Tesla expands landmark battery-based VPP, including to homes with no solar

South Australia’s landmark “virtual power plant” – or VPP – is soon to get even bigger as Tesla moves to launch the fourth phase of the project that will add another 3,000 low income households, including those with no rooftop solar.

The $33 million program, funded entirely by Tesla, will built on the first three phases of the VPP which has so far included more than 4,000 public housing tenants, who receive a significant discount of 23 per cent below the default market offer.

Eligible South Australians can register to have Tesla install either solar panels, a Powerwall home battery, or both, all at no cost.

So far, 4,100 households have had solar and Tesla Powerwall systems installed, and this fourth phase will increase that number to over 7,000. Moreover, this latest phase of the SAVPP will allow homes unsuitable for rooftop solar to participate by hosting a Powerwall battery.

Residents within the community housing sector will now be able to participate for the first time, joining those who live in public housing.

The South Australian government says the fourth phase will also support around 200 full-time jobs including 70 apprentices.

“The latest phase of the South Australian Virtual Power Plant (SAVPP) means more public housing and now community housing residents will have access to technology they wouldn’t normally have, along with significantly cheaper power prices,” said Nat Cook, South Australia’s minister for human services.

“We know people are really struggling due to the cost of living and the housing crisis and the government is working hard to relieve those pressures.”

In addition to providing low-cost electricity to some of South Australia’s neediest families, the VPP also delivers benefits to the broader community because it delivers critical grid services normally served by centralised equipment, said energy minister Tom Koutsantonis.

“It is incredible to see South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant continue to evolve, helping solve some of our most complex technical challenges in transitioning to a grid powered by renewable energy while proving its commercial viability as an investment-grade project.

For further information see information on South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant.