Media Release
Australia’s home battery market continues to evolve, and a new partnership is giving households another way to earn from their stored energy. Anker SOLIX has announced the successful integration of its X1 home battery system with GloBird Energy’s ZeroHero Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program. The integration allows Australian homeowners to participate in energy trading events while maintaining full control of their battery settings and backup preferences.
The move expands options for households looking to extract more value from their solar and battery systems. It also highlights the growing role of VPPs in Australia’s transition to a smarter, decentralised electricity grid.
More choice for Australian battery owners
Virtual power plants allow thousands of home batteries to operate together as a single, coordinated energy resource. During periods of high electricity demand, these batteries can export stored energy to the grid. This helps stabilise the network while rewarding households for their contribution.
Through the new integration, Anker SOLIX X1 customers can join GloBird Energy’s ZeroHero VPP program directly from their battery system.
Participants can access rates of up to $1.00 per kilowatt-hour during peak demand events. They may also benefit from zero-cost charging during periods of high solar generation in the middle of the day.
For homeowners, this means the battery does more than simply store solar power. It can become a flexible energy asset that generates revenue while supporting the wider electricity network. Households may charge their batteries cheaply or even for free during the day. They can then discharge that stored energy when electricity demand and prices spike.
It is similar to buying low and selling high, except the product is electricity stored in a home battery.
GloBird Energy VPP: Simple activation through the Anker app
One of the most attractive features of the integration is its simplicity.
Existing Anker SOLIX X1 customers do not require additional hardware or technician visits to join the program. Instead, activation occurs through a cloud-based integration within the Anker mobile app.
This approach removes one of the common barriers associated with VPP participation. Traditionally, joining a VPP could involve additional equipment or configuration by an installer.
With this system, eligible customers can enable the service through their existing software platform. This makes it easier for households to participate in energy trading and grid support programs. The integration also allows customers to switch between participating VPP providers if their preferences or market conditions change.
That flexibility reflects a broader trend within Australia’s energy sector. Consumers increasingly expect choice and control over how their energy systems operate.
Maintaining control over battery use
Despite joining a coordinated energy program, homeowners still retain full control over their battery settings. The system allows users to set their own backup reserve levels. This ensures a portion of stored energy remains available for household use during a blackout.
Customers can also define when the battery participates in VPP events.
For example, some households may prefer to keep a large reserve during storm season. Others may prioritise earning revenue from grid support events.
The Anker SOLIX X1 system maintains its core functionality while enabling automated participation in grid stability programs. During VPP events, the battery can export stored energy to the grid when needed.
In return, homeowners receive payments based on the electricity they supply during peak demand periods. The program can also provide up to three hours of free charging each day during off-peak periods, depending on the conditions of the ZeroHero plan.
Improving the economics of home batteries
For many Australians considering battery storage, the key question is simple.
How long will it take to pay off?
Battery costs have fallen rapidly in recent years. However, the upfront investment can still be significant. Many households, therefore, look for ways to shorten their payback period. Virtual power plant participation can help address this challenge.
By combining rooftop solar generation with VPP income opportunities, batteries can produce multiple financial benefits. Households can reduce electricity purchases, store excess solar energy, and earn payments during peak demand events.
The addition of more VPP options directly addresses the financial concerns many potential battery buyers have. GloBird Energy’s rate structure, which includes peak event payments and favourable charging arrangements, can strengthen the overall value proposition for battery owners. The ability to compare and switch between VPP providers also allows households to optimise participation based on their energy usage patterns.
For Australians who already have solar panels, this combination can significantly improve the economics of adding battery storage.
Supporting Australia’s evolving energy grid
Beyond individual household savings, VPPs play an important role in Australia’s electricity system.
As more renewable generation enters the grid, managing energy supply and demand becomes increasingly complex. Large central power stations once controlled the flow of electricity. Today, millions of small generators, such as rooftop solar systems, contribute energy to the network.
Virtual power plants help coordinate these distributed resources.
When thousands of batteries respond simultaneously during peak demand events, they can provide the same stabilising effect as a traditional power station. The difference is that the energy comes from households instead of a central plant. This distributed model can improve grid resilience while reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation during peak periods. It also allows everyday Australians to participate directly in the energy market.
Availability and eligibility
The GloBird Energy ZeroHero VPP integration is now available to eligible Anker SOLIX X1 customers in Australia.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on location and system configuration. Prospective participants should review the program details on GloBird Energy’s website or speak with a local Anker SOLIX installer.
Customers should also review the full terms and conditions associated with VPP rates and program participation, as these may change over time.
