The WA Residential Battery Scheme, launched on July 1, 2025, provides a Battery Rebate of up to $1,300 to Synergy customers installing eligible battery systems. This is an incredible opportunity to make battery storage more affordable and lower your electricity bills.
To qualify, your battery must participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), such as Synergy’s Battery Rewards program. A VPP is like a team effort to support the WA electricity grid during peak demand. Synergy remotely manages your battery during a VPP event, rewarding you with 70 cents per kWh in “activation credits” for energy exported to the grid.
However, we’ve recently been hearing some Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt (FUD) being spread about the Synergy VPP program. Let’s set the record straight and explain why joining the VPP and claiming the WA Battery Rebate is absolutely worthwhile.
WHY THE FUD EXISTS
You may have heard some negative chatter about the Synergy VPP, but much of it comes from misinformation or ulterior motives. Here’s what’s really going on… Some solar companies are spreading FUD about the VPP to push their own agendas:
Selling Non-Approved Batteries: Some providers are offering batteries that are not on Synergy’s Approved Equipment List. These batteries do not qualify for the $1,300 WA Battery Rebate.
Non-Approved Vendors: To offer the WA Battery Rebate, installers must be ‘Approved Vendors’, which requires passing some basic due diligence checks. However, some companies do not even meet these basic standards. Or some businesses simply can’t be bothered dealing with the extra admin required to process rebate applications.
Either way, these businesses cannot offer you the WA Battery Rebate, therefore it’s in their interest to scaremonger and create FUD about the VPP, hoping you’ll choose to forfeit the $1,300 Battery Rebate.
At Positive Energy Solutions, we are an Approved Vendor with access to Synergy-approved batteries, ensuring you can claim the full rebate without hassle.
Yes, there is extra admin required, but nothing we can’t handle.
busting the myths
Let’s address the common concerns head-on:
“The VPP will ruin your battery’s lifespan” – Not true! Discharging your battery to the grid is no different from discharging it for your home. The energy throughput is similar, so there’s no significant impact on the lifespan of your battery.
“You’ll lose control of your battery” – The Synergy VPP will use your battery a *maximum* of 30 times per year, for a *maximum* of 6 hours per event. That’s a *maximum* of 2% of the year. For the vast majority of the time, you’ll use your battery for your own home
“The VPP credits aren’t worth it” – The 70-cent / kWh activation credits are somewhat offset by repurchasing energy from Synergy at around 32 cents / kWh. However, the VPP credit still results in *higher savings* than if you had used the battery for your own use.
Synergy vpp versus synergy esm
For many years now, Synergy has been implementing “Emergency Solar Management” (ESM). If your inverter is 5kW or less, Synergy can remotely shutdown your system during an ESM event, forcing you to buy grid power instead of using your own solar power. No compensation is given during these ESM events.
Where’s the outrage about that…?
In comparison, the Synergy VPP comes with a generous $1,300 Battery Rebate in exchange for using your battery for a maximum of 2% of the year. And when the battery is used, you’re compensated with 70-cent / kWh ‘Activation Credits’ which increases your savings!
IT'S A WIN / WIN
The Synergy Battery Rewards VPP and WA Battery Rebate offer compelling benefits for homeowners and WA’s energy grid. Here’s why you should jump on board:
1. Huge Upfront Savings
The $1,300 WA Battery Rebate significantly lowers the cost of your battery system, making it more affordable to store solar energy and lower your electricity bills. Combined with the Federal Battery Rebate, you can claim up to $18,970 of total Battery Rebates! (no, that’s not a typo)
2. Extra Savings with VPP Credits
While the activation credits (70 cents/kWh) aren’t the main draw, they add up. Depending on your battery size and how often VPP events occur, you could pocket $50–$560 per year in additional net savings.
3. Support a More Reliable Grid
By joining the VPP, your battery helps stabilize the WA Electricity Grid, reducing the risk of blackouts, and reducing infrastructure maintenance & upgrade costs. Long-term, this helps to minimize electricity price inflation, helping those in the community who aren’t able to invest in a Solar & Battery system.
4. Flexibility After Two Years
The VPP commitment lasts only two years, after which you can opt out. This short-term obligation unlocks the WA Battery Rebate and VPP credits without locking you in long-term.
5. interest-free loans
By participating in the Synergy VPP, you may also have access to an Interest-Free Loan of up to $10,000, repayable over 3–10 years.
Do the maths… At 0% interest, it’s possible that your monthly savings will exceed the monthly loan repayments. This would result in being cash-flow positive from the day your battery is installed!
Don't let the fud hold you back
The Synergy Battery Rewards VPP is a fantastic opportunity to save money and support Western Australia’s renewable energy future. Don’t be swayed by misinformation from companies pushing non-approved batteries or lacking vendor approval. With Positive Energy Solutions, you’re in trusted hands. The $1,300 WA Battery Rebate, combined with the Federal Battery Rebate and VPP credits, makes now the perfect time to invest in a solar battery system.
Contact Positive Energy Solutions today to learn more, or visit www.synergy.net.au/Your-home/Solar-battery-and-EV/Battery-Rewards for more details on the Battery Rewards program.
