Comparing Virtual Power Plant (VPP) providers in Australia? By joining a VPP, your home battery can earn you extra income, improve payback, and support grid reliability—especially when paired with available solar battery rebates. But not all VPPs are the same. Some programs offer higher payouts, while others focus on upfront battery discounts or zero-bill guarantees.
This guide compares the top VPP providers across contract terms, retailer lock-in, financial incentives, and battery compatibility—so you can find the option that fits your needs. Learn more about how Virtual Power Plants work or explore our solar battery price guide to estimate your return on investment.
Top 5 Best Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) in Australia (2025)
Want the fast version? These are our top picks for 2025, based on rebates, rewards, flexibility, and transparency:
- Amber SmartShift – Best for earning the most when prices spike
- Discover Energy – Best for easy daily payments (no advance setup) + bonus income
- ShineHub – Best for big discount when buying a new battery (stack with Fed + State Incentives)
- AGL VPP – Best for simple setup with no lock-in
- Origin Loop – Best for Origin customers who want decent bonuses with minimal effort
Top VPP Provider Comparison Table
| VPP Provider | Retailer Lock-In | Contract Term | Battery Control | Main Financial Benefit | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amber SmartShift | No | None | Full user control via app | Access to wholesale market prices (up to $19/kWh); typical earnings $1,000+/year | $25/month fee; performance varies with market volatility; requires active app engagement |
| Discover Energy VPP | Yes (Discover) | None | Fixed reserve (~20–30%) | $0.30/kWh feed-in tariff for first 3.28kWh/day + AI energy trading bonus (avg. $300–$800/year) | Requires switching to Discover Energy; lower export rates after cap; trading profits not guaranteed |
| ShineHub VPP (Battery VIA ShineHub) | No | 5 years (with exit clawback) | Fixed reserve (~20%) | Up to $2,000 battery discount + ~$0.55–$0.65/kWh export rates during grid events | 5-year lock-in; early exit fee; must use ShineHub battery hardware |
| AGL VPP (BYOB) | Yes (AGL electricity plan) | 12-month rolling, auto-renew; no exit fee | AGL User control however 20% reserve for Tesla Batteries | $1/kWh for event energy ( up to 250 kWh/year). + credits calculated yearly. $20/qtr (SA $45/qtr) | Must be on an AGL plan; needs smart meter + export earnings capped; limited event frequency. |
| Origin Loop (BYOB) | Yes (Origin Energy) | None if BYO; 5 yrs if bought | Fixed reserve (~20% on Powerwall) | $1.00/kWh payout during events (up to 200kWh/year) + $200 signup bonus (max ~$400/year) | Must be on Origin energy plan; export earnings capped; limited event frequency |
Top Virtual Power Plants in 2025
Amber Electric – SmartShift
Amber’s SmartShift program helps you get paid more for your solar battery by tapping into the real-time electricity wholesale market. Instead of earning a fixed feed-in tariff, your battery exports energy when prices are high—often during peak demand or grid stress. These prices can spike up to $19/kWh, far above standard rates.
Fast facts:
- Battery compatibility: Tesla Powerwall, AlphaESS, GoodWe, Sungrow, SolarEdge
- Contract Term: No contract term, no retailer lock-in
- Battery control: User sets minimum reserve via app
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Full control of battery reserve | $25/month fee adds up (~$300/year) |
| Keep your existing electricity retailer | Less ideal for low-export homes |
| Access to premium wholesale export prices ( up to $19/kWh) | Requires active monitoring to maximise returns |
| Transparent pricing via Amber app | Export income is unpredictable |
Best for: There’s no contract and no need to switch electricity retailers. Homeowners retain full control over how much battery capacity is used for trading (think blackout protection).
Discover Energy VPP
Discover offers a simple, automated VPP with a generous feed-in rate and bonus trading payouts. Households earn $0.30/kWh for the first ~3.28kWh/day, plus up to $800/year in energy trading bonuses—if market conditions are favourable.
- Retailer Lock-In: Yes (Discover Energy)
- Contract Term: None
- Battery Control: Fixed reserve (~20–30%)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High feed-in rate ($0.30/kWh for first 3.28kWh/day) | You have to switch to Discover Energy |
| Bonus payments through AI trading system | Lower rates after daily export cap |
| No contract term | Trading profits aren’t guaranteed |
| Compatible with many battery brands | Battery reserve is locked (can’t be adjusted) |
Best for: People who are okay with changing energy providers and want steady payments plus the chance for higher earnings through automated trading.
AGL Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
AGL’s VPP links your home battery to a fleet that supports the grid during peak demand. You can join with an existing compatible battery (BYOB) or buy a new battery from AGL on a 5-year VPP bundle. Payments & benefits include: a promotional $200 welcome credit, $20 quarterly credits (SA: $45/quarter), and $1 per kWh for energy exports AGL moves to/from your battery during VPP events (tallied and credited annually). There’s also a 250 kWh/year cap on VPP use and AGL will always leave you backup (20% on Tesla; user-set on others).
You’ll need to be on an AGL electricity plan, have a smart meter and reliable internet. On the BYOB path the VPP services term is 12 months rolling with no exit fee; if you take AGL’s upfront battery discount, you’re on a 5-year term and early exit triggers a pro-rata clawback of that discount.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stacked payments: $200 welcome credit + ongoing $20/quarter (SA: $45/quarter) + $1/kWh for VPP events. | Must stay on an AGL plan; not compatible with other retailers. |
| Backup protection: 250 kWh/year cap on orchestration and minimum reserve left in your battery (20% Tesla; others user-set). | Upside is capped by the 250 kWh/year limit in big-event years. |
| Flexible BYOB path: 12-month rolling term, no exit fee; leave any time. | 5-year lock-in if you take AGL’s battery discount; pro-rata clawback applies if you leave early. |
| Good visibility: Track events, credits and estimated savings in the AGL app. | Event credits reconciled annually, not per event (cash-flow slower). |
Best for: Homeowners who want set-and-forget bill credits with built-in backup protection, and who are happy to be on an AGL electricity plan.
ShineHub VPP (retailer-independent)
A 5-year VPP if you take ShineHub’s upfront discount (often up to ~$2,000 off a new battery). You don’t need to change electricity retailers and have the flexibility to change later as long as you stay with Shinehub VPP. ShineHub remotely uses your battery during grid events and pays a fixed rate per kWh exported (commonly ~$0.55–$0.65/kWh, offer-dependent). Early exit fees (pro-rata clawback) apply if you leave before the term. If you skip the upfront discount, ask about no/short-term options.
Fast facts
- Battery compatibility: Common brands ShineHub sells/installs (e.g., AlphaESS, Sungrow, GoodWe, Sigenergy, Hinen).
- Retailer lock-in: No — keep your current electricity provider or switch later.
- Contract term: 5 years only when you take the upfront discount; otherwise deal-dependent.
- Payments: Upfront discount + per-event export rate (~$0.55–$0.65/kWh); no ongoing VPP fee published.
- Control: ShineHub dispatches your battery during grid events; a backup reserve is maintained (how it’s set can vary by brand/app).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to ~$2,000 off a new battery (when you join the VPP) | 5-year term if you take the discount; early-exit clawback applies |
| Keep your current retailer | Earnings depend on event frequency; no guaranteed annual minimum |
| Simple per-kWh event payment (~$0.55–$0.65/kWh) | Less manual control than DIY/wholesale programs (e.g., Amber) during events |
| Typically no monthly VPP fee | Must use a compatible battery/inverter (not a ShineHub-branded battery) |
| App/portal visibility of events & usage | Not ideal if you might move house within 5 years |
Best for: Homeowners buying a compatible battery who want a lower upfront price and simple, per-event payouts, expect to stay in the same home ~5 years, and want the flexibility to keep or change electricity retailers while staying with the same VPP provider (ShineHub).
Origin Loop VPP
A straightforward VPP for Origin electricity customers using a compatible battery. Join the Loop program and earn up to $1.00 per kWh for discharging your stored solar power into the grid during peak demand events. There’s no contract lock-in, and you’re eligible for a $200 sign-up bonus.
Note: Origin remotely discharges stored battery energy during high-demand events, paying $1.00/kWh (capped at 200 kWh annually). You’re credited this amount on your electricity bill and still receive standard FiTs for any additional exports.
Fast facts:
- Battery compatibility: Tesla Powerwall, Sungrow, LG Chem, and AlphaESS
- Retailer lock-in: Yes (must be on an Origin electricity plan)
- Contract term: None for BYO option; 5 years if you buy through Origin
- Export cap: 200 kWh per year
- Reserve setting: Origin always leaves at least 20% for Powerwall owners
- Feed-in tariff: Your regular solar FiT still applies outside those events
- Exit flexibility: BYO customers can leave with 20 days’ notice
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $1.00/kWh export rate during peak events | Must switch to an Origin electricity plan |
| $200 sign-up bonus | Limited to 200kWh/year (earning cap) |
| No contract if you bring your own battery | Only a few payment events per year |
| Keep your existing battery setup | Fixed reserve (you can’t set blackout backup size) |
Best for: Origin customers with compatible batteries who want a hassle-free entry.
