Note: This review is based on ShineHub’s published terms, VPP agreement documents, and official website. It is designed to help Australian homeowners understand this specific Virtual Power Plant option.
Shine Hub VPP Overview
ShineHub’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) links your home battery to a network of other batteries across the grid. During periods of high demand — known as VPP events — ShineHub can remotely discharge energy from your battery to support the grid.
In return, you receive a fixed payment per kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported, plus you keep your standard feed-in tariff from your electricity retailer.
Key points:
- Operates in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, and ACT (where connected to the National Electricity Market).
- Retailer-independent — you can choose and switch electricity retailers at any time without losing VPP benefits.
- Only available to customers with a ShineHub-installed battery system (either new or retrofit).
- Battery compatibility is limited — currently includes Hinen (with a $1.00/kWh promotional rate) and historically AlphaESS. Always confirm eligibility at quoting.
If you’re new to the concept, see our full guide: What is a VPP and how do they work?
Important: ShineHub’s VPP is only available if your battery is installed by ShineHub. You can have solar from another installer, but an existing battery installed by someone else won’t qualify — even if it’s technically compatible.
Financial Benefits
Upfront incentives
- $2,000 discount on an upfront hybrid solar and battery purchase, or
- $20/month discount for 10 years on ShineHub’s $0-upfront Affordability Plan (total $2,400 value).
Ongoing VPP payments
- Standard rate: $0.55/kWh for energy exported during VPP events.
- Promotional rate: $1.00/kWh applies only to Hinen battery systems (as of August 2025).
- Paid in addition to your normal retailer feed-in tariff.
- Payments are usually made quarterly (sometimes monthly, depending on your agreement).
Example — 15 kWh battery
If ShineHub discharged 300 kWh from your battery in a year:
- At $0.55/kWh: $165 in VPP credits + ~$24 FiT (8¢/kWh) = ~$189/year.
- At $1.00/kWh (Hinen promo): $300 in VPP credits + ~$24 FiT = ~$324/year.
Important: Your actual earnings depend on the number of VPP events in your area. ShineHub does not publish typical event frequency, so these payments are not guaranteed. See our VPP provider comparison to understand how different programs operate.
For a personalised estimate, try our Advanced Solar & Battery Payback Calculator or Battery Size Calculator.
Electricity Tariffs / Rates
- No requirement to join a specific retailer’s plan.
- Your feed-in tariff is set by your chosen retailer and is paid on top of VPP credits.
- Compare rates:
Battery & System Requirements
- Installed by ShineHub (no third-party or “bring your own” systems).
- Compatible models currently include Hinen and historically AlphaESS — check with ShineHub for the most current approved list.
- Continuous internet connection required (Wi-Fi, NBN, or 4G).
- Smart meter required for monitoring and settlement.
See our Homeowner’s Guide to Batteries for more background.
Contract Length & Exit Terms
- No long-term lock-in — either party can terminate with 30 days’ written notice.
- Exiting ends VPP-linked benefits (e.g., SAP monthly discount).
- No exit fees for customers who bought their system outright.
Technical Operations
- ShineHub can discharge your battery during VPP events at its discretion (within any limits set in your contract).
- Events typically last under an hour but may be longer.
- If your battery has backup power, ShineHub won’t drain it below the manufacturer’s recommended reserve.
- You may not receive advance notice of events, but you will receive reporting on how much energy was discharged and what you earned.
Customer Support & Usage Tracking
ShineHub customers can view system performance and VPP activity through the ShineHub online portal or app. This includes:
- Battery charge/discharge history
- Energy exported during VPP events
- Credits earned from VPP participation
Support is available via phone and email during standard business hours. ShineHub also offers online FAQs and documentation, but service availability outside business hours is not stated.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High potential payouts during events – $0.55/kWh standard, $1.00/kWh for Hinen batteries, plus your normal feed-in tariff. | ShineHub install required – can’t join with an existing battery unless it was installed by ShineHub, even if it’s technically compatible. |
| Freedom to choose your electricity retailer – unlike most VPPs, you’re not locked to a single energy company. | Limited compatibility – only available with ShineHub-installed systems and certain battery brands (currently Hinen promoted; AlphaESS historically supported). |
| No long lock-in for most plans – 30-day notice to leave; some offers include upfront discounts instead of long contracts. | Event frequency not disclosed – actual earnings may be far lower than headline examples if ShineHub runs few events. |
| No guarantee of minimum reserve — outside of backup models, you could end up with little stored energy after an event. |
- 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
