Australia is leading one of the world’s fastest transitions to rooftop solar and home battery storage — and Virtual Power Plants (VPP) have become a major part of that evolution. As more households install batteries to maximise their solar savings, energy retailers and grid operators are increasingly relying on VPPs to stabilise the grid, manage peak demand and make renewable energy more reliable.

Solar power has become one of Australia’s most popular clean energy solutions, helping homeowners cut electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions. Harnessing the power of the sun during the day is simple — but what happens when the sun sets? Do solar panels work at night? Let’s explore how solar energy systems operate after dark and how solar batteries keep your home powered 24/7.

As more Australian homeowners turn to solar energy, a common question arises: “Will my solar system work during a power outage?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as most expect. Let’s break down exactly how solar systems operate during blackouts, and what you can do to ensure your home stays powered when the grid goes down.