** - utilities run 20+ year old systems, complex integration
- **100% uptime required** - utilities penalize unreliable VPPs heavily
![[Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.16.42.png]]