Stockland and Plico partner on new home VPP initiative

Two men in hard hats and high-vis vests over businesswear shake hands on top of roof with solar panels
Thomas Hayes, Senior Project Manager, Stockland and Robbie Campbell, Plico CEO (Image: Plico)

Building giant Stockland and Australian clean energy provider Plico, have announced a landmark virtual power plant (VPP) partnership.

As the first development of its kind in the state, the collaboration will deliver solar and battery systems with VPP capability to 55 new homes at Stockland’s Nara community in Beaconsfield, Western Australia.

Related article: Plico stablises WA grid for both minimum and peak demand

The initiative ensures homeowners will have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy from the moment they move in, marking a significant milestone for sustainable residential development in Australia.

Plico CEO Robbie Campbell said, “This is one of the most forward-thinking residential sustainability projects we’ve seen.

“It gives homeowners immediate access to premium clean energy technology, removes upfront cost barriers, and seamlessly connects them to our VPP from day one. Together with Stockland, we’re proving that sustainability and simplicity can go hand-in-hand.”

Rather than leaving solar and battery installation to homeowners post-purchase, Stockland’s model integrates renewable systems as standard, simplifying the process and removing financial and logistical barriers.

Each Nara home comes with a fully installed Plico solar and battery system managed and maintained through Plico’s digital service platform. The systems connect directly to the Plico Virtual Power Plant, allowing households to generate, store, and share energy, lowering bills, earning credits or payment for exported power and supporting grid stability during peak demand.

The Plico systems at Nara will generate more energy than the homes are expected to consume, with excess power exported back to the grid. Residents will have greater energy independence, significantly reducing electricity costs compared to grid-only supply, while also earning financial rewards through Plico’s VPP. Once the home settles, the solar and battery system becomes the homeowner’s asset, backed by warranties of up to 30 years and Plico’s ongoing local support.

At a network level, the connected VPP enables residents to share stored energy when demand peaks, helping stabilise the Western Australian electricity grid while reducing emissions.

Related article: WA’s Virtual Power Plant to the rescue during heatwave

“This partnership demonstrates what’s possible when developers and energy innovators work together with a long-term mindset,” Campbell said.

“It’s not just about solar panels, it’s about empowering families to take control of their energy future, save on power bills, and even be financially rewarded through participation in the Virtual Power Plant.”

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