Sonnen smart breakers integration details
Sonnen and SOLRITE Energy have announced an integration of ADAPT Energy’s controls and Eaton AbleEdge smart breakers into the SOLRITE–sonnen virtual power plant network. The system combines the sonnenHub with smart breakers designed to manage energy-intensive equipment during both grid outages and periods when the electrical grid requires additional support.
How smart breakers support virtual power plants
Participating in a virtual power plant allows home batteries to coordinate as a collective energy resource. By incorporating smart breakers, the system can temporarily switch off pre-approved, nonessential household loads—such as a pool pump—when an event begins. This reduction in home electricity consumption enables the sonnen battery to direct more electricity toward the grid compared to relying on battery dispatch alone. Homeowners must explicitly opt in to this grid participation, and ADAPT controls will only deactivate pre-approved loads.
Managing backup power and installation complexity
During grid outages, large appliances can quickly deplete a home battery or cause startup power surges that risk overloading the backup system. The ADAPT system coordinates smart breakers to automatically switch off large loads during backup operation and restore them once grid power returns, eliminating the need for manual circuit resets. Additionally, the system manages compatible circuits directly within existing breaker locations, which reduces installation complexity and inspection work compared to setups requiring electricians to move circuits into a separate panel.
Practical Takeaway
The integration of Sonnen smart breakers enables automated load management during power outages and grid support events. While it helps available battery capacity go further by temporarily disabling pre-approved, high-draw appliances like pool pumps, homeowners should note that whole-home backup limits still apply and pricing or availability details have not been specified.
Source: Original report