Other Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Providers in Australia
Not every homeowner will find a perfect fit in the top 5 VPPs. Fortunately, there are several other credible Virtual Power Plant providers in Australia offering different levels of flexibility, rewards, and battery compatibility. Below we review the most prominent options.
| VPP Provider | Retailer Lock-In | Contract Term | Battery Control | Main Financial Benefit | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Energy WATTBANK | Varies by retailer | Typically no lock-in | User-controlled app | ~30¢/kWh off-peak credits; support for community battery projects | Moderate earnings; availability depends on network coverage |
| Engie BYO Battery VPP | Yes (Engie electricity plan) | Ongoing; cancel anytime | Managed by Engie | $300 upfront rebate + ~$20/month credit | Engie account required; modest recurring benefit |
| Globird ZEROHERO VPP | No (availability varies) | None | Varies by partner/integration | $1/day credit + free midday charging + critical-day export credits | Limited to select regions and inverter partners |
| Reposit “No Bill” VPP | No | None | Controlled by the user via app | Smart energy trading and optional blackout backup | Earnings vary; requires active management |
| Evergen VPP Solutions | No | Varies (partner-dependent) | Partner or homeowner controlled | Trading optimisation tools & energy savings via solar integration | Offerings differ by installer/partner; less transparency |
| SonnenFlat VPP | Yes (Sonnen battery required) | 2–5 years | Full homeowner control | Flat-rate energy bill within usage limits | Only for Sonnen buyers; usage caps apply |
| SolarHub VPP (pilot/retailer VPP) | Possibly yes (through Clean Power retailers) | Varies | Managed or installer-controlled | Custom VPP bundle with solar + battery + VPP services | Limited rollout; often tied to Clean Power installation only |
What to Look For When Choosing a VPP
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Battery Compatibility | Not all systems are accepted—check brand and inverter support. |
| Retailer Lock-In | Some VPPs make you switch electricity providers. |
| Contract Terms | Ranges from no-lock-in to 7 years. Check for clawbacks and exit fees. |
| Battery Reserve Settings | Affects blackout protection. Look for VPPs that let you set a minimum reserve. |
| Export Credits / Payouts | Some pay per event (e.g. $/kWh); others offer flat monthly credits. |
| Transparency & App Monitoring | Real-time dashboards and event logs let you track how your battery is used. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on upfront discounts: These can be outweighed by better long-term payouts.
- Skipping the fine print: Some VPPs charge exit fees or limit reserve capacity.
- Assuming all VPPs are the same: Payment models, reserve settings, and retailer requirements vary widely.
- Overlooking wear and tear: Extra cycling can impact battery lifespan—check warranty terms.
- Joining without checking compatibility: Your battery and inverter must be on the approved list.
- Expecting blackout protection by default: Not all VPPs guarantee it. Look for reserve settings or blackout-ready features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Amber’s SmartShift program offers the highest potential payouts, with wholesale spot prices reaching up to $19/kWh during major grid events. However, this isn’t guaranteed—it depends on real-time energy prices and active participation.
Discover Energy and Origin Loop offer more predictable payouts, typically ranging from $300–$800/year, depending on usage
Yes—many VPPs allow you to join with a compatible battery. Supported brands commonly include Tesla Powerwall, AlphaESS, Sungrow, GoodWe, SolarEdge, LG Chem, and Sigenergy.
It depends:
– No switch required: Amber, ShineHub, Reposit
– Switch required: Origin Loop, Discover Energy, AGL, Tesla Energy Plan
If keeping your current retailer is important, choose a retailer-agnostic VPP. Always check the VPP’s approved hardware list or ask your installer.
Yes, but only with certain programs. Look for VPPs that allow you to set a minimum battery reserve, usually 10–20%, which ensures stored energy is available in case of a grid outage.
They can be—especially if:
You already have a solar battery
You’re eligible for state or federal battery rebates
You want to maximise ROI or reduce your payback period
A well-matched VPP can offer annual earnings of $200–$1,000+, on top of feed-in tariffs and other bill savings.
Check the battery and inverter brand/model in your system against the VPP provider’s compatibility list. You can also use our battery comparison guide or speak with your installer
Yes, but read the fine print first:
Some VPPs (like ShineHub) have 5-year lock-in contracts with early exit fees.
Others (like Amber, and Discover) have no fixed term and allow you to leave anytime.
Note: Be sure to check for clawbacks, cooling-off periods, and battery ownership conditions before signing.
- Amber Virtual Power Plant (SmartShift): An Independent Review - 13 August, 2025
- ShineHub VPP: An Independent Review - 13 August, 2025
- AGL Virtual Power Plant (VPP): An Independent Review - 13 August, 2025
