Connected Car
“What sets Enphase apart is that our two-way system will be compatible with virtually every vehicle that allows for bidirectional DC charging. It will also export unused stored energy back to the grid, providing potential power utility billing credits for consumers or cash refunds from utility companies,” Alkuran said. For example, PG&E’s Net Surplus Compensation program, enabled by California Senate Bill 920, allows PG&E and other state utilities to offer payment for surplus energy by a home or business renewable energy system based on readings from those participating in the Virtual Net Energy Metering Program using PG&E’s SmartMeter. Beyond making money by selling excess energy, users can also save by leveraging differential energy tariffs based on cheaper energy stored at night or during off-peak, reduced-rate periods. Some concerns with the V2G technology rollout include regulatory challenges and the lack of standard bidirectional charging protocols and connectors.