Skip to main content

How batteries are changing the way you manage your solar

AGL’s Virtual Power Plant is the next frontier for storing and using solar power.
5 min read
Last updated 01 Oct, 2025

By installing a connected battery, you can use more of the solar energy produced by your home, while helping the electricity grid handle periods of high demand.

For years, the consumer’s role in electricity was pretty straightforward. Energy retailers and networks supplied the energy, and consumers consumed it.

The rise of rooftop solar changed this, enabling households with solar panels to produce their own energy, use the power they generate and get paid to feed the rest back into the grid.

Over the past couple of years, however, things have advanced further. Smart energy consumers have become more sophisticated energy prosumers (this is a consumer who produces their own electricity) by becoming part of an equally smart network of batteries.

Solar panels on top of a house in Adelaide

How the VPP works

A VPP is a network of solar batteries that can work together when the grid needs extra energy, just like a power plant.

By drawing a limited amount of stored energy from each batery, the VPP creates a large pool of energy that can be shared to the grid to help support it when needed – for example, on a summer’s day when everyone is running their air-conditioners.

There’s undoubtedly a feel-good factor – you’ll not only get more from your solar, but you’ll also help to support the grid for the community.

If you select a battery with backup power capability, you can keep running your essential appliances when there is a power outage. AGL will always leave you with power in your battery.

There’s a financial benefit too – you can access subsidised battery technology to capture and enjoy more of your solar.

Getting involved in our VPP

If you're looking to maximise the value of your solar battery, AGL’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and Battery Rewards Plan can work together to help deliver smart savings. Together, these programs turn your battery into a powerful tool for both sustainability and savings.

If you live in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales or Queensland – and already have a battery installed – if eligible, you can now connect it to the Virtual Power Plant and help improve grid reliability. In return, you’ll receive bill credits over your first 12 months to put towards your electricity bill.

The amount you earn depends on how much you export. You choose how much energy to export, and there are no penalties for exporting your full battery. Whether you’re helping stabilise the grid or simply optimising your energy usage, the Battery Rewards Plan# ensures you’re rewarded for it. 

The plan also offers lower overnight rates, so even if you recharge from the grid, you’ll still come out ahead. Charge your battery with our low variable rates. If you’re on a time-of-use (ToU) rate, you can charge your battery at night when electricity is cheaper than the rewards you receive for exporting that energy.

#The Battery Rewards Plan is available to residential customers in NSW, QLD, South Australia and Victoria, where AGL operates. Plan T&Cs available at Market Contracts. Basic Plan Information Documents and Fact Sheets containing key details of these plans are available upon request. If you export to the grid at least 1kWh energy between 5pm-9pm, after 3 months you’ll earn a gift card worth at least 25c per kWh. The amount you earn depends on how much you export. Prepaid Digital Visa gift card T&Cs available at Visa terms.

Get involved to improve grid stability

Want to join AGL’s Virtual Power Plant and get more out of your home battery?

Learn more

Related articles