The Ausave Energy team outside the Ausave Solar + Batteries depot with company vans and cars
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Virtual power plants · explained simply

Your Battery. Part Of A Bigger Picture.

A virtual power plant connects home batteries to help support the grid. Learn how it works, what stays under your control and what to check before joining.How virtual power plants work, and what to check before joining.

What energy system are you planning?

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Trusted & Accredited
SAA AccreditedIn-house electrical crews
SigenergyGold Installer NSW
EquipmentSigenergy batteries · inverters · EV chargers
WorkmanshipLifetime warranty
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Meet Ausave

Meet The Family Behind Ausave

Mark, Mitch and their dad Lloyd explain who we are, where we install and what happens after you ask for a quote.

What happens after you ask for a quote

  1. Our office team calls to book a time that suits you.
  2. A specialist goes through your bills, meter box and roof with you.
  3. We design the right system around how your home uses power.
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Small batteries. Shared support.

What is a VPP?

A virtual power plant is a network of batteries connected through smart software. A VPP operator can coordinate their charging and export to help the electricity grid when it needs support.

Your battery remains at your property. Joining gives the operator access under an agreed contract—it does not turn your home into a public power station.

Tap to explore

Where can the energy go?

Choose a destination below—or tap a part of the diagram—to see a simple example of energy moving through a home system.

Interactive energy flowIllustration only · not a live control
Coordinated with other enrolled batteries
Store for later

Solar → battery

In this example, surplus solar charges the battery after the home's immediate needs are met. What can be stored depends on generation, household use and available battery capacity.

These buttons change the illustration only. Real energy flows are managed by your equipment and, if enrolled, your VPP operator.

From your roof to the wider grid

How it works in practice

01

Start with the right system

Solar generation, household loads, battery capacity and electrical limits shape your energy plan.

02

Choose whether to join

Compare programs, confirm your hardware is supported and read the battery-access and tariff conditions before enrolling.

03

Respond as a network

If enrolled, the operator can request controlled charging or export. Your contract and system settings determine the available capacity.

04

Keep checking the fit

Monitor your energy use, charges and battery behaviour. Review reserve settings, warranty conditions and how to leave or change programs.

Make an informed choice

Look beyond the advertised reward.

A VPP may offer credits or payments and help make better use of renewable energy. It also means sharing access to your battery. The right fit depends on your household and the complete contract—not a promised saving.

  • Supported battery, inverter, firmware and reliable internet
  • How much charge the operator can access, and when
  • Minimum reserve settings and outage behaviour
  • Electricity rates, export payments and ongoing charges
  • Battery cycling and manufacturer warranty conditions
  • Contract length, cooling-off period, exit fees and data access
Clear answers

VPP questions, answered.

What is a virtual power plant?

A virtual power plant (VPP) links many small energy systems, such as home batteries, using software. An operator coordinates enrolled batteries to help balance supply and demand on the electricity grid.

Do I have to join a VPP when I install a battery?

No. Being VPP-capable is different from joining a VPP. Participation is optional. You can use a compatible battery for your own household needs without enrolling in a program.

Can I choose which home receives my exported power?

No. Exported electricity joins the shared grid, rather than being delivered to a specific neighbour or business you select. The diagram on this page is a simplified demonstration, not a real battery control.

Will a VPP leave enough charge in my battery?

This depends on the program and your contract. Before joining, ask how much battery capacity the operator can access, whether a minimum reserve is supported, who can change it and how it behaves during an outage. Backup requires compatible equipment and a suitable installation.

Will every VPP work with my Sigenergy system?

No. Each provider has its own supported hardware, software, internet, location and retailer requirements. Ausave can assess your Sigenergy installation and help you identify the compatibility questions to ask; enrolment is a separate agreement with the VPP operator.

Are VPP savings or payments guaranteed?

No. VPP savings are not guaranteed. Some programs offer credits or export payments, but outcomes depend on charges, rates, battery access, household use and the contract. Compare the whole plan, including exit terms and any warranty implications, rather than an advertised reward alone.

Independent guidanceClean Energy Regulator: virtual power plants

For separate incentive information, see our dedicated rebates guide. Reviewed 9 October 2026.

Designed around your household

Plan your battery before choosing a program.

Ausave installs Sigenergy batteries, inverters and EV chargers exclusively. Our in-house team can assess your home and explain what to check for optional VPP participation. Your VPP contract is with your chosen operator.

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