Finding the right electricity provider when you have rooftop solar is not just about chasing the highest feed-in tariff (FiT). The best solar plan is the one that matches how you generate and use energy at your property, including your daytime usage, evening consumption, export volumes, and whether you have a battery or plan to add one.
This guide explains how to compare solar-friendly electricity plans in Australia, what to look for in the fine print, and how Zembl can help you review your bill and switch with confidence.
What makes an electricity provider “best” for solar
Solar customers can have very different usage patterns. A household that exports most generation to the grid will value FiTs more. A business that uses solar during trading hours may care more about daytime usage rates and demand charges. In most cases, the “best” provider for solar is the one that delivers the lowest total annual cost for your actual interval data, not the one advertising the biggest headline FiT.
When comparing plans, prioritise:
- Total bill impact: usage rates, daily supply charge, controlled load, and any demand charges (for some business tariffs).
- Solar FiT structure: flat FiT vs tiered FiT (higher rate for the first X kWh exported per day, then a lower rate).
- Export limits and eligibility: some plans restrict FiTs to certain system sizes or apply caps.
- Time-of-use vs single rate: a great FiT can be offset by expensive peak rates.
- Battery and smart device support: plans that complement load shifting, EV charging, and battery discharge scheduling.
- Billing and metering: clear solar billing, access to usage data, and support for smart meters.
How solar feed-in tariffs work in Australia
A solar feed-in tariff is the credit you receive for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of surplus electricity exported to the grid. In most states, FiTs on market offers are set by retailers, and they can change. Some regions have regulator guidance or minimums for certain customers, but you should assume FiT levels and structures vary widely between plans.
Benchmark vs market FiTs
In NSW, for example, IPART publishes an annual benchmark range. Retailers may offer FiTs above or below that benchmark depending on their offer design. In QLD, the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets a minimum FiT for some regional customers, while many south east Queensland offers remain retailer-set. The practical takeaway is simple: compare what you will receive based on your exports and the plan’s rules, not what you assume is “standard”.
Why a higher FiT is not always a better deal
Some plans advertise a high FiT but charge higher import rates, higher supply charges, or apply export caps and tiering that reduce your real credit. If you self-consume most of your solar, the FiT matters less than your import rates.
What to compare when choosing the best solar electricity plan
1) Your solar export profile
Before comparing providers, check your bill or inverter monitoring to estimate:
- Average daily exports (kWh exported to the grid)
- Average daily imports (kWh you still buy from the grid)
- When you export the most (midday, weekends, seasonal patterns)
This matters because tiered FiTs often pay the highest rate only for the first portion of daily exports.
2) Usage rates and supply charge
Even with solar, most properties still import electricity at night and during low generation periods. A plan with slightly lower import rates can outperform a higher FiT offer, especially if you have a battery or you can shift usage to solar hours.
3) Time-of-use periods and peak pricing
If you are on a time-of-use plan, confirm:
- Peak, shoulder, and off-peak times in your network area
- Whether peak windows align with your evening demand
- How controlled load (if applicable) is priced
4) Solar FiT caps, tiering, and plan conditions
Common solar plan conditions include:
- Daily export caps: higher FiT applies only up to X kWh per day
- Time-limited bonuses: promotional FiT for 6–12 months, then a lower rate
- Eligibility rules: minimum system size, specific meter type, or plan bundle requirements
5) Batteries, EVs, and load shifting
Batteries can increase self-consumption and reduce reliance on FiTs. If you have, or are considering, a battery or EV, look for plans that make off-peak charging economical and do not penalise your export behaviour with restrictive conditions.
6) Customer service, billing clarity, and data access
Solar billing can be confusing, especially when a plan includes tiered FiTs, time-of-use rates, or separate controlled load charges. A “best” provider for solar should provide clear billing, helpful support, and simple access to your interval data.
Solar plan comparison by state: what changes
The right plan depends on where you are, because networks, tariff structures, and retailer offers differ by state and distribution zone.
- NSW: retailer-set FiTs on market offers, network-specific peak periods, and increasing focus on export management in some areas.
- VIC: Victorian Default Offer (VDO) settings influence standing offers, and solar FiTs vary by retailer and offer type.
- QLD: FiT settings depend on whether you are in Energex or Ergon regions, plus retailer offer design.
- SA: high solar penetration can impact plan design, and some retailers apply more detailed export conditions.
- ACT: generally similar comparison approach to NSW, but offers and network charges differ.
- WA: different market structure compared to the National Electricity Market (NEM), and retailer options can be more limited.
How to actually find the best electricity provider for solar
A practical approach is to compare 3 to 5 plans against your most recent bill and, if possible, your interval data.
- Collect a recent bill (or