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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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 TeamSamantha 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. 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:
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.
Here are the previous winners of Canstar Blue’s Electricity Solar Providers – National Customer Satisfaction Award:
*NSW, QLD and SA: Price is GST inclusive and is: The estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for this plan, assuming all conditions of discounts offered (if any) have been met, based on the AER’s model annual usage in the distribution region as stated at the top of each table.
~VIC: Price is GST inclusive and is: The estimated lowest possible price a customer would be charged in a year for this plan, using the Victorian Government’s annual reference consumption for domestic customers in your distribution region as stated at the top of each table and assuming all conditions of discounts offered (if any) have been met.
ACT: Price is GST inclusive and is: The estimated lowest possible price a representative customer would be charged in a year for this plan, using the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) annual reference consumption for domestic customers in your distribution region as stated at the top of each table and assuming all conditions of discounts offered (if any) have been met.
TAS: Costs based on annual household usage of 9475kWh/year on the TasNetworks electricity network in Tasmania, September 2022. For more information on annual cost calculations please click here.
Some plans may require you to meet certain conditions before a discount may become available to you. Check the energy provider’s plan information for details of all possible discounts that may apply and any conditions that need to be met to be eligible for these discounts. Some plans may have a minimum term longer than one year. In that case the total cost over the term will be much higher than the price (which is only for one year). Consider the provider’s detailed product and pricing information before making a decision to take out a new plan or switch electricity providers.
^What is the Reference Price?
The reference price is set by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for a financial year in relation to electricity supply to residential customers in the distribution region and is based on an assumed annual usage amount. Any difference between the reference price and the unconditional price of a plan is expressed as a percentage more or less than the reference price. The terms of any conditional discounts are shown, along with any further difference between the reference price and the discount applied if a condition is met, expressed as a percentage more or less than the reference price.
>What is the VDO?
The Victorian Default Offer (VDO) includes a daily supply charge and usage charges (per kilowatt hour). Differences in tariffs across distribution regions reflect the unique costs of providing electricity services in each area. The difference between the VDO and the unconditional price of a plan, based on the Victorian Government’s annual reference consumption for domestic customers in the distribution region, is expressed as a percentage more or less than the VDO. The terms of any conditional discounts are shown, along with any further difference between the VDO and the discount applied if a condition is met, expressed as a percentage more or less than the VDO.
Solar Products:
Annual cost estimates exclude solar payments. Feed-in tariffs shown are single rate only. Solar products may only be available to solar customers and some products may only be available to customers who purchase solar PV or other products through the retailer.
Referral Partners
†By clicking on a brand, 'go to site', 'shop online', 'get quotes now', or 'see offer' button, you will leave Canstar Blue and be taken to our referral partner to compare. Canstar Blue may be paid for this referral. You agree that Canstar Blue’s terms and conditions apply to this referral. Please note that references to an 'offer' do not mean that you will automatically be accepted or eligible for a product, eligibility requirements may apply.
Canstar Blue may earn a fee for referrals from its website tables, and from sponsorship of certain products. Fees payable by product providers for referrals and sponsorship may vary between providers, website position, and revenue model. Sponsorship fees may be higher than referral fees. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as such on website pages. They may appear in a number of areas of the website such as in comparison tables, on hub pages and in articles. Sponsored products may be displayed in a fixed position in a table, regardless of the product's rating, price or other attributes. The table position of a Sponsored product does not indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. The table position of a Sponsored product does not change when a consumer changes the sort order of the table. For more information please see How Are We Funded.