Queensland has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in Australia, but finding a great-value electricity plan as a solar customer is not as simple as choosing the highest advertised feed-in tariff. The best option depends on your household or business usage patterns, how much you export, your meter type and whether you are in the Energex or Ergon network area.
This guide explains how solar plans work in Queensland, what to compare (beyond cents per kWh), and the practical steps to take if you want a better overall deal. If you would like someone to do the hard work, Zembl can run a free bill review and compare available offers from our panel, then manage the switch paperwork end to end.
What most people mean by “best electricity deals with solar” in QLD
In practice, solar customers usually want one or more of the following outcomes:
- A competitive solar feed-in tariff (FiT) for exported energy
- Lower usage charges for the electricity you still buy from the grid (especially evenings)
- A lower daily supply charge, which can materially affect annual cost
- Solar-friendly conditions, such as fair FiT structures and minimal “gotchas”
The “best deal” is the plan that produces the lowest annual cost for your specific import and export profile, while meeting your preferences (contract term, payment method, renewable options and so on).
How solar feed-in tariffs work in Queensland
A solar feed-in tariff is the rate your retailer pays you for excess solar electricity you export to the grid. FiTs are set differently depending on where in Queensland you are connected.
South East Queensland (Energex network)
For most customers in South East Queensland, there is generally no regulated minimum FiT. Retailers set their own FiT, and it can change. This means shopping around can matter, but it also means you need to check the full plan economics, not only the FiT headline.
Regional Queensland (Ergon network)
In regional Queensland, a minimum FiT is set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). Retailers may pay more than the minimum depending on the plan, but the regulated floor changes over time and is only one component of the final bill.
Legacy premium feed-in tariffs
Some Queensland solar customers may still be on older legacy schemes with premium feed-in tariffs. These schemes usually have strict eligibility rules and may be forfeited if you change retailers or plans. If you think you may be on a premium scheme, check your bill and confirm the terms before switching.
What to compare on solar electricity plans in QLD
Retailers can structure solar offers in ways that make a plan look attractive at first glance. To find better value, compare these items together.
1) The full FiT structure, not just the top number
Common FiT structures include:
- Flat FiT, one rate for all exports
- Tiered FiT, a higher rate up to a daily export limit, then a lower rate
- Time-based FiT, different export rates depending on the time of day
- Conditional or promotional FiT, available only for a limited time, or tied to other conditions
If you export a lot, a tiered FiT with a small daily cap may reduce the real benefit.
2) Usage charges and time-of-use impacts
Many solar customers import most of their electricity in the early morning and evening. If you are on a time-of-use plan, peak pricing can outweigh a strong FiT. It is important to compare:
- Peak, shoulder and off-peak import rates (if applicable)
- Whether your household is a good fit for time-of-use, or better on a flat rate
- How your appliances and hot water timing affects your imports
3) Daily supply charge
The supply charge is paid every day regardless of usage or solar exports. A plan with a high FiT but a high supply charge can still be expensive over a year.
4) Metering, tariffs and eligibility
Your meter type and network tariff can influence what plans are available. For example:
- Some customers are on demand tariffs or time-of-use tariffs
- Some sites have controlled load circuits
- Solar export limits may apply in some areas
If you are unsure what tariff you are on, it is usually listed on your bill.
5) Discounts, billing conditions and fees
Pay attention to conditions like:
- Pay on time discounts and direct debit requirements
- Exit fees or benefits periods
- Fees for paper bills, credit card payments or late payment
Simple ways to improve your solar savings in QLD
Often the best “deal” is a combination of a good plan and a few operational changes.
Increase self-consumption where possible
For many customers, the value of using solar power directly during the day is greater than exporting it for a FiT. Consider shifting flexible loads to daylight hours, such as:
- Running dishwashers and washing machines mid-day
- Pre-cooling or pre-heating your home when solar generation is high
- Scheduling pool pumps during solar hours
Review your plan at least annually
Retail offers and FiTs change regularly. Reviewing your plan each year helps ensure you are not drifting onto uncompetitive rates.
Consider battery storage for specific use cases
Batteries can help shift solar into the evening and reduce grid imports, but value depends on your consumption patterns, system size and tariff. If you are considering storage, compare the economics carefully and factor in warranty, usable capacity and expected cycling.
For a deeper guide on battery economics, see Zembl’s resource on the cost of solar batteries.
How to compare solar electricity plans with confidence
If you want to do an initial check yourself, start with these steps:
- Get your latest bill and note your retailer, tariff, supply charge, usage rates and FiT.
- Estimate your annual import and export. Many bills show solar exports and grid imports over the billing period.
- Compare plans on total annual cost, not just FiT. Check supply charge, usage rates, and any caps on FiT.
- Check the fine print, including benefit periods, fees and eligibility.
- Switch once you are satisfied the new plan is better overall value.
How Zembl helps you find a better solar deal in Queensland
Comparing plans properly requires working through the full tariff structure and mapping it to your actual usage. Zembl helps by:
- Reviewing your bill and consumption profile, including your exports
- Comparing available offers from our retailer panel, based on your location and meter type
- Explaining trade-offs clearly, including FiT structures, supply charges and time-of-use impacts
- Managing the switching process and paperwork once you choose to proceed
If your site is a larger energy user, you may also be eligible for tailored procurement support through our commercial energy team.
Related Queensland solar resources
- Compare solar energy plans QLD
- Best solar FiT QLD
- Best electricity feed-in tariff NSW (for comparison across states)
Frequently asked questions
What is a good solar feed-in tariff in QLD?
A “good” FiT depends on your network area and what you give up in other charges. In many cases, the best value plan is not the one with the highest FiT, because higher FiTs can be offset by higher usage rates or supply charges.
Should I choose a flat rate or time-of-use plan with solar?
It depends on when you use grid electricity. If you import mostly at night and during peak windows, a time-of-use plan can increase costs. If you can shift usage to off-peak or shoulder periods, time-of-use can be beneficial. A bill-based comparison is the quickest way to decide.
Can I switch solar retailers without interrupting supply?
In most cases, yes. Switching retailers generally does not interrupt your electricity supply because the poles and wires remain the same. The main changes are billing, rates and FiT.
How often should I review my solar electricity plan?
At least once per year, and also when your circumstances change, such as adding EV charging, installing a battery, expanding your solar system or changing who is home during the day.
Get a free solar plan review
If you want to find the best electricity deal with solar for your Queensland property, Zembl can review your bill and compare options that suit your usage and export profile. You can accept or decline the recommendation, and if you proceed, we will manage the switch for you.
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