Month: June 2025

A Virtual Power Plant is a network of connected solar batteries, typically located in homes or small businesses, that work together to support the electricity grid. By remotely aggregating the stored energy, a VPP functions like a decentralised power station—balancing electricity supply and demand in real-time.

This collaboration between solar battery owners helps stabilise the energy grid, reduce reliance on coal and gas, and manage peak demand periods and outages more effectively. VPPs can also help regulate voltage imbalances and maintain power quality across the network.

In line with this, the NSW government is targeting a 70% emissions reduction by 2035, with a goal to reach net zero by 2050—objectives that VPPs are directly helping to achieve.

Are Virtual Power Plants a Good Choice?

One of the most common questions we receive at SolarBright is whether joining a VPP is a smart decision. Like any energy solution, VPPs come with both advantages and trade-offs.

Benefits of Joining a Virtual Power Plant:

• Grid support for your home and community: By contributing stored solar energy, you help stabilise the local grid and reduce strain during peak times.
• Financial incentives: Receive credits or discounts on your energy bill based on how much energy your battery shares with the grid.
• Environmental impact: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, you’re actively participating in the transition to cleaner energy.
• Community energy sharing: Excess power from your battery can help your neighbours during high-demand periods.
• Fewer outages and disruptions: VPPs help balance demand, reducing the likelihood of grid instability or blackouts.
• Scalable battery systems: Leading battery brands such as Tesla Powerwall 3 and sonnenBatterie Evo 10 are VPP-compatible and can be expanded over time with additional modules or packs—future-proofing your energy investment.

Considerations Before Joining Virtual Power Plant:

• Reduced control: Some VPPs may access your battery remotely, limiting your control over charge/discharge settings.
• Tariff limitations: Being part of a VPP may prevent you from taking advantage of certain off-peak energy tariffs.
• Retailer changes: Some VPPs require you to switch to a specific energy retailer.
• Battery lifespan and warranty: Increased cycling due to VPP participation may affect your battery’s long-term performance and warranty, depending on the manufacturer.
• Transparency issues: Not all VPP providers are equally transparent about how and when they use your battery.

At SolarBright, we’re here to help you weigh the benefits and trade-offs based on your energy needs, household setup, and long-term goals.

Available VPP Incentives in NSW

NSW residents can take advantage of several rebate programs designed to encourage VPP participation.

Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (from July 1, 2025)

You could receive a rebate of up to $1,500 by connecting your battery to a VPP under the NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. The final rebate amount depends on:

• The VPP provider and their terms
• The contract you sign, including pricing for excess energy and access terms

This rebate can also be combined with other federal incentives, such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Additional Upfront Discounts

When you join a VPP through an Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP), you may receive upfront discounts that are passed on to you:

• 6.5 kWh battery: $120–$190
• 13 kWh battery: $250–$400
  This incentive can be claimed twice, with a 3-year gap between claims.

Federal Rebates – Cheaper Home Batteries Program (July 2025)

The Federal Government is launching a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, beginning on July 1, 2025. Key points include:

• 30% upfront discount on eligible battery installations
• Delivered via the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
• Discounts are based on battery capacity and will reduce over time until 2030
• Available to both homes and businesses

This program is expected to significantly lower the upfront cost of batteries and make VPP participation more accessible for Australian households.

How to Join a Virtual Power Plant

To join a VPP, you’ll need:

• Solar panels and a VPP-ready battery
• A battery that can:
  • Be remotely managed (charged/discharged)
  • Share real-time performance data
  • Contribute to network stability

Some of the best VPP-compatible batteries on the market today include:

• Tesla Powerwall 3: Seamless integration with solar, expandable via Powerwall units, and supported by a strong VPP network.
• SonnenBatterie Evo 10: German-engineered for performance and longevity, Sonnen systems are modular, scalable, and widely supported by VPP providers across Australia.

Once your system is ready, contact an accredited VPP supplier. They’ll help set up your contract and ensure that you understand the full scope of benefits, terms, and incentives.

At SolarBright, we always recommend comparing multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best possible return on your solar and battery investment.

Talk to the Experts at SolarBright

At SolarBright, we’re passionate about helping Australian families harness clean energy and make smart, future-proof decisions. If you’d like to learn more about Virtual Power Plants, rebates, or which battery solution is right for you, give our friendly team a call on 1300 852 622 for a free consultation.

Solar battery payback times have never looked better, with some of SolarBright’s specials seeing payback periods under 3 years. This guide covers current battery prices, new rebates from the Federal government and how they’re making solar storage more affordable than ever.

As electricity prices continue to rise, more households across Australia are taking a closer look at battery storage. The question being asked more often is: Are solar batteries finally worth it in 2025?

Thanks to improved technology and new government rebates, the answer for many is yes. Payback periods are shorter, upfront costs are lower, and the long-term benefits are growing clearer by the year.

Let’s break down solar battery prices, rebate programs, expected savings, and who’s likely to benefit most.

Solar Battery Prices in 2025

Battery costs are usually measured in dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage. The larger the battery, the higher the total price—but the cost per kWh often drops with size.

Here’s what installed prices currently look like in NSW (before rebates):

Battery Model	Capacity	Approx. Cost	Cost per kWh
Sungrow SBR096	9.6 kWh	~$12,000	~$1,250/kWh
Tesla Powerwall 3	13.5 kWh	~$15,800	~$1,170/kWh
Sonnen Evo	10 kWh	~$10,800	~$1,080/kWh

These are installed prices, excluding rebates. Final costs can shift based on installer, home layout, electrical setup, and whether it’s a new solar install or retrofit.

New Federal Rebate: Battery for Cheaper Homes (From July 2025)

Starting 1st July 2025, the federal government will offer additional support through the Battery for Cheaper Homes rebate.

