Does Virtual Power Plant option require Gateway 2 ?

[bkp_duke]

For a few months, my neighbors have had the option in their Tesla App to add themselves to a VPP group (not sure if it is live, none of them have tested it yet), similar to what is reported here:

Tesla launches new virtual power plant that pays Powerwall owners to help end brownouts

Tesla launches a new virtual power plant with PG&E in California that pays Powerwalls owners to help stabilize the electric grid.

electrek.co

I don't have this option, even though I'm on the same utility as them. The only differences I know of between their setup and mine are:

1) Gateway 2.0 (I'm on GW 1)
2) Powerwall 2.1 (I'm on 2.0)


Would appreciate anyone that is able to see the VPP option in their phones to contribute with their setup specs.

Thanks!

 

[jjrandorin]

For a few months, my neighbors have had the option in their Tesla App to add themselves to a VPP group (not sure if it is live, none of them have tested it yet), similar to what is reported here:

Tesla launches new virtual power plant that pays Powerwall owners to help end brownouts

Tesla launches a new virtual power plant with PG&E in California that pays Powerwalls owners to help stabilize the electric grid.

electrek.co

I don't have this option, even though I'm on the same utility as them. The only differences I know of between their setup and mine are:

1) Gateway 2.0 (I'm on GW 1)
2) Powerwall 2.1 (I'm on 2.0)


Would appreciate anyone that is able to see the VPP option in their phones to contribute with their setup specs.

Thanks!

I used to have the option in my app to opt into this (gateway 1) but I was never interested in it so ignored it. I dont see it there now. I am fairly certain that @bmah (gateway 1) also had it, and also might have participated in it.

I am not sure when it went away in my app as I never cared about it. I do have options to charge from the grid now in my app that I didnt have before (we have a long thread on that here). I dont use that either, but may use it in the winter.

 

[GenSao]

I have Gateway 1 and PW 2.0. The option was initially not available. In the last hour it showed up.

Be patient. it will come in two weeks. =)

 

[charlesj]

I just checked my app. The invitation was there above the Energy bar.

 

[bkp_duke]

I have Gateway 1 and PW 2.0. The option was initially not available. In the last hour it showed up.

Be patient. it will come in two weeks. =)

Android or iOS?

 

[charlesj]

Mine was on an iPhone Tesla app.

 

[bkp_duke]

Mine was on an iPhone Tesla app.

I've heard the iPhone app usually gets features a few weeks before Android. I'm on Android and don't have that option at this time.

 

[arnolddeleon]

I got the invitation today GW1, PG&E land, PW2 on Android

 

[bmah]

I used to have the option in my app to opt into this (gateway 1) but I was never interested in it so ignored it. I dont see it there now. I am fairly certain that @bmah (gateway 1) also had it, and also might have participated in it.

I am not sure when it went away in my app as I never cared about it. I do have options to charge from the grid now in my app that I didnt have before (we have a long thread on that here). I dont use that either, but may use it in the winter.

Yep, I have GW1 and PW2s. I participated in the VPP trial and even got a check from Tesla for it.

I got the notification for the "real" VPP program (yesterday, iOS mobile app). I opted in out of curiosity, same as for the VPP trial. Assuming that it works as documented, it's basically zero risk because you have the option to suspend your participation at any time.

Bruce.

 

[bkp_duke]

Yep, I have GW1 and PW2s. I participated in the VPP trial and even got a check from Tesla for it.

I got the notification for the "real" VPP program (yesterday, iOS mobile app). I opted in out of curiosity, same as for the VPP trial. Assuming that it works as documented, it's basically zero risk because you have the option to suspend your participation at any time.

Bruce.

So Tesla pays you, it's not a bill credit on PG&E?

 

[bmah]

So Tesla pays you, it's not a bill credit on PG&E?

Yep. I got a paper check from Tesla in the amount of $57.72, mailed from "Tesla Energy Operations". I'm not sure why it works that way.

Bruce.

 

[aesculus]

FWIW on Android. I did not have the VPP program last night but this AM I noticed I had an update for the app pending. After update it was there.

It may have been there overnight but ...

 

[bkp_duke]

Yep. I got a paper check from Tesla in the amount of $57.72, mailed from "Tesla Energy Operations". I'm not sure why it works that way.

Bruce.

Was the per kwh reimbursement rate variable, or the previously mentioned $2/kwh ?

 

[bkp_duke]

FWIW on Android. I did not have the VPP program last night but this AM I noticed I had an update for the app pending. After update it was there.

It may have been there overnight but ...

Hopefully SDG&E gets a program like this soon. I have updated my app.

 

[bmah]

Was the per kwh reimbursement rate variable, or the previously mentioned $2/kwh ?

Hmmm...I think for the VPP trial it was a fixed amount but it might not have been $2/kWh. Sorry, my memory on that is a bit hazy for various stupid reasons, but the rate is probably discussed in the "original" VPP thread.

The check stub just shows a dollar amount, but not how it was derived (they didn't "show their work").

Bruce.

 

[miimura]

I got the option to sign up yesterday. GW1 & 2xPW2 installed in 2018.

Since they pay you directly, it seems that it might be possible that the amount is $2/kWh on top of your normal NEM credits. How they calculate the kWh quantity they are paying you on is another story though. I will be sure to check the details of every discharge event if I end up participating.

 

[charlesj]

Was the per kwh reimbursement rate variable, or the previously mentioned $2/kwh ?

When I read the whole invite I did see $2/kWh or fraction there of.
I wonder if they will send a 1099 although that is not required if under $600?
Looks interesting even with a check at years end.

ps. just signed up to try and see what gives