A new platform designed to eliminate admin friction and help trades unlock new revenue streams is set to reshape how Virtual Power Plants are adopted across Australia.
MAC Trade Services has officially launched its VPP Marketplace through BridgeSelect in a first-of-its-kind platform connecting installers, homeowners and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) providers through one streamlined ecosystem designed specifically for tradies..
The platform addresses a major gap in the renewable energy industry by giving installers direct access to VPP information and link referrals for the first time without adding extra paperwork or compliance.
Until now, installers could help customers with products like solar panels and batteries but were often excluded from the VPP rebate process itself, leaving customers to self navigate offers and retailer options.. MAC Trade Services says the VPP Marketplace changes that by enabling installers to seamlessly connect eligible customers with VPP providers through the marketplace, they also receive a commission from the VPP Retailer and claim their STC rebate on the one platform. This creates a simpler way to deliver the full energy upgrade solution all in one place.
More than 60% of households who connect to a VPP do so on the day of installation, this data shows how important the dialogue is between trades and consumers about the role a VPP can play and what connection may work best for that household. The VPP Marketplace provides a range of VPP options for the householder to choose from based on their battery type and location, enables the tradesperson to make the referral to a VPP of the customers choice and collates all the installation paperwork and claim data on the one platform for STCs and the VPP rebate,, creating a seamless experience for the customer and a revenue generation opportunity for the tradesperson by receiving a retailer commission for a successful connection.
Rather than navigating additional onboarding systems or complex compliance requirements, installers can now offer VPP participation as part of their existing workflow, helping position themselves as a trusted long-term energy partner while also unlocking an additional revenue opportunity.
“This platform was built because we understand that installers are the trusted advisor for a household on the use of their battery and how critical the timing is for a VPP conversation to take place,” said Merrily Hunter, CEO at MAC Trade Services.
“The process of claiming a VPP rebate after installation was clunky and duplicating much the same evidence and documents required on an STC claim and a VPP rebate claim. Tradies were also limited to which retailer they had contracted with to receive commission on connections which meant that customers may only be presented with a single VPP option. We wanted to remove friction, reduce admin and create a system where installers can claim the STC rebate and show the customer a range of VPP options for their needs, help them make the connection, and receive a commission from any retailer not just the one they were contracted to. This seamless connection made the customer’s life easier, the tradies engaged in the process and incentivised for the extra work in explaining a VPP, and the VPP retailers connect to a range of trades they might not have had access to before, all without adding hours of extra paperwork.”
The VPP Marketplace enables installers to connect eligible customers with suitable VPP providers through a simplified process that integrates directly into their existing workflow.
Rather than requiring installers to manage multiple systems, complicated onboarding or additional compliance administration, the platform centralises the process into a single streamlined experience.
According to MAC Trade Services, the additional installer workload can be reduced to as little as a few minutes per job.
The platform also introduces a new commercial opportunity for installers by rewarding successful VPP connections, creating an additional revenue stream without requiring operational changes to existing installation practices.
But beyond financial incentives, MAC says the broader goal is to position trades at the centre of Australia’s energy transition.
“Installers are no longer just installing batteries and solar systems,” Merrily said.
“They’re becoming trusted energy advisors. Customers are asking questions about VPPs, energy optimisation, battery participation and long-term savings and installers need tools that help them confidently guide those conversations.”
“Just like when you purchase a new phone, you aren’t sent out of the store just with the phone hardware, you are offered a phone plan connection at the same time from a range of providers. This is similar in the sense that once a battery is installed on a home, the question about how it’s going to be used, connected to the grid or not, takes place there with the tradesperson, not left to the householder to research and navigate the myriad of options online”
The launch comes as Australia’s renewable energy sector experiences rapid growth in battery adoption and increased consumer interest in energy independence and grid participation.
MAC Trade Services believes its VPP Marketplace represents a major shift toward simplifying participation and accelerating adoption across the industry.
Industry observers say the model could become a blueprint for how future energy programs are delivered, reducing complexity while improving accessibility for both installers and homeowners.
The company says this is only the beginning.
“Our vision is bigger than just another platform,” said Merrily.
“We’re building infrastructure that supports the next generation of energy service trades in Australia. Simpler systems. Better customer outcomes. Less admin. More opportunity.”
The VPP Marketplace is free and now open to installer partners across NSW who can sign up to partner via https://mactradeservices.com.au/partner-with-us the platform is integrated on the BridgeSelect app and can link to any BridgeSelect Activity providers portal where STCs are being claimed. The other states will be coming online shortly.