• Coverage: Available to owner-occupied homes nationwide
• Rebate size: Up to $372 per kWh (e.g. save $3,720 for systems on a 10kWh battery)
• Eligibility: Applies to both new installs and battery add-ons
• Stackable?: May be combined with other incentives, pending final approval

Check out our Federal Solar Rebate Calculator to learn how much you can save.

Solar Battery Payback in 2025: An Example

A typical solar and battery package includes solar panels, solar battery storage and inverter depending upon whether your battery have built-in inverter or not.

Let’s look at a real-world example using today’s pricing and available rebates.

Solar & Battery Package Overview

Solar System Includes:

• 6.6kW Solar Panel System
• 9.6kWh Sungrow Battery
• Full Supply & Installation: $15,200

Estimated Rebates & Incentives:

• Federal Battery Rebate: $3,500
• SolarBright Bundling Discount: $1,500
• Total Savings: $5,000
• Out-of-Pocket Cost: $10,200

Power Generation & Annual Savings

• Estimated Solar Generation: ~9,438kWh per year
• Assumed Electricity Rate: $0.38/kWh
• Self-Consumption (90%)
  • 8,494kWh used directly
  • Annual Savings: $3,227.80
• Export to Grid (10%)
  • 944kWh exported @ $0.05/kWh
  • Feed-in Tariff Credit: $47.20
• Total Estimated Annual Savings: ~$3,275

Financial Summary

• Estimated Payback Period: ~3.1 years
• Estimated ROI (Year 1): ~32.1%
  (Based on $3,275 return on $10,200 investment)

What Could You Save Over Time?

Savings don’t stop after payback. Here’s what they might look like long-term:

• 10-year savings: ~$24,000
• 15-year projection (assuming battery longevity): ~$40,000

And these numbers don’t even factor in future energy price hikes. If prices keep rising, your total savings could be even higher.

Who Gains the Most from a Solar Battery?

Certain home types stand out when it comes to strong returns:

• Families at home in the mornings & evenings: Batteries can reduce peak electricity use when rates are highest
• Work-from-home setups: More daytime usage equals more solar self-consumption using solar during day and battery at night
• Homes in blackout-prone areas: A battery offers backup power
• People with older solar panels: Adding a battery can boost value
• Households aiming to cut grid reliance: Batteries make energy independence possible

If you’re exporting surplus solar for a few cents per kWh, storing and using that power later is becoming the smarter choice.

What Impacts the Final Cost?

Several factors affect the total cost of a solar battery system:

• Battery size: More storage increases cost. You want a battery sized to match your usage—not necessarily the biggest.
• Brand and warranty: Higher-end brands often include longer warranties and smart energy features, but at a higher price.
• Inverter type: Some batteries (like Tesla Powerwall) come with an inverter built-in. Others need a separate hybrid inverter, which can add $2,000 or more.
• Installation conditions: Difficult access, old switchboards, or complex wiring setups may increase installation labour.
• Energy plan: Time-of-use or solar sponge tariffs from your retailer can affect savings, depending on when you use stored energy.

Will Solar Battery Prices Keep Falling?

From 2021 to 2024, battery prices dropped steadily thanks to falling lithium costs and better manufacturing. But in 2025, there’s some uncertainty.

While lithium prices dipped in recent years, demand is surging again—largely driven by the electric vehicle industry. Some analysts warn that supply chain pressures could push battery costs up by 2026 or 2027.

Rebate programs may also phase out in the next few years. So while it’s tempting to wait, delaying could mean missing out on current incentives—and a year or more of energy savings.

Are Solar Batteries Worth It in 2025?

In many cases, yes.

With federal rebates, battery prices are the lowest they’ve been in years. Combine that with high electricity rates and improved self-consumption, and the payback math is finally stacking up in favour of batteries for many NSW homes.

If you’re building a new solar system or thinking about upgrading an older one, bundling in a battery might make more sense in 2025 than ever before.

Summary: Why Now Might Be the Right Time

Here’s a quick recap of why batteries are a smart move for many households this year:

• Battery prices have dropped to their most competitive levels in years
• Federal rebate could knock up to $3,700 off your system
• Payback periods are often under 4 years for suitable homes
• Long-term savings can exceed $19,000 over a decade
• Energy independence offers peace of mind, especially during grid outages

Let SolarBright help you start energy independence journey

Choosing the right battery setup depends on your home, energy habits, and solar configuration.

SolarBright is multi-award winning solar installer based in Sydney, NSW.

Our team can help you with:

• Comparing various solar battery options.
• Understanding existing solar battery rebates, and
• Finding the best system that fits your needs.

Call Us for expert advice or request free consultancy – with no sales pressure.

Exciting news, everyone! The wait is over! SolarBright is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting orders for the highly anticipated Tesla Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack.

Powerwall 3 Expansion provides flexibility for additional storage in your existing Powerwall 3 systems. It utilises the existing inverter from your current Tesla Powerwall 3.

Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack does not include built-in inverters and provides storage only. You will be using the built-in inverter of the main leader Powerwall 3, and this is where you will be saving of buying an extra inverter.

Tesla Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack Details

Here are some of the details about Tesla Powerwall 3 Expansion Pack:

• Dimensions: 1105 x 609 x 193 mm
• System: Up to 3 Expansion packs can connected Powerwall 3
• Mounting: Individually, stacked or wall-mounted
• Connection: Via Expansion harness
• Compatible units: Compatible with Tesla Powerwall 3

Book your Powerwall 3 Expansion Packs

At SolarBright, we are a Tesla Energy certified reseller and installer, and we have helped thousands of Australian homes by installing Tesla Powerwall systems.

Contact us or call us today, and our experts will be happy to discuss your energy needs and recommend the best options for you.