28 June 2025
Australia’s solar sector is undergoing a massive transformation, not just in solar panel installations but in how energy is stored, shared, and sold. For solar EPCs, understanding the latest storage technologies isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity.
With battery installations climbing, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) gaining traction, and state-wide subsidies encouraging storage adoption, EPCs must master the core technologies that are driving this shift:
Home Battery Systems
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Systems
Let’s explore what each of these technologies means and how they can shape your solar projects moving forward.
What Is a Home Battery?
A home battery is a small-scale energy storage system, typically installed in residential properties. Most use lithium-ion technology and are designed to store surplus solar energy for later use, especially during peak demand times or grid outages.
How It’s Used:
Self-Consumption: Maximize the use of solar energy generated during the day.
Backup Power: Maintain power during blackouts or grid failures.
Tariff Optimization: Shift usage to avoid expensive time-of-use tariffs.
VPP Participation: Get paid by sharing stored energy with the grid.
Quick Stat: In 2024 alone, over 185,000 Australian homes installed batteries; a 55% increase from the previous year. - CEC Australia
What Is a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)?
A BESS is a flexible and scalable energy storage solution used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. Unlike simple home batteries, BESS includes a combination of:
Battery Cells
Battery Management System (BMS)
Inverters/Power Conversion Systems (PCS)
Applications in Solar Projects:
Residential & Commercial Installations: For solar smoothing and peak load reduction.
Utility-Scale Projects: Used to stabilize grid frequency, reduce congestion, and support renewable integration.
Industry Growth: Australia is expected to surpass 5 GW of BESS capacity by the end of 2025.
What Is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a smart, software-based system that connects thousands of distributed energy resources (DERs); like home batteries, solar panels, and even EVs, into a centralized power source that can respond to grid demands in real time.
Benefits for EPCs & Homeowners:
Grid Services: Help balance voltage and frequency in the national grid.
Energy Trading: Sell surplus energy during peak periods for added revenue.
Load Shifting: Shift energy usage based on real-time demand signals.
How VPPs Work:
Connect to an aggregator platform.
Monitor energy capacity across participating systems.
Dispatch or sell energy when the grid requires it.
Homeowners get financial incentives based on participation.
What Is Behind-the-Meter (BTM)?
Behind-the-Meter (BTM) refers to all energy generation and storage systems located on the customer’s side of the electricity meter. These systems directly reduce the need for grid-supplied electricity.
BTM’s Role in Modern Solar:
Energy Independence: Empower homeowners and businesses to control energy bills.
VPP Backbone: Most VPPs rely on aggregated BTM systems.
Incentive-Ready: States like South Australia offer specific VPP and BTM-based rebates.
How These Technologies Work Together
The combination of Home Batteries, BESS, VPPs, and BTM systems creates an ecosystem where energy is not only generated and stored; but traded, controlled, and monetized.
What Is Behind-the-Meter (BTM)?
Behind-the-Meter (BTM) refers to all energy generation and storage systems located on the customer’s side of the electricity meter. These systems directly reduce the need for grid-supplied electricity.
BTM’s Role in Modern Solar:
Energy Independence: Empower homeowners and businesses to control energy bills.
VPP Backbone: Most VPPs rely on aggregated BTM systems.
Incentive-Ready: States like South Australia offer specific VPP and BTM-based rebates.
How These Technologies Work Together
The combination of Home Batteries, BESS, VPPs, and BTM systems creates an ecosystem where energy is not only generated and stored; but traded, controlled, and monetized.
Integration Scenarios for EPCs:
Solution Combo | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
Home Battery + BTM | Increases ROI and grid independence for homeowners. |
BESS + VPP | Enables aggregated storage for revenue-generating grid services. |
Full Integration | Aligns with carbon-neutral goals, resilience, and market competitiveness. |
What This Means for Solar EPCs
As an EPC, being fluent in these technologies can help you:
Tailor your proposals with precise storage sizing and VPP benefits.
Offer value-added services like battery degradation tracking and subsidy eligibility.
Integrate smarter CRMs that support automation, asset monitoring, and rebate workflows.
Bonus: CRM Features to Explore
Pre-fill government forms using product/VPP metadata.
Sync with VPP aggregator APIs to monitor energy export.
Dynamic sizing tools based on customer usage history.
Auto-schedule maintenance based on battery warranties.
Conclusion: Get Future-Ready with Smart Solar Storage
Australia’s solar evolution is no longer just about panels, it’s about how intelligently we store, distribute, and monetize solar energy. EPCs who understand this interconnected system of Home Batteries, BESS, VPPs, and BTM assets will stand at the forefront of the renewable energy movement.
If you're a solar EPC looking to integrate storage into your workflows or CRM; this is the time to evolve.
Read more
