Batteries & Virtual Power Plants

Batteries are getting interesting. Finally.

Battery prices have dropped 22% in NSW since 2024. Interest-free loans landed via Empowering Homes. VPPs are paying real money. Here's a level-headed look at whether yours adds up.

Free battery checkNSW Empowering Homes awareVPP-savvy installers
Free battery checkSee typical savings

Should you add a battery? Quick test.

Three questions. Two “yes” answers = worth modelling. Three “yes” = probably yes.

  • Do you regularly use power between 5–9pm (cooking, AC, TV)?

  • Is your feed-in tariff below 7c/kWh?

  • Could you join a VPP in your network area? (Most NSW networks now have at least one.)

Typical 10 kWh battery + 6.6 kW solar

$700–$1,400/ year

Extra savings on top of solar-only. Payback 6–10 yrs.

Empowering Homes loan offers an effective payback period of ~4 years for eligible homes.

How a Virtual Power Plant works.

1

You store solar

Your battery charges during the day on cheap (or your own) solar.

2

The grid asks nicely

When demand spikes (heatwave evenings), the VPP discharges your battery to the grid.

3

You get paid

Typically $250–$600/year, depending on operator and how much you allow.

How it works

Three steps. No pressure.

60 sec

Check your roof

Address in. We estimate sun hours, roof angle, and shade. No installer call needed.

No login

See your options

Plain-English breakdown of system size, STC rebate, payback, and battery options.

Your call

Get matched

Only when you say so, up to 3 quotes from local CEC-accredited installers.

Common questions

Honest answer: only if you regularly use power in the evening AND your feed-in tariff is low. We'll tell you straight if not.
NSW interest-free loan for solar+battery in eligible postcodes. Up to $14k, 8-year term. A free check tells you if your address qualifies.
Modern batteries (LFP chemistry) cycle 6,000+ times. Most VPPs limit discharges to protect the warranty. We pick partners that respect that.
Almost always yes, even if your inverter is 10 years old. Sometimes we recommend a hybrid inverter swap. The check tells you which.

Ready to check your roof?

60-second check · Free, always · No callbacks unless you ask.

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