Virtual Power Plant Programs in Australia
A VPP lets you earn money from your home battery by exporting stored energy when the grid needs it most. Australian households typically earn $300–$1,000+ per year depending on their battery, location, and program. This guide compares every major VPP program so you can pick the right one.
How a Virtual Power Plant works
1. Your solar charges your battery
During the day, excess solar fills your battery as normal.
2. Grid demand spikes
On hot afternoons or cold evenings, wholesale electricity prices surge.
3. Your battery exports and you earn
Your VPP provider signals your battery to export. You receive credits or cash.
All major VPP programs let you set a minimum battery reserve, so you always keep backup power for your home. Most VPP events last 1–3 hours and happen 10–30 times per year.
VPP Programs Compared
All rates and earnings are estimates based on a 10kWh battery. Click a program for the full review.
| Program | Export Rate | Est. Annual | Payment | Lock-in | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Energy Plan Tesla / Energy Locals | 12–22c/kWh | $200 – $500 | Export credits | No lock-in | NSW, VIC, SA, QLD |
| Origin Loop VPP Origin Energy | Up to 20c/kWh | $300 – $600 | Bill credits | 12 months | NSW, VIC, SA, QLD |
| AGL Virtual Power Plant AGL | 15–18c/kWh | $250 – $500 | Bill credits + upfront bonus | 24 months | NSW, VIC, SA, QLD |
| Simply Energy VPP Simply Energy | 18–25c/kWh | $300 – $700 | Export credits | No lock-in | VIC, SA |
| Reposit Power Reposit (via installers) | Variable (up to $1/kWh) | $400 – $1,000+ | GridCredits | No lock-in | NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, TAS, ACT |
| Amber Electric Amber Electric | Wholesale (variable) | $200 – $800 | Wholesale price | No lock-in | NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, TAS, ACT |
| Energy Australia VPP Energy Australia | 10–15c/kWh | $200 – $400 | Bill credits | 12 months | NSW, VIC, SA |
Program Overviews
Tesla Energy Plan
Tesla / Energy Locals
- checkHigher export rates than standard FiTs
- checkSeamless Powerwall integration
- checkStorm Watch backup feature
- removeTesla Powerwall batteries only
- removeLimited to four states
- removeEarnings vary by season and grid demand
Origin Loop VPP
Origin Energy
- checkWorks with multiple battery brands
- checkGood bill credits during VPP events
- checkAustralia's largest VPP network
- removeMust be an Origin Energy customer
- removeCredits not cash (applied to bill)
- removeRequires 12 month commitment for best rates
AGL Virtual Power Plant
AGL
- checkUpfront bonus available ($100–$250)
- checkEstablished program with strong support
- checkGood export rates during events
- removeMust be AGL customer
- remove24 month lock-in for best rates
- removeModerate export rates compared to Reposit
Simply Energy VPP
Simply Energy
- checkHighest fixed export rates in the market
- checkNo lock-in contract
- checkGood customer service ratings
- removeOnly available in VIC and SA
- removeSmaller provider with less market share
- removeFewer compatible battery brands than Origin
Reposit Power
Reposit (via installers)
- checkHighest earning potential of any VPP
- checkWorks with any electricity retailer
- checkAdvanced AI optimisation
- removeRequires Reposit hardware (~$600–$800 installed)
- removeVariable/unpredictable earnings
- removeMore complex setup than app-based programs
Amber Electric
Amber Electric
- checkTrue wholesale pricing for exports
- checkHigh earnings during price spikes
- checkWorks with most battery brands
- removeRequires active management for best results
- removeVariable and sometimes negative prices
- removeNot a traditional VPP (wholesale retailer)
Energy Australia VPP
Energy Australia
- checkMajor retailer with strong brand
- checkSimple enrollment process
- checkNo upfront hardware costs
- removeLower export rates than competitors
- removeLimited to three states
- removeFewer grid events than SA-focused programs
Battery VPP Compatibility
Check which VPP programs work with your battery brand.
| Battery | Compatible VPP Programs |
|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall | |
| BYD Battery-Box | |
| Sungrow SBR | |
| Enphase IQ | |
| Alpha ESS | |
| LG RESU | |
| SolaX | |
| GoodWe |
VPP Earnings by State
Earnings vary by state due to differences in grid demand, wholesale price volatility, and available programs. South Australia and Victoria tend to offer the highest returns.
| State | Typical Annual Earnings | Grid Events/yr | Programs Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA | $500 – $1,000+ | 25–40 | Tesla, Origin, AGL, Simply Energy, Reposit, Amber |
| VIC | $400 – $800 | 20–35 | Tesla, Origin, AGL, Simply Energy, Reposit, Amber, EA |
| NSW | $300 – $700 | 15–25 | Tesla, Origin, AGL, Reposit, Amber, EA |
| QLD | $300 – $600 | 15–25 | Tesla, Origin, AGL, Reposit, Amber |
| WA | $200 – $500 | 10–20 | Synergy, Reposit, Amber |
| TAS | $200 – $400 | 10–15 | Reposit, Amber |
| ACT | $200 – $400 | 10–15 | Reposit, Amber |
| NT | $100 – $300 | 5–10 | Limited |
Based on a 10kWh battery with standard VPP settings. Actual earnings depend on battery size, program, grid conditions, and usage patterns.
