Millbrae Company to Partner in Solar Study

Millbrae-based company Stem Inc. will partner with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD, to conduct a pilot project studying "the impact of high-penetration solar photovoltaics on the grid," the Sacramento Bee reports. 

Stem is an energy technology company focusing on more cost-effective energy for businesses. According to their website, Stem helps "enable businesses to control their electricity expenses and helps the electrical grid to be more efficient in managing peak usage."

The partnership with SMUD will be a two-year project, the Bee reports. The project goal is to reduce electricity costs for customers. 

Stem's "PowerMonitor" data collection and analysis system will be installed that will help SMUD determine "the amount of PVs that can be added to a distribution feeder while maintaining grid stability and power quality," the Bee reports. 

Another recent Stem project includes new technology for non-residential buildings that use large batteries that can save customers money through its analytics that predict when to store and use power, according to the Business Journal. 

Stem was also recently named one of the top energy data start-up companies to watch in 2013 by Gigaom.com.