General Motors, SunPower Partner in Powering Homes With EVs

DETROIT — Automotive giant General Motors is partnering with SunPower, a residential solar power provider, to develop a new residential energy system that will enable GM’s electric vehicles to provide backup energy to consumers’ homes.

As part of the agreement, GM also named SunPower as a preferred EV charger installation provider and its exclusive solar provider. 

In a joint press release the companies said their collaboration will bring together SunPower’s home energy expertise and installation capabilities with GM’s leadership in EV and battery technology “to help provide customers with more resilient, sustainable and cost-effective energy.” 

The home energy system and installation services are slated to be available alongside the retail launch of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, expected in the fall of 2023. 

With bi-directional charging capabilities, the Silverado EV paired with a home energy system is expected to provide enough electricity to provide whole home backup during a grid outage.

“This is a vital next step toward making an all-electric lifestyle easy and even more beneficial,” said SunPower CEO Peter Faricy in a written statement. 

“Through this collaboration, we are making it easy for EV drivers to power their vehicles with clean energy and providing new ways to offer energy resiliency and peace-of-mind,” Faricy  said.

Once available, Chevrolet Silverado EV customers will be able to have their home energy system installed at the same time as their Silverado EV charger to enable vehicle-to-home power or choose to do so at a later date.

As part of the consultation process with individual customers, the companies will do an assessment of the home’s electrical system for compatibility with bi-directional charging. 

At that time, customers will also be offered the chance to purchase a SunPower solar system for their home.

According to the two companies, an EV customer with solar will be able to charge their vehicle with energy generated from their rooftop system. 

Then by using the new system the partners are creating, the homeowner will be able to store solar-generated electricity in their vehicle’s battery and export it directly into their home during the hours when electricity costs the most.

“The collaboration with SunPower is a shining example of how GM is working with industry leaders to accelerate our all-electric future and unlock greater value potential for GM Energy customers,” said Travis Hester, vice president of GM’s EV Growth Operations, in a written statement. 

“Leveraging the combined expertise of our two companies, we are working collaboratively to develop great products, services and solutions, and to provide customers with the tools to help access and manage their home energy applications,” Hester said.

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