Lumo Energy arrives at the top of our customer satisfaction ratings for solar power providers in Australia, eclipsing big names including AGL, Origin and EnergyAustralia. Lumo Energy scored five stars for overall customer satisfaction, customer service, bill and cost clarity and ease of sign-up.
We all know solar can help lower your power bills, 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.
We asked more than 2,500 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 and value for money, to help you make a better-informed decision.
Canstar Blue surveyed 2,582 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.
Respondents rate their satisfaction with their solar electricity provider from zero to 10, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and 10 is extremely satisfied. Provider satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
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.
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:
Lumo Energy was the only solar electricity provider to be rated five stars for overall satisfaction by its solar customers in 2025. It also achieved top marks for its customer service, bill and cost clarity and ease of sign-up. 1st Energy, Red Energy and Sumo all received four stars for overall satisfaction.
Find more detailed information on our ratings methodology.
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.
Lumo Energy was 2025’s best-rated solar electricity provider, earning five stars for overall satisfaction. The retailer also claimed five stars for value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity and ease of sign-up, plus four stars for solar tariff rate and online tools and advice.
Lumo Energy, alongside Red Energy, is owned by renewable energy generation company, Snowy Hydro. Operating in Victoria and South Australia only, Lumo Energy offers higher than standard feed-in tariffs (FiTs) across its market offers in each state, plus very competitive electricity usage and supply rates. Lumo’s plans offer no contract terms or exit fees, and customers have access to flexible billing and payment options. The retailer frequently offers welcome or bonus credits for new sign-ups, along with its Lumo Rewards loyalty program.
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.
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 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.
1st Energy achieved five stars for value for money, customer service, solar tariff rates and its online tools and advice. It also took home four stars for overall satisfaction, bill and cost clarity, and ease of sign-up.
Offering electricity to customers in New South Wales, VIC, South East Queensland, SA and Tasmania, 1st Energy includes solar feed-in tariffs across all market offers. 1st Energy also retails a solar-specific plan in TAS, which rewards customers with a higher than average FiT. Alongside solar tariffs, 1st Energy’s plans include competitive usage and supply charges, with plans in some states also including guaranteed discounts. New customers should also look out for bonus sign-up credits.
Here is the 1st Solar Bonus plan on our database for Tasmania. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on a household with an annual electricity usage of 9,474.61kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff at a selected postcode in Tasmania, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. 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.
Red Energy achieved four stars for overall satisfaction, customer service, value for money, bill and cost clarity, online tools and advice and ease of sign up. However, it only received two stars for its solar tariff rate.
Red Energy is a well-rounded retailer, offering competitive electricity rates as well as moderate feed-in tariffs in NSW, VIC, SE QLD and SA. It offers a solar-specific plan in both NSW and QLD, featuring higher solar feed-in tariffs than its standard market offers. Red Energy’s other selling points include its partnership with Qantas, along with other tailored electricity plans such as its EV option.
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 3900kWh/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 4600kWh/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 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.
Sumo took home four stars across most categories in 2025, including overall satisfaction, value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, online tool and advice, and ease of sign-up. It also received three stars for its solar tariff rate.
Available to customers in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA, Sumo offers a small range of residential retail plans in each state. Sumo’s market offers include more generous solar FiTs than many of its competitors, and customers in SE QLD can also access a solar-specific plan. All of Sumo’s plans include variable rates, with some options also online-only.
Here are the Sumo 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 3900kWh/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 Sumo plans on our database for VIC. 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 Sumo plans on our database for QLD. 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 4600kWh/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 Sumo 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 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.
Origin Energy was awarded four stars for customer service, bill and cost clarity, online tools and advice, and ease of sign-up. Aussies gave the energy giant three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and solar tariff rate.
Origin Energy offers two solar-specific deals in NSW, QLD, VIC and SA called Go Solar Variable and Solar Boost. Origin also assists customers looking to buy solar panels, batteries, inverters and home monitoring systems, alongside offering competitive electricity plans.
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 3900kWh/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.
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.
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 4600kWh/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.
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 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.
Dodo earned four stars for value for money, customer service, solar tariff rate and online tools and advice. It also received three stars for overall satisfaction, bill and cost clarity, and ease of sign-up.
Primarily known as an internet and phone provider, Dodo also sells electricity plans in NSW, VIC and QLD, with plans all offering a consistent solar feed-in tariff. While the brand doesn’t sell solar-specific plans, its competitive usage and supply rates are worth considering in addition to its moderate feed-in tariffs. Customers in NSW, VIC and QLD can also claim telco discounts by bundling with home NBN.
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 3900kWh/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 4600kWh/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 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.
Alinta Energy was rated four stars for customer service, bill and cost clarity, online tools and advice, and ease of sign-up. The retailer was given three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money and online tool and advice, and two stars for its solar tariff rate.
Alinta Energy operates across NSW, VIC, QLD, NSW and SA, as well as selling gas in Western Australia. The retailer tends to offer competitive rates and simple plans, including a solar-specific option with a stepped solar feed-in tariff. All Alinta plans are contract-free and include variable rates. Alinta customers also have access to the Alinta Energy rewards program.
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 3900kWh/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 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 4600kWh/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 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 received four stars for customer service, bill and cost clarity, online tools and advice, and ease of sign-up. It took home three stars for overall satisfaction and value for money, but two stars for solar tariff rate.
As one of Australia’s largest electricity, natural gas and solar retailers, AGL offers a diverse range of energy products to suit varying households across NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA. Its main solar-focused electricity plan is its AGL Solar Savers deal, which delivers higher-than-average feed-in tariffs across the states. AGL also offers a range of solar panel, battery and installation deals to customers.
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 3900kWh/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.
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.
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 4600kWh/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.
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 4000kWh/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.
Engie was awarded three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, customer service, bill and cost clarity, solar tariff rate and online tools and advice. It also received four stars for ease of sign-up.
Engie maintains a range of energy offers, such as deals exclusive to NRMA members in some states. The retailer offers solar-specific plans in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA, which come with higher solar feed-in tariffs; NRMA customers in NSW can also sign up for an exclusive solar plan. Aside from its solar offers, Engie’s market offer plans include average solar feed-in tariff rates, but competitive electricity usage and supply costs.
Here are the Engie 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 3900kWh/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 Engie 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 Engie 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 4600kWh/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 Engie 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 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.
EnergyAustralia received four stars for customer service and ease of sign-up, and three stars for overall satisfaction, value for money, bill and cost clarit,y and online tools and advice. It was also rated two stars for its solar tariff rate.
One of Australia’s biggest energy providers, EnergyAustralia offers eligible customers a boosted solar feed-in tariff on its Solar Max plans in NSW, VIC, QLD and SA, applicable for the first 12kWh of solar exported per day. Its standard plans also include competitive feed-in tariffs, and some market offers come with extras such as guaranteed discounts. It also offers a fixed rate electricity plan with a 12-month benefit period.
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 3900kWh/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.
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.
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 4600kWh/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.
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 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.
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 a large 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.
Tara Donnelly is an internet and mobile expert – sectors she’s spent a decade covering – and also oversees energy and consumer technology content. She holds a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and has shared her expertise on national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise and the ABC.
Meet the Editorial Team
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 TeamThere 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:
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. From this time, the minimum time-varying FiT will be 5.01-7.1c/kWh. There is also a single range FiT of 3.3c/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:
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.
However, 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.
Unfortunately for households in New South Wales, their Solar Bonus Scheme expired at the end of 2016. Victoria’s scheme also ended in 2024.
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 will also receive a feed-in tariff, so assuming you’re 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.
Here are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Electricity Solar Providers – National Customer Satisfaction Award:
