The energy storage landscape in the U.S. is evolving rapidly, driven by the growth of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), grid modernization, and new policies like the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). To maximize value in these dynamic markets, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) storage systems must be not only technically robust but also flexible and intelligent in operation.
At a recent webinar, SINEXCEL, Infineon, and Molecule Systems explored how hardware innovation, power semiconductor technology, and intelligent software can work together to unlock the potential of VPPs. The discussion highlighted SINEXCEL’s Sirius 135K solution, its integration with Infineon’s SiC devices, and the value of EMS-driven coordination for U.S. customers.
U.S. VPP Market Trends
VPPs are no longer just a future concept—they are becoming a necessity for grid reliability and economics. Several market forces are shaping this trend:
● Margins Are Shrinking: Tariffs, ITC step-downs, and shrinking hardware margins are squeezing developers.
● Policy Shifts: Traditional safety nets are fading, and developers must focus on market-based revenue streams.
● Revenue Opportunities: New VPP programs are expanding in California, Texas, and the Northeast, creating demand for storage systems that are revenue-ready from day one.
● C&I Sector Growth: Businesses see storage not only as backup but as a revenue-generating asset through demand charge management, frequency regulation, and participation in capacity markets.
Sirius 135K: A VPP-Ready Storage Solution
C&I storage faces two major challenges: adaptability to complex grids and achieving strong ROI.
Sirius 135K addresses these through a Global-Ready, Scenario-Ready, and Lifecycle-Ready design:
● Global-Ready: One System, Global Markets
○ Compatible with multiple grid standards (208V–480V 3P4W AC) and certified under UL, IEC, EN, and VDE, enabling fast deployment across the U.S. without redesign.
● Scenario-Ready: Reliable in Any Environment
○ From energy-intensive industrial parks to microgrid and off-grid islands, and from large-scale events to the most extreme environments, Sirius offers the adaptability C&I customers need to deploy seamlessly in diverse scenarios.
● Lifecycle-Ready: Lower TCO, Higher Value
○ Sirius leverages SiC power devices, optimized magnetic design, and a transformerless architecture to double energy density and save costs. Integrated Schneider switchgear enhances switch breaking capability by over 10×, improving system safety and efficiency.
How Sirius 135K Enables VPP Value—End to End
1) Dispatchability & Control (make the asset “grid-useful”)
● Sub-cycle power response (<15 ms): tracks AGC/dispatch signals quickly, improving performance in fast DR/ancillary programs.
● Granular active/reactive power control via true 3P4W: supports mixed C&I loads while following VPP setpoints without tripping.
● Seamless grid-forming/islanding: keeps critical loads online and enables black-start microgrids—turning resiliency into a VPP resource.
2) Interoperability with EMS & Programs (make it “plug-and-earn”)
● Standards-ready communications and local EMS integration streamline onboarding into aggregator/utility platforms.
● PV-storage coordination enables fast recharge, preserving availability for multiple programs in the same day.
● Fleet-level parallelization (≥1 MW per system block) simplifies scaling and aggregated control across sites.
3) Availability & Siteability (maximize hours, widen siting envelope)
● IP65/C5, 55°C non-derating: more sites qualify (urban, coastal, hot climates) with fewer curtailments.
● Weak-grid tolerance (THDu up to 25%): expands interconnection options, reducing queue risks and delays.
● Diesel + BESS hybrid: guarantees coverage during outages, protecting VPP commitments and penalties.
4) Portfolio-Scale Economics (improve stacked-revenue ROI)
● >98% conversion efficiency and SiC-driven lower losses boost net revenue from frequency/DR/TOU arbitrage.
● High energy density + transformerless design reduce BOS and footprint costs.
● Integrated switchgear & robust protection lower O&M and downtime—critical for multi-year VPP performance contracts.
Key VPP-Ready Features:
These capabilities allow Sirius 135K to respond instantly to grid signals, support aggregated VPP dispatch, and deliver stable, high-quality power in both on-grid and off-grid scenarios.
Infineon SiC: Driving Efficiency and Fast Response
At the core of Sirius 135K’s performance are Infineon SiC devices, which enable:
● Higher Efficiency: Lower losses and improved conversion performance
● Fast Switching: Rapid response to grid signals for VPP participation
● Thermal Robustness: Reliable operation under high-load or harsh conditions
Integrating SiC technology ensures maximized revenue from grid services, enhanced system reliability, and long-term operational stability.
Local EMS Intelligence: Orchestrating Value
Technology alone is not enough—VPPs require smart orchestration. This is where Molecule Systems’ EMS adds value:
● Optimizing dispatch and revenue stacking across multiple programs
● Ensuring compliance with local market rules and grid codes
● You define the control logic (if desired) — Molecule executes it in real time
● Coordinating hybrid systems (battery + diesel, or PV + storage)
● Minimizing downtime and maximizing availability
In practice, this allows VPP operators to generate 2–4x more recurring revenue per site, with no added development burden, by unlocking multiple value streams simultaneously.
Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. VPPs
As distributed energy adoption accelerates, the next phase of VPPs will see deeper integration across technologies:
● EV charging + C&I storage for peak shaving and demand response
● Microgrids and islanded systems as resilience hubs
● Hybrid renewable integration (solar, wind, hydrogen) coordinated through intelligent EMS
SINEXCEL, working with Infineon and Molecure Systems, is positioning Sirius 135K not only as a storage product, but as a VPP-ready building block for this evolving energy ecosystem.
Conclusion
The U.S. energy landscape is entering a new era where performance, flexibility, and intelligence define project success. Sirius 135K embodies this shift—delivering technical robustness, commercial value, and seamless integration for VPP programs.
For developers, utilities, and C&I customers, this solution represents more than just a storage system—it is an enabler of the future grid.
Watch the webinar:
See more of Siurius 135K: Sirius 135K
