PV Manager by Synergi connects and aggregates distributed PV systems through inverter-cloud APIs
The platform can reduce PV output during surplus generation, negative-price periods, or grid constraints
Its function is to control and coordinate PV generation, rather than store or redistribute excess electricity
Finland-based Synergi, together with Swiss-based BKW AG, developed and launched a cloud-based solution, PV Manager. Small-scale distributed PV systems generate peak energy from solar mostly at a certain period during the day. This drives the prices down during those hours, close to zero and even negative in some cases. Integrating storage can add to the cost, especially for small-scale residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) systems.
Synergi’s PV Manager aggregates various distributed energy assets, creating flexibility in PV generation from these assets. It allows the utilities, distribution system operators (DSOs), asset managers, and energy companies to connect and control multiple PV systems through a single platform. It uses cloud APIs provided by inverter manufacturers to connect all the residential and C&I systems. Once connected, Synergi’s virtual power plant (VPP) engine can aggregate the systems and manage them as a single portfolio. The platform currently supports SMA, Fronius, Huawei, and Sungrow inverters, with other integrations in development.
When solar generation is high and electricity prices are low or negative, PV Manager can reduce the output of selected systems, which is known as curtailment. This can help reduce PV output and respond to grid constraints. The company states that the platform can operate with sub-minute latencies and support control at the portfolio, grid-area, and transformer levels. It can aggregate the distributed assets ranging from 5 kW to 5 MW. The platform manages PV output rather than shifting or storing excess energy for later use.
Antti Hämmäinen, CEO & Co-Founder of Synergi, says, “Europe spent a decade building solar capacity. The next challenge is making the capacity we already have respond to what the grid actually needs, hour by hour. The technology to do that through the cloud, without installing anything new on site, exists today.”
