Plico

Plico: solar energy, batteries, and VPP for households

Plico is an Australian company that offers solar energy and storage solutions for homes. Its proposition focuses on combining solar panels, batteries, and integration into a virtual power plant (VPP), with the option to purchase the complete system or only some components. The company operates in Western Australia, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, according to its website.

Home solutions

Plico's catalogue is organised according to the size and needs of each home. It offers solar plus battery packages for small, medium, and large homes, homes with an electric vehicle, and homes with three-phase supply. It also sells solar batteries separately, with options for small, medium, and large homes, homes with an electric vehicle, and three-phase homes, as well as the possibility to expand existing storage capacity. It also offers solar panels separately.

The company works with equipment brands such as AlphaESS, FoxESS, and Sigenergy for its battery packages, and with Astronergy and Jinko for solar panels. These names appear on its website as trusted references.

Virtual power plant and blackout protection

One of Plico's key focuses is its virtual power plant (VPP). Customers can join the Plico VPP, which allows them to participate in an aggregated system of home batteries. The company also mentions blackout protection as one of the advantages of its systems. Its site details the steps to join the VPP and offers rewards for participants.

Financing and rebates

Plico sells its systems through weekly instalments, with no large upfront costs. The company offers financing options through Plico Finance and the CEFC's (Clean Energy Finance Corporation) Home Energy Improvement Fund. It also provides information on rebates and assistance programmes available at national and state level, such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC), the Western Australia Residential Battery Scheme, the Western Australia interest-free loan, the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), and the Switch your Thinking programme. In New South Wales, it details the Home Energy Saver discount, the Home Energy Saver loan, and the cash rebate for joining the VPP. The company also has a savings calculator and answers the question of whether batteries are worth it.

Presence and contact

Plico has a presence in various parts of Australia. Its website mentions offices or contact points in Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Canberra, Perth, South West, and Albany. The company offers phone support via 1300 175 426. For enquiries or support, it has a contact form and a member help section.

User resources

The company publishes guides on solar batteries, battery location, and solar for new builds, as well as a blog with news and articles of interest. It also provides instructions in the event of a blackout and answers frequently asked questions about the VPP.