Solar Insiders - a Renew Economy Podcast The "zero-cost" VPP with big plans for empty rooftops
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Aug 21, 2025 Alan Hunter, CEO of National Renewable Network, is on a mission to democratize home solar and storage solutions. He discusses the success of their zero-cost virtual power plant model, allowing wider access to renewable energy. The conversation touches on empowering low-income households with solar systems, battery rebates, and the innovative use of empty rooftops for energy. Hunter also tackles the challenges of regulatory hurdles and the evolving dynamics of the energy market, all while keeping things light with some political satire.
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Use VPPs As An Electrification Platform
- Treat rooftop solar-plus-battery as the first step in home electrification and add controllable loads later.
- Integrate EV chargers, heat pumps and pool pumps into VPP control as homes electrify further.
A Neutral Layer To Balance Stakeholder Returns
- NRN positions itself between retailers and installers to ensure balanced returns and fairness.
- The company monitors investor returns, retailer margins, installer earnings and customer savings across the stack.
Offer Systems To Landlords Without Tenant Lock-In
- Landlords can install zero-upfront NRN systems and still give tenants choice of retailer to avoid lock-in.
- Use available incentives and installer processes to capture the large rental-market opportunity.