Electric utilities are facing unprecedented challenges as the rapid growth of behind-the-meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV and electric vehicles redefine the requirements to plan, operate and maintain a reliable grid. The use of traditional forecasting and planning practices in the new distributed energy landscape leads to blind spots in grid operations and uncertainties in distribution planning.
Many utilities still rely on basic empirical models for operational forecasting and simplistic load profiles for distribution system analysis rather than the granular insights needed to beneficially leverage DERs. When the need for more precise data is recognized, attempts to incorporate the data into planning and operations often result in complex, disjointed and resource-intensive data pipelines. A new, more scalable solution for modern grid planning and forecasting is required.
Unlocking new DER insights
What if utilities could dependably reconstruct DER gross load for power flow simulations and grid planning without costly sub-metering infrastructure?
What if utilities could optimize infrastructure investments using probabilistic DER simulations instead of overbuilding capacity with static, worst-case assumptions?
What if operators could incorporate array-level distributed PV forecasts through modern cloud computing and data pipelines as soon as systems are granted permission-to-operate, allowing them to make faster, more informed decisions to maintain grid stability?
Clean Power Research® is making “what if” possible with FleetView®, a scalable DER data and insights platform. FleetView equips planners with up-to-date, dependable DER simulations to effectively incorporate DER behavior into load forecasts and grid impact analyses. By pulling FleetView forecast data into control room systems, operators can improve reliability and resilience with better visibility of grid edge conditions.
Visualize simulated DER power output in the FleetView web platform
The FleetView web platform enables users to conveniently explore DER information and simulations all in one place. Reassign DERs to new fleet aggregations, review and edit system specifications, and visualize simulated power output. An API also allows for data integration directly into existing control room and planning systems.
FleetView: Your view behind the meter
FleetView provides accurate, scalable, BTM DER power forecasts to support distribution system planning, engineering and operations. Using dependable data sources and bottom-up modeling, FleetView distributed generation simulations provide meter-level insights aggregated at any level – from feeders to substations and beyond. With FleetView, utility grid operators and forecasters can produce dependable DER performance forecasts to help ensure grid stability and reliability.
Estimating PV power generation on a feeder using typical approximations of clear sky conditions or simple irradiance-based rated power scaling can lead to inaccurate gross load estimates. FleetView simulates each individual PV system using array-level modeling to generate more accurate historic and forecast fleet generation estimates.
FleetView distributed generation simulations capture the spatial and temporal variability of BTM DERs across the utility’s distribution grid. This provides utilities an understanding of true gross load and potential equipment violations that is not achievable using typical approximations. Crucially, advanced cloud computing enables FleetView data and insights to seamlessly scale along with DER growth, and provide critical visibility without requiring costly monitoring equipment or complex device integrations.
“Getting DERs interconnected is just the first hurdle for utilities,” said Clean Power Research Vice President of Product Management Joe Beer. “FleetView takes the next step to help utilities understand how these devices are impacting their networks as soon as—or even before—they are connected. Doing so will enable utilities to squeeze more value out of distribution infrastructure, increase reliability and inform more efficient operational decision-making.”
FleetView benefits for utility grid planners and forecasters include:
- Flexible DER configuration: Import DER specifications via file upload in the web portal or API, or synchronize with your PowerClerk® DER programs for immediate visibility of systems in all stage of deployment—operational, queued or any other
- Scalable simulation options: Get meter-level DER simulations or seamlessly aggregate insights at any grid level, fine-tune PV power model parameters to factor in extreme weather and configure the simulation frequency to meet your needs
- Seamless delivery: Browse and download simulation data directly from the web portal, or retrieve data via the API for bulk queries or integrations with ADMS, DERMS or other operations and planning tools
Streamlining insights with PowerClerk® integration
Utilities using Clean Power Research’s PowerClerk® workflow automation software for DER interconnection requests also benefit from automatic synchronization between PowerClerk and FleetView. By integrating PowerClerk and FleetView, utilities can quickly gain insight into how DERs are impacting their networks as soon as—or even before—they are connected.
See FleetView in action
Utilities and energy agencies can join a FleetView demonstration by contacting Clean Power Research or by visiting us at DISTRIBUTECH® International, March 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. DISTRIBUTECH is the largest transmission and distribution event in the U.S., showcasing cutting-edge technologies that power our homes and businesses.
Please join Clean Power Research in Booth #1746. We’ll be available to discuss how Clean Power Research software solutions help utilities expand operating and planning visibility of PV and other DERs to the grid edge.
Visit www.cleanpower.com/fleetivew to learn more, or contact us to schedule a demo today.