### **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]]