Virtual power plants (VPPs): should you join one with your home battery?
Joining a virtual power plant (VPP) is optional. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program only requires that an on-grid battery is able to join one. Whether it is worth joining depends on the deal, and on how much you value backup power.
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What a VPP is
The Australian Government describes a virtual power plant as a network of batteries operated in a coordinated way by an electricity retailer or another organisation, which can act like a power station or a big battery. If you join, the operator controls your battery for some or all of the time, in return for financial benefits.
What you might get
- reduced electricity prices, or a regular payment instead of a bill
- increased feed-in tariffs
- an upfront discount on the battery
What to weigh up
- Battery life: it may be charged and discharged more than usual.
- Backup: you may have no stored energy left in a blackout, though some VPPs reserve part of your battery for backup.
- Warranty: check the impact on your battery warranty.
- Internet: taking part needs an ongoing internet connection.
- The deal: each VPP is different, so read the details and reviews.
We set your battery up so you can join later if you want. Ask us at the assessment. Related: battery modes, Backup Reserve and is a home battery worth it?.
Why locals choose us
- Our own in-house team designs every system and does every install. 25 years in solar and large commercial electrical work. No subcontractors.
- A face-to-face site visit before every install: compliant battery position, switchboard and RCBO check, no surprises on the day.
- SAA-accredited installer and Sigenergy-approved, with a 25-year workmanship warranty on our installation work.
Questions we get asked
Do I have to join a VPP to get the battery rebate?
No. The battery needs the technical capability to join one. Joining is your choice, now or later.
Will a VPP affect my blackout backup?
It can, if it uses your stored energy. Ask how much is reserved for backup.
Does a VPP void my battery warranty?
It can affect it. Check the warranty conditions before you join.
Do I need Wi-Fi?
Yes, an ongoing internet connection is needed to participate.
Sources
Last checked 7 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus and defaults change between models and versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.
- energy.gov.au (Australian Government): Batteries, including the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, backup power, installation rules, warranties and VPPs
- energy.gov.au: How solar pays for itself and batteries reduce bills
