Battery storage
A home battery stores excess solar so you can use your own energy when the sun sets, reducing your electricity bills and environmental impact. With the Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program, you can secure up to a 30%* discount on the purchase of a new battery. *Subject to eligibility criteria.
Whether retrofitting an existing system or buying new, batteries make your solar system deliver more for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is VPP technology?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of residential battery systems, connected via smart technology. VPP technology allows energy to flow from one home to another, supporting the electricity grid during times of need. The VPP will never completely discharge your battery.
VPPs encourage the use of more renewable energy and give solar and battery owners the opportunity to further monetise their excess energy—it’s a win-win.
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What is a VPP event?
A VPP event occurs at a time when we modify the operation of the battery for a period. During a VPP event, we may instruct the battery to charge, discharge or hold charge.
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Will VPP events happen at a certain time?
A VPP event can happen at any time, as it depends on when there is high demand on the grid. Increased demand on the grid generally occurs during peak periods, such as from 7am to 9am or 5pm to 8pm daily.
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What is the impact on my electricity bill of being on the VPP?
The VPP occasionally manages your battery, which could mean:
- some of the energy in your battery is exported to the grid, rather than used at your home, or
- some energy is imported from the grid to charge your battery.
We estimate this impact to be no more than $50* (incl. GST) every 12 months. We will not allow the level of energy stored in the battery to drop below usable energy storage capacity shown in the eligible products table - see Which batteries are compatible with our VPP FAQ below.
*See the VPP Terms and Conditions for full details.
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Which batteries are compatible with our VPP?
The following brands of batteries, battery models and inverter models are supported by our VPP.
Tesla
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - Powerwall 2
- Powerwall 3
- Not applicable
- 20%
LG
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - LG RESU 16H
- LG RESU 10H
- LG RESU 7H
- SolarEdge HD-Wave
- SolarEdge Genesis
- SolarEdge StorEdge
- SolarEdge Energy Hub
- 20%
SolarEdge
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - SolarEdge Home Battery
- SolarEdge HD-Wave
- SolarEdge Genesis
- SolarEdge StorEdge
- SolarEdgeEnergy Hub
- 20%
AlphaESS
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - M4856-P
- M4856-S
- SMILE5-BAT
- SMILE5-B3-PLUS
- SMILE-BAT-10.1P
- SMILE-BAT-10.3P
- SMILE-BAT-13.3P
- SMILE-BAT-5P
- SMILE-BAT-8.2_PH
- SMILE-G2-B5
- SMILE-G3-BAT-10.1P
- SMILE-G3-BAT-4.0S
- SMILE-M5
- SMILE-S6-HV
- Storion-SMILE-B3
- SMILE5-INV
- SMILE-B3-PLUS
- SMILE-G2-S5
- SMILE-G3-B5-INV
- SMILE-G3-S3.6-INV
- SMILE-G3-S5-INV
- SMILE-M5
- SMILE-S6-HV-INV
- SIMLE-T10-HV-INV
- Storion-SMILE-B3
- 20%
Sigenergy
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - SigenStor
- SigenStor_BAT_5.0
- SigenStor_BAT-8.0
- SigenStor-5S
- SigenStor-6S
- Sigen_Hybrid_6.0_SP
- SigenStor_EC_10.0_SP
- SigenStor_EC_10.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_12.0_SP
- SigenStor_EC_15.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_20.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_25.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_30.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_5.0_SP
- SigenStor_EC_5.0_TP
- SigenStor_EC_6.0_SP
- SigenStor_EC_8.0_SP
- 20%
Sungrow
Battery Inverter Minimum state of charge - SBH100
- SBH150
- SBH200
- SBH250
- SBH300
- SBH350
- SBH400
- SBP4K8
- SBR064
- SH5.0RS
- SH10.0RS
- SH10.0RT
- SH15T
- SH20T
- SH25T
- SH6.0RS
- SH6.0RT
- SH8.0RS
- SH8.0RT
- 20%
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What are my options for signing up to the VPP?
Battery Saver plan: VPP benefit is built into the plan as a supply charge discount.
Battery Power Top-Up: Be on any residential ActewAGL electricity plan (except for the Battery Saver plan) and receive a fixed credit added to your electricity account.
Electrify Bundle: For a limited time, save up to $1000* when you purchase an eligible battery through Electrify with ActewAGL and stay connected to our VPP. *Terms and Conditions apply.
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How long does it take to enrol or unenrol in the VPP?
Once you’re verified and the required checks are complete, onboarding is typically completed within 15-20 business days.
Benefits of solar with ActewAGL
