SunPower teams on modelling high-penetration PV on California energy network

March 12, 2010
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Two grants totalling US$1.5 million have been awarded to SunPower from the California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration (CSI RD&D) Program to explore the planning and modelling for high-penetration PV on the California transmission and distribution network. Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is also partnering with SunPower on a second project to research the required hardware and software tools needed for providing bi-directional communication and management between PV systems and utility controls using advanced metering infrastructure.

“Participating in research and development projects under the California Solar Initiative, and partnering with leading solar technologists, will be a benefit to SunPower’s business and broaden the success of solar programs in California,” noted Bill Mulligan, SunPower’s Vice President of Technology and Development.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The CSI RD&D Program is investing US$50 million to fund solar research and demonstration projects designed to reduce the cost and accelerate the installation of solar and other distributed technologies that could employ solar for generation, storage, or that could reduce the use of natural gas.

Read Next

February 17, 2026
Jupiter International has commissioned its 1GW third solar cell production line online at its Baddi facility in Himachal Pradesh.
February 17, 2026
Fixed-tilt trackers and bifacial modules installed vertically could be the most effective way of deploying PV systems in Arctic environments.
February 17, 2026
Chinese manufacturers dominate PV Tech Research’s new inverter bankability rating report, but recent EU and US policies targeting Chinese-made inverters may create opportunities for other companies.
February 17, 2026
ACEN Australia has announced the integration of its 400MW Stubbo Solar project in New South Wales into its AU$750 million (US$530 million) non-recourse portfolio debt facility.
February 17, 2026
New Zealand gentailer Contact Energy has announced a NZ$525 million (US$316 million) equity raise to accelerate its Contact31+ strategy, which aims to position the company as a leader in New Zealand’s renewable energy future.
February 16, 2026
Axis Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Odisha to develop up to 5GW of renewable energy capacity in the state. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Webinars
February 18, 2026
9am PST / 5pm GMT
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Solar Media Events
April 15, 2026
Milan, Italy
Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
October 13, 2026
San Francisco Bay Area, USA