Tesla Virtual Power Plant Powered by Ava Community Energy

Join the Tesla Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and support the grid while earning money and maintaining your energy security. Learn about the benefits, eligibility, requirements, compensation and more.

• Overview
• Benefits
• Eligibility
• Enrollment
• Membership
• Compensation
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of the Program

The Tesla Virtual Power Plant (VPP) connects communities of homes with Powerwall to enhance grid reliability and resiliency. By joining the Ava SmartHome Battery program, your Powerwall will dispatch excess energy to the grid when needed. Earn an installation rebate of $972 per Powerwall 3 for a new home battery system as well as ongoing incentives of up to $388 per year for your participation.

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Benefits

• Earn Compensation: Get an installation rebate for a new Powerwall system and quarterly payment for your participation.
• Maintain Your Energy Security: Powerwall will never discharge below your 20% VPP Backup Reserve, ensuring you always have backup power.
• Stabilize California’s Grid: The extra capacity your Powerwall provides can help support Ava’s clean energy goals and reduce the need for new power sources, keeping electric costs lower for your community.
• Unite as a Tesla Community: Team up with other Powerwall owners in the SmartHome Battery program to build a more reliable grid.

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Eligibility

Powerwall owners are eligible to participate if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age
• Have a qualifying battery system installed that isn’t more than five years old
• Have an account with Ava that is in good standing
• Have a valid Interconnection Agreement

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Enrollment

To participate, you will need to apply to the Ava SmartHome Battery program, and agree to their terms and conditions.

After you apply, your application will undergo review by Ava.

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Membership

Upon enrollment, Ava will call upon the VPP when the grid needs additional capacity. Events may be called as follows:

• Events can be called anytime but are typically called between 4 PM and 9 PM.
• Events will typically last between two and three hours.
• Up to 80 events can be called per year.

What to Expect

• Before the Event: You may receive a push notification from the Tesla app about the event times. Your Powerwall will prioritize charging and preparing for the event.
• During the Event: Your Powerwall will discharge to support the grid until the event ends or it reaches your VPP Backup Reserve level or you opt out.
• After the Event: Powerwall resumes normal operation.
• VPP Backup Reserve: As a program participant, your VPP backup reserve will be fixed at 20%.

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Compensation

By participating in the program, you can earn an installation rebate for a new Powerwall system as well as quarterly payments for your participation. You may redeem your rebate through your preferred payment option, such as a prepaid virtual Visa card, instant debit transfer, Venmo, PayPal or a bank transfer.

Example:

80% Powerwall 3 Capacity = 10.8 kWh

Upfront: $90/kWh * 10.8 kWh = $972

Annual: $3/kWh * 10.8 kWh * 12 months = $388.80

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