Pros and cons of joining a VPP
VPP programs are growing in popularity, but they're not the right fit for everyone. Here's an honest breakdown of what you gain and what you give up. For a detailed comparison with standard export rates, see our guide on VPP vs feed-in tariffs.
thumb_upPros
- checkExtra income from your battery
Earn $300–$1,000+/year on top of your regular solar savings and feed-in tariff.
- checkHigher export rates than standard FiTs
VPP export rates (15–25c/kWh) are typically 3x to 5x higher than standard feed-in tariffs (3–7c/kWh).
- checkSet-and-forget operation
Most programs are fully automated. Your battery charges from solar and exports when the grid needs it, with no manual intervention.
- checkYou keep backup power
All programs let you set a minimum reserve (typically 20–30%) so your battery always has charge for blackouts.
- checkHelps the grid transition to renewables
VPPs reduce reliance on gas peaker plants during demand spikes, supporting Australia's clean energy transition.
- checkRequired for the battery rebate anyway
On-grid batteries must be VPP-capable to qualify for the federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate. You might as well use the capability.
thumb_downCons
- removeThird-party control of your battery
Your VPP provider can dispatch your battery during events. You set the reserve, but you don't control the timing.
- removeEarnings are variable
VPP income depends on grid events, which vary year to year. A mild summer means fewer events and lower earnings.
- removeMay reduce evening self-consumption
If a VPP event happens during your peak usage hours, you'll draw from the grid instead of your battery for those 1–3 hours.
- removeSome programs require retailer lock-in
Origin (12 months) and AGL (24 months) require you to stay with them as your electricity retailer.
- removeBattery wear from extra cycles
VPP events add charge/discharge cycles to your battery. Modern lithium batteries handle this well, but it does contribute to long-term degradation.
A VPP makes sense if you:
- check_circleAlready have a home battery (or are buying one)
- check_circleWant to earn extra income from excess stored energy
- check_circleLive in SA, VIC, or NSW where events are frequent
- check_circleAre comfortable with your battery being dispatched occasionally
A VPP might not suit you if:
- infoYou rely on your battery as your sole backup power source
- infoYou're not comfortable with any third-party control of your battery
- infoYou live in WA, TAS, or NT where events are infrequent
- infoYou're on a time-of-use plan and need every kWh for evening self-consumption
Related reading
Side-by-side comparison of VPP earnings and standard export rates to help you decide.
Battery Arbitrage in AustraliaHow to profit from time-of-use tariffs and wholesale price spikes with your home battery.
Best Solar Batteries Australia 2026Reviews of the top home batteries including VPP compatibility for each model.
Adding a Battery to Existing SolarComplete guide to retrofitting a battery to your current solar system.
Solar Battery Rebate 2026The federal Cheaper Home Batteries program, including the VPP-capable requirement.
Solar Battery Decision GuideShould you get a battery? How to weigh the costs, savings, and VPP potential.
VPP FAQs
What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
A VPP is a network of home batteries connected to the electricity grid via software. When demand is high and wholesale prices spike, your battery exports stored energy to help stabilise the grid. In return, you receive payments or bill credits from your VPP provider. Think of it as renting out your battery's spare capacity.
How much can I earn from a VPP program?
Most households earn $300–$600 per year from VPP programs. Top performers with larger batteries in high-volatility states (SA, VIC) can earn $800–$1,000+. Earnings depend on your battery size, VPP program choice, state, and how many grid events occur during the year.
Will VPP exports drain my battery and leave me without backup?
No. All major VPP programs let you set a minimum battery reserve (typically 20–30%). This means your battery always keeps enough charge for essential backup power. VPP events usually only use 50–80% of your available capacity and last 1–3 hours.
Can I leave a VPP program if I'm not happy?
Most programs have no lock-in or short commitment periods. Tesla, Reposit, Simply Energy, and Amber have no lock-in at all. Origin has a 12 month term and AGL has 24 months for best rates. You can always leave at the end of your term with no exit fees.
Do I need a specific battery to join a VPP?
It depends on the program. Tesla's VPP requires a Powerwall. Origin Loop and AGL support most major battery brands (BYD, Sungrow, Alpha ESS, Tesla). Reposit Power works with nearly any battery but requires their controller hardware. Check our compatibility table above for details.
Is a VPP better than a feed-in tariff?
VPP payments are in addition to your regular feed-in tariff, not a replacement. Your solar exports during the day still earn the standard FiT (3–7c/kWh). VPP events happen during peak periods (usually evenings) when your battery exports stored energy at much higher rates (15–25c/kWh or more). The two income streams stack together.
How do VPP grid events affect my electricity usage?
During a VPP event, your battery switches from powering your home to exporting to the grid. You'll draw from the grid instead for those 1–3 hours. Most programs schedule events during off-peak or shoulder rate periods, and the VPP export earnings significantly exceed the cost of grid imports during the event.
Which state is best for VPP earnings?
South Australia consistently offers the highest VPP earnings ($500–$1,000+/year) due to frequent wholesale price spikes and high renewable penetration. Victoria is second best ($400–$800/year). NSW and QLD are moderate ($300–$600/year). WA has limited VPP options as it operates on a separate grid.
Get a VPP-Ready Battery
Planning to join a VPP? Make sure your battery is compatible. Our installers will help you choose the right system for maximum VPP earnings.
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