Best Solar Electricity Providers

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Solar Electricity Providers National MSC Logo 2023

Most Satisfied Customers | Red Energy

Red Energy has returned to the top of our customer satisfaction ratings for solar power retailers in Australia, leading the way from major providers like AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia. Red Energy scored five stars for its customer service and overall satisfaction this year.

Red Energy logo

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How we rate Solar Electricity Providers in Australia


We all know solar can help you save on power, but many of us still overlook the importance of finding the right electricity provider. You deserve to be rewarded properly for your solar investment, and that means your provider should go above and beyond to help you save. That’s where Canstar Blue comes in to help, by annually canvassing the opinions of solar customers right across Australia.

This year we asked more than 2,000 bill-paying solar customers to rate their solar energy provider across key variables like customer service, bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up, solar tariff rate, online tools and advice, environmental sustainability and value for money, to help you make a better-informed decision.

Keep in mind, while our ratings look at 11 of the most prominent electricity retailers in the solar space, there may be other providers available in your area.


Canstar Blue surveyed 2,006 Australian households for their feedback on their solar electricity retailer. Respondents had to have a solar electricity account and pay the bills for their response to be eligible.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via ISO 26362 accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.

Respondents rate their satisfaction with their solar electricity provider from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Provider satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:

  • Overall satisfaction: measured consumer satisfaction with a solar electricity provider as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Value for money: cost was low for the quality and effectiveness of the solar electricity provider.
  • Customer service: the solar electricity provider had multiple service points for customers, e.g. telephone, email, online chat.
  • Bill and cost clarity: the solar electricity provider had an easy-to-understand bill.
  • Solar tariff rate: the solar electricity provider has a decent solar tariff rate for energy exports.
  • Online tools and advice: the solar electricity provider had an app or online account to monitor energy usage, pay bills and manage account information.
  • Ease of sign-up: the solar electricity provider had a simple sign-up process.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
  • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

Best solar electricity providers in Australia:

  1. Red Energy
  2. Lumo Energy
  3. Dodo
  4. Alinta Energy
  5. Simply Energy
  6. ActewAGL
  7. Origin Energy
  8. AGL
  9. EnergyAustralia
  10. Ergon Energy
  11. Aurora Energy

Red Energy was the only solar electricity provider to be rated five stars for overall satisfaction by its solar customers this year. It also achieved top marks for its customer service. Lumo Energy, Dodo, Alinta Energy, Simply Energy, ActewAGL, Origin Energy, AGL and EnergyAustralia received four stars for overall satisfaction. It was three stars overall for Ergon Energy and Aurora Energy.

Find more detailed information on our ratings methodology.


Compare Solar Plans in Australia

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 3911kWh/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 4613kWh/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 4011kWh/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.

1. Red Energy


Ratings result

Red Energy logo

This year’s winner, Red Energy has come away with five stars for its overall satisfaction and customer service. In all other research categories, this retailer scored four stars.

Editor’s notes

Red Energy is a well-rounded retailer, offering competitive electricity rates as well as moderate feed-in tariffs. It has one solar-specific plan in New South Wales, and offers attractive FiT rates across its standard plans in other states. The retailer’s big selling point though is its partnership with Qantas which includes Frequent Flyer points with some plans.

Red Energy Electricity Plans

Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are Red Energy’s plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

2. Lumo Energy


Ratings result

Lumo Energy logo

Last year’s winner, Lumo Energy has managed four stars for overall satisfaction this year, as well as for its customer service, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice. It did, however, manage a five-star rating for its value for money and bill and cost clarity. Its only three-star rating was awarded for its solar feed-in tariff.

Editor’s notes

Operating in Victoria and South Australia only, Lumo Energy offers fairly competitive feed-in tariffs on its range of energy plans. Lumo Energy is one of two retail brands owned by renewable energy generation company, Snowy Hydro – the other being Red Energy. The retailers also offers a Lumo Rewards program which brings various savings at retail stores, restaurants and cinemas.

Lumo Energy Electricity Plans

Lumo Energy Victoria

Here are the Lumo Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower energy network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Lumo Energy South Australia

Here are the Lumo Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

3. Dodo


Ratings result

Dodo Energy logo

Dodo earned four stars for overall satisfaction this year, in addition to its solar tariff rate. For its customer service, bill and cost clarity and ease of sign-up, Dodo landed just three stars. However, it did manage to notch up to five stars for its value for money and online tools and advice.

Editor’s notes

Dodo is owned by the Vocus Group, the company behind lots of names in the telco industry, including iPrimus. Known more as an internet and phone provider, Dodo completes the full set of home services by also selling energy with solar. Dodo operates across most eastern states, with a fairly consistent feed-in tariff attached to each plan.

Dodo Electricity Plans

Here are the Dodo plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Dodo plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Dodo plans on our database for SE QLD. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Dodo plans on our database for SA. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

4. Alinta Energy


Ratings result

Alinta Energy earned four stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and ease of sign-up this year. As for its customer service, bill and cost clarity, solar tariff rate and online tools and advice, Alinta Energy scored just three stars.

Editor’s notes

Alinta Energy is a rapidly-growing energy provider, operating across Queensland, NSW, SA, Victoria and Western Australia. Alinta Energy doesn’t offer much in the way of solar and its feed-in tariffs are below average in most states. However, Alinta Energy tends to offer some of the most competitive usage rates on the market, so solar customers could still get a good overall deal. Alinta Energy also has a rewards program which brings savings on multiple leisure and entertainment activities.

Alinta Energy Electricity Prices

Here are the Alinta Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Alinta Energy plans on our database for VIC. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Alinta Energy plans on our database for SE QLD. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Alinta Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

5. Simply Energy


Ratings result

Simply Energy Logo

For overall satisfaction, value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice, Simply Energy scoured four stars this year. Its solar tariff rate earned just two stars.

Editor’s notes

Simply Energy has a host of interesting energy offers such as deals exclusive to members of certain clubs. Simply Energy offers competitive feed-in tariffs in some states, as well as reasonable unconditional discounts for customers who are members of participating auto clubs. Customers in NSW, Victoria and SA have access to a plan specifically marketed at solar customers, which offers a boosted feed-in tariff.

Simply Energy Solar Plans

Here are the Simply Energy Solar plans on our database for NSW. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here is the Simply Energy Solar plan on our database for Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here is the Simply Energy Solar plan on our database for SEQ. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

Here are the Simply Energy Solar plans on our database for South Australia. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

6. ActewAGL


Ratings result

actewagl logo

ActewAGL has earned four stars for overall satisfaction in this year’s ratings. Across all other research categories, this retailer scored a mixed bag of three and four star ratings.

Editor’s notes

Focusing its efforts on the Australian Capital Territory, ActewAGL services residential and business customers in the ACT, Queanbeyan and south-east NSW. In addition to offering electricity and gas services, ActewAGL also sells and installs solar panels, inverters and storage systems in the ACT and surrounding areas, in partnership with Solarhub. To see what ActewAGL has to offer you in terms of pricing it is best to head to its website.

7. Origin Energy


Ratings result

origin-energy-logo

In this year’s ratings, Origin Energy managed four stars for overall satisfaction, bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice. Its only two-star rating was for its solar tariff rate. In all other research categories, Origin received three stars.

Editor’s notes

As one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, Origin Energy has a wide range of electricity deals, including the ‘Solar Boost’ and ‘Solar Boost Plus’ plans. Customers must have purchased a solar system from Origin to receive the best feed-in tariff. All dedicated products include above-average feed-in tariffs, and all standard Origin electricity plans include average to low buy-back rates. Origin also sells and installs solar panels, batteries, inverters, home monitoring systems and practically anything else you will need to start saving on electricity with solar.

Origin Energy Solar Plans

Origin Solar Plans NSW

Here are the Origin Energy solar plans available on our database in NSW. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes products from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Origin Solar Plans VIC

Here are the Origin Energy solar plans available on our database in Victoria. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are 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. This table includes products from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Origin Solar Plans QLD

Here are the Origin Energy solar plans available on our database in SE QLD. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes products from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Origin Solar Plans SA

Here are the Origin Energy solar plans available on our database in SA. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes products from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

8. AGL


Ratings result

AGL NBN logo

AGL scored four stars for overall satisfaction this year, as well as bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up and online tools and advice. In all other research categories, this retailer earned three stars.

Editor’s notes

One of Australia’s largest electricity, natural gas and solar retailers, AGL offers a diverse range of energy products to suit varying needs and preferences. These include a specific deal for solar customers in the shape of ‘AGL Solar Savers’, which delivers higher than average feed-in tariffs across the states. But you may need to specifically ask for this product given that AGL does not always make it publicly available in all areas. All other AGL plans provide reduced but reasonably competitive FiTs.

AGL Solar Plans

AGL Solar Plans NSW

Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for NSW. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

AGL Solar Plans VIC

Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for Victoria. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.

AGL Solar Plans QLD

Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for QLD. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

AGL Solar Plans SA

Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for SA. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

9. EnergyAustralia


Ratings result

Energy Australia logo

EnergyAustralia earned four stars for overall satisfaction and ease of sign-up this year. For value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity and online tools and advice this retailer scored three stars. As for its solar tariff rate, this was deemed worthy of just two stars.

Editor’s notes

EnergyAustralia offers eligible customers a boost solar feed-in tariff on its ‘Solar Max’ plans in all states it services. Its standard plans also include competitive feed-in tariffs. Combined with large guaranteed discounts, solar customers could get a good deal from EnergyAustralia, but be sure to check the basic usage rates being charged too.

EnergyAustralia Solar Plans

EnergyAustralia Solar Plans NSW

Here is the EnergyAustralia solar plan available on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes a product from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

EnergyAustralia Solar Plans VIC

Here is the EnergyAustralia solar plan available on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are 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. This table includes a product from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

EnergyAustralia Solar Plans QLD

Here is the EnergyAustralia solar plan available on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes a product from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

EnergyAustralia Solar Plans SA

Here is the EnergyAustralia solar plan available on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Plans are listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. This table includes a product from a referral partner†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

10. Ergon Energy


Ratings result

Ergon Energy was rated three stars for overall satisfaction this year, as well as for most other research categories. For its solar tariff rates, its rating dropped to two stars. However, it did earn a notable four stars for ease of sign-up.

Editor’s notes

Ergon Energy is a government-owned and operated electricity distributor and retailer that services regional Queensland from the Toowoomba and Gympie region, to south of the border with New South Wales. It also reaches out west to Mount Isa and Burketown. Ergon Energy is one of few providers in this area so there is limited choice for households and businesses, however its prices and solar feed-in tariffs appear fairly comparable to those in the south-east. To see what Ergon Energy has to offer you in terms of pricing it is best to head to its website.

11. Aurora Energy


Ratings result

aurora_energy_logo

Rounding out this year’s ratings is Aurora Energy, which earned three stars for overall satisfaction, alongside customer service and bill and cost clarity. It notched up to four stars for its ease of sign-up. However, in regard to value for money, solar tariff rate and online tools and advice, Aurora Energy received just two stars.

Editor’s notes

Aurora Energy was the first and only company retailing electricity in Tasmania. Only in the past few years have a handful of other companies sprung up as competition in the state. The retailer offers feed-in tariffs in-line with the government-set minimum and customers can track their ‘net’ solar exports through the aurora+ app.

How to get the best value from solar

A growing number of Aussies are turning to solar to escape rising power prices. Recognising this, more and more energy retailers are focusing on products designed to help solar customers save. Households with solar panels now have an unprecedented number of options available to them, meaning it’s more important than ever to frequently compare providers and products. It also means that you need to be increasingly wary of traps – while a particular plan might include a very juicy feed-in tariff, this may be compensated for with increased electricity rates or smaller discounts.

When comparing providers, be sure to look at their energy price fact sheets and ask plenty of questions if you’re unsure about any of the terms. Just like all energy users, solar customers shouldn’t just set and forget with one provider. Make sure you regularly compare retailers and plans so you can truly maximise your solar savings.

Meet our energy experts


Kelseigh Wrigley: Energy Specialist

Kelseigh Wrigley covers Australia’s retail energy market, growing her industry specific expertise over the last two years. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism at the Queensland University of Technology and has contributed her skills to online publications Hunter & Bligh and local radio station 4ZZZ.

Meet the Editorial Team

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and two years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Meet the Research Team

FAQs about Solar Energy Providers

There are many factors to consider when it comes to whether or not solar is a wise financial investment. For some high-level guidance, our latest survey found that:

  • Households spent an average of $5,667 on their solar panels and $3,928 on installation costs.
  • 52% so far believe installing solar has been a good financial decision. This number has decreased when compared to last year.

So whether you’re considering installing solar panels for the first time, or just looking to boost the value of your current home with a better deal from a retailer, here is a guide to help you along, including details of the solar feed-in tariffs available in your area.

Although there are fewer government incentives for installing solar today than there were a decade ago, there are still two schemes in place that dramatically reduce the cost of installing solar and can improve your return on investment. These are feed-in tariffs and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

Some states have begun introducing time-varying feed-in tariffs. This new FiT is similar to a time of use tariff in that the rate you receive for exported solar varies depending on the time of day. Customers are paid a hefty FiT rate during peak hours when everyone is using electricity, but the trade-off is that you are then paid slightly less for exported electricity throughout most of the day when demand is comparatively low.

Time-varying feed-in tariffs require a smart meter and have been compulsory in Victoria since July 2019. Currently, the minimum time-varying FiT is 5.01-7.1c/kWh in the state. There is also a single range FiT of 5.2c/kWh, with one flat rate applying for all energy exported regardless of the time of day. NSW also has minimum time-dependent FiTs ranging from 5.6c/kWh and 9.7c/kWh, however, conditions apply.

Most Australians are by now well aware of the advantages of solar power. That said, it’s not necessarily a good investment for everyone. If you’re yet to install solar, here are a few key points to consider:

  • Location: Households in sunnier areas such as the NT, QLD, WA and parts of NSW stand to benefit the most from solar panels. Most areas of VIC and SA can also be suitable for solar power, provided they receive favourable weather.
  • System size: Picking the right sized solar system will depend on how you plan to use it. Consider your rates, how much electricity your property uses, and if you’re eligible for a FiT. If you’re on the fence about what system size you should choose, you might want to opt for a small (and cheaper) one – you can always upsize in the future. To give you some idea, we’ve found 5kW and 6kW systems to be the most popular with survey respondents.
  • The cost: The hefty price tag is undoubtedly the biggest barrier to installing solar. While the price of solar is generally coming down, even the most basic system will set you back a few thousand dollars.

It’s important to understand that the Solar Bonus Scheme is now closed to new customers. This means that if you have recently installed a solar system – or you plan to soon – you will not receive a premium feed-in tariff, only the basic FiT of about four to 18 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), depending on your location and retailer. However, some solar companies are now offering seemingly generous rates of their own to attract new customers.

Although, while new customers cannot join, some schemes are still in operation for existing customers. The Queensland and South Australian schemes, for example, are still honouring boosted feed-in tariffs until 2028, while Victorian households can cash in on high returns until 2024.

Unfortunately for households in New South Wales, their Solar Bonus Scheme expired at the end of 2016.

Solar is quickly becoming a key battleground for energy companies. We are seeing solar energy providers getting increasingly creative with their plans, particularly through the use of Virtual Power Plants (VPP). Some retailers have also experimented with variable rate feed-in tariffs, where the rate you receive for your solar-generated electricity will vary depending on current wholesale prices.

While there are some solar-focused energy retailers and products, in the majority of cases, signing up to a solar plan will not be too dissimilar to an ordinary electricity plan. The only difference is that you may receive a higher-than-average feed-in tariff, so assuming you’re not entirely self-sufficient, you’ll still need to compare plans based on the usage and supply charges. However, it appears that solar-specific products are becoming more common, with the likes of AGL and Origin offering higher-than-average feed-in tariffs on some plans.

Past Ratings

Here are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Electricity Solar Providers – National Customer Satisfaction Award:

  • 2022: Lumo Energy
  • 2021: Red Energy 
  • 2020: Red Energy 
  • 2019: 1st Energy
  • 2018: Red Energy 
  • 2017: Lumo Energy 
  • 2016: Click Energy