What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant (VPP) is a lithium-ion based energy storage system that allows the site it is powering to run off-the-grid or off-grid when selected to do so. When a mains power supply is present the VPP charges its battery set (typically lithium-ion) and this is normally done during off-peak rate times. During peak electricity rate periods, the virtual power plant uses the energy stored within its lithium-ion batteries to support the load.