Woman looking ecstatic at her energy bill.

Qcells freezes prices on home solar plans until October

Solar solution power provider Qcells has strayed from the July-1 status quo and ditched plans to raise power prices for its customers until October, as part of a new product-wide price freeze.

Amidst a flurry of price hikes for households across the nation, the retailer has made the bold move to cap the prices on its energy plans for eligible Qcells solar battery owners until September 30, 2023.

According to Qcells, this means that every homeowner with a Qcells energy plan and battery installed at their home won’t see their energy tariff rates change from now until at least October. This is applicable to both existing customers and new customers who sign up during this period.

The news comes off the back of 25%-30% price increases which came into effect for ‘standing’ power plans across New South Wales, Victoria, south-east Queensland and South Australia on July 1.

Smaller price increases of between 5% and 9% were also seen for Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory on this date.

General Manager of Qcells Australia Mick Fell said he hoped the price freeze would continue to open pathways to renewable energy access for both solar and solar-interested households.

“Australian homeowners need to take action to protect their lifestyle from the sadly predictable cost of living impacts of gas and electricity price increases, which feels difficult as businesses and individuals are looking to tighten their budgets,” he said.

“This upcoming price increase is something we knew was coming, and we’ve been able to plan around it to ensure our customers are feeling the benefit of their decision, but also so new customers can see how reducing their reliance on the grid can pay dividends.”

Qcells offers end-to-end solar packages to households across NSW, VIC, QLD and Tasmania. These packages typically come with a selection of solar panels, a battery and an exclusive energy plan with a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) for a simple, fixed monthly cost.

Mr Fell said the price increases proved an excellent time to consider investing in home solar.

“Solar and battery solutions have never been more affordable, with manufacturers across the industry discounting their prices in Q2. We would encourage all homeowners to take control of their energy bill, electrify their homes, and install as much solar and battery as they can.”

For more details on the price freeze it is best to visit the Qcells website.

Advertisement

What is included in the Qcells electricity plan and battery package?

With Qcells’ end-to-end solar packages, households have access to a solar panel and battery installation, as well as an exclusive energy plan. These energy plans are offered through Qcells’ electricity brand Arcstream and come in three variations, each suited to the different needs of households.

The costs on each plan include an allowance of energy usage for the month, with no daily supply charges. If customers go over this allowance however, they may incur additional fees. Credits may also be applicable to customers through the Acrstream VPP.

For the full terms and conditions on any of the above offers it is best to visit the Arcstream or Qcells website.

Already have solar installed? See if you could be getting a better solar feed-in tariff with one of these solar specific electricity plans

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Image credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Kelseigh Wrigley
Energy Specialist
Kelseigh Wrigley was a content producer at Canstar Blue for three years until 2024, most recently as an Energy Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology.

Share this article