Fast read
Amber Electric’s SmartShift gives solar battery owners something most Virtual Power Plants don’t: direct access to wholesale electricity prices. This lets households buy electricity when it's cheap (or even free) and sell when prices spike—sometimes earning up to $19/kWh. It’s a bold alternative to traditional VPPs, ideal for energy-savvy users who want greater control and are comfortable with a bit of market risk. But it’s not for everyone. If you prefer simplicity and fixed rates, a more conventional VPP might suit you better.
Is Amber’s SmartShift the best VPP model in Australia?
Not all VPPs are created equal. While many reward solar battery owners with modest feed-in tariffs or bill credits, Amber Electric’s SmartShift goes further. It connects your battery directly to the energy market, where prices fluctuate every 30 minutes. This approach offers a pathway to higher returns, but with added complexity and some risk.
So, is it Australia’s best VPP? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a VPP, and how does SmartShift differ?
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of distributed energy systems—such as rooftop solar, batteries, and smart appliances—working together as one coordinated power source. VPPs help stabilise the grid, especially during periods of high demand, and participants are typically rewarded for taking part.
Most VPPs operate behind the scenes. Your battery may be discharged during peak times without you even noticing. In return, you might receive:
- Guaranteed or bonus feed-in tariffs
- Discounted electricity rates
- One-off sign-up credits or participation payments
Amber’s SmartShift, however, takes a more active approach by letting you participate directly in the wholesale electricity market.
How SmartShift works: Real-time pricing and battery control
SmartShift uses automation to optimise your solar battery based on live electricity prices from the National Electricity Market (NEM). It aims to charge your battery when prices are low and sell energy back to the grid when prices spike. This dynamic pricing model offers far more earning potential than standard feed-in rates.
Amber customers have reported export prices of:
- $0.20 to $0.80/kWh during moderate demand
- $2 to $10/kWh during common peak events
- Up to $19/kWh during rare market spikes
These earnings significantly outpace standard feed-in tariffs, which typically range from 5 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Importantly, users remain in control. Through the Amber app, you can:
- Monitor real-time prices
- Manually override or pause automation
- Customise export behaviour to suit your needs
Amber’s revenue comes from a flat monthly fee—about $22 including GST—rather than a share of your export earnings.
Battery compatibility: Is your system supported?
To participate in SmartShift, your battery must be compatible with Amber’s software integration. As of May 2025, supported systems include:
- Tesla Powerwall 2 and 3
- SolarEdge Home Battery (with SolarEdge inverter)
- Redback, Neovolt, Hive, REA Power, AlphaESS, Sigenergy
- Sungrow hybrid batteries (select models)
Amber is actively expanding this list, but older or less common systems may not yet qualify. Confirming compatibility with your installer is essential before signing up.
Pros and cons of Amber’s SmartShift
SmartShift isn’t a set-and-forget solution, but for the right household, it offers meaningful benefits.
Benefits:
- Higher earning potential than standard feed-in tariffs
- Transparent pricing with no profit-sharing—just a monthly fee
- User control over automation and export behaviour
- Real-time market access is usually limited to large-scale energy traders
Considerations:
- Market volatility risk if your battery is empty during high-price periods
- Requires a compatible battery system and an active internet connection
- Not ideal for users seeking fixed rates or total automation
This model rewards engagement. If you like the idea of monitoring energy prices and optimising battery behaviour (even passively), SmartShift could be a strong fit. But if you’re looking for predictability and minimal input, a traditional VPP model may be a better match.
How SmartShift compares to other VPPs
Other major VPPs in Australia—such as those from AGL, EnergyAustralia, or Discover Energy— tend to prioritise simplicity. They often:
- Offer fixed bonus feed-in tariffs (e.g. 10–15c/kWh)
- Lock in battery control during grid events
- Require minimal input or oversight from users
These programs appeal to households that want reliability, simplicity, and passive participation. However, they often provide lower returns and less visibility into system performance.
Amber’s SmartShift, by contrast, puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s not just a battery plan—it’s a real-time energy trading platform.
Is SmartShift Australia’s best VPP?
“Best” depends on what you value. For homeowners with modern battery systems and a desire to optimise performance, SmartShift delivers unrivalled transparency and income potential. It suits households that are already energy-aware or willing to become so.
On the other hand, if you prioritise guaranteed savings, fixed rates, or don’t want to think about energy beyond your quarterly bill, SmartShift may feel too hands-on.
Final word: Know your energy personality
SmartShift is a unique offer in Australia’s VPP market. It’s well-suited to tech-savvy, sustainability-minded homeowners who want to make the most of their investment in solar and batteries. But with higher rewards comes greater responsibility, especially during volatile market conditions.
If you’re unsure whether your system qualifies or how this model stacks up with others, Your Energy Answers can help. We connect you with accredited solar and battery experts who can offer personalised, unbiased advice based on your setup, location, and energy goals.
