Sunnova seeks to create “micro-utility” in California

US residential solar and battery storage company Sunnova Energy International Inc (NYSE:NOVA) on Thursday said it has submitted an application to create an innovative “micro-utility” in California.

The company has set up a subsidiary called Sunnova Community Microgrids California LLC (SCMC), which will aim to provide distributed solar-powered microgrids for new home communities.

Sunnova founder and chief executive William J Berger said the company was breaking new ground by expanding its distributed energy services from homes to whole communities.

“Community microgrids are the future as they offer the unique ability to share excess electricity, putting the power in the hands of homeowners and significantly enhancing the resiliency of communities,” he commented.

“We see a future where communities, neighborhoods, and businesses can operate independently from the legacy grid with sustainable energy sources that provide uninterrupted power,” Berger further said.

SCMC has applied to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to qualify as a “micro-utility” and to request a certificate to construct and operate microgrids.

Sunnova explained the application highlighted that communities consuming mainly locally generated renewable power will bring relief to the existing transmission and distribution system.

The company also referred to the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act, which includes incentives for renewables and technologies to monitor and control microgrids.

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