Early take-up shows strong demand for Solar SG’s VPP

Since launching in January this year, some 400 households across the country have signed up to be a part of Solar SG’s Virtual Power Plant.

Called the Energy Plan, and launched in conjunction with Australia’s leading renewable energy software company, the program is a similar concept to other VPPs that give households access to the open energy market and the ability to sell their stored power.

While several large energy retailers are currently also conducting similar trials, the difference with Solar SG’s VPP is the capability of its control software that monitors solar and energy usage 24/7, examining 42 points of data every 5 minutes.

Rod Woolley, Solar SG Chairman, said the company was well on the way to establishing Australia’s largest VPP.

“Initial take-up shows it’s clear Australians are excited about the transition to renewables. We’re on track to have the Energy Plan live in Q2 2020 and on target to reach 5,000 new participants by the end of the calendar year.”

“Trials are a critical part of our research and development pipeline. Having conducted extensive customer research, we know households are wanting to get the maximum value out of their solar panels and batteries”, Mr Woolley said.  

While the pilot program is being rolled-out across the country, Mr Woolley said the company was seeing the most interest from customers in Victoria and New South Wales.

Mr Woolley said that once the Energy Plan is launched Q2 2020, the company will offer access to customers who previously took part in earlier programs, pending their suitability to participate.

George, from Enfield, New South Wales, installed a solar battery with Sunbank Solar in 2019 and says the financial benefits are now flowing through with his household monthly expenses. 

“It’s great to really start experiencing the financial benefits, and it’s another reason why we’re keen to participate in the energy plan in the future.”