Community Wave

We want to connect more renewable energy to the network. Supported by our energy management tech, we can now accommodate this. That's why we're launching Community Wave.

Community Wave is our Virtual Power Plant (VPP). It helps us connect and coordinate the supply and demand of connected energy assets like solar and batteries:

• balancing the flow of solar energy to and from the network;
• maintaining a safe and reliable power supply to the whole community; and
• allowing more energy assets to connect.

You'll enjoy access to the bill-saving benefits of installing solar and battery, such as:

• generating your own solar energy during the day; and
• drawing on stored solar energy when the sun isn't shining (if you install a battery).

Plus... members may also be eligible for:

• exclusive buyback rates for exporting excess solar back to the grid; and
• access to financial support through rebates and no-interest finance.

And you’ll be supporting your local, regional energy network.

It depends on your situation...

I already have a solar system

If you already have a solar system installed, nothing changes.  

I already have a solar system but want to access the benefits of Community Wave

Customers with existing solar PV systems can join Community Wave. However, you may need some modifications to your existing solar system. This could include a: 

• Hard-wired internet connnection to smart connect your solar and battery assets to the network.
• Compatible solar inverter to connect your energy assets to our Secure Gateway Device (SGD).

+ Learn more about Smart Connect solar & battery  

I'm installing solar, battery or both for the first time or upgrading my existing system

From 1 July 2025, Community Wave applies to:

• all new solar and battery installations; and
• any upgrades to an existing system including adding a battery or replacing your solar inverter.

From time to time, we may need to...

Turn down the amount of electricity your solar system generates, to protect our network.
On average, these adjustments shouldn't cut your solar generation by more than 10% over a year.

Limit storage or discharge of battery systems and other assets to maintain grid stability. Your battery settings will be set to:

• not export any excess energy to the network during the sunniest part of the day;
• or charge during the network peak in the afternoon between 3pm - 9pm. This is when the whole community uses the most energy at once.

Try our solar and battery calculator so see how much you could be saving.

Yes. Besides the cost of installing your solar and battery assets, joining Community Wave is free.

Community Wave requires a small device to be connected during installation. Known as a Secure Gateway Device (SGD), it connects your solar inverter to our energy management system. We call this smart connected solar, and we provide and maintain the SGD for free.   

Please note, any costs to install and connect the SGD will be at your installer's discretion.

Yes. You'll need a hard-wired internet connection between your energy assets and the Secure Gateway Device (SGD).

This allows us to communicate securely with your system from time to time - if energy management is required (to maintain network stability). 

+ Learn more about energy management

Yes. You may opt out of any eligible, Renewable Rewards by calling us on 1800 267 926.

Please note, your energy assets will remain subject to the terms of the agreement and will continue to be energy managed. This ensures they comply with the Technical Requirements for renewable energy systems connected to our network.

Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers are not currently part of Community Wave or influenced by energy management.

To maximise your savings, we recommend charging your EV during the day to take advantage of electricity generated by the sun.

Please note, if you plan to install a charger greater than 2.4 kW, you must submit an EV Connect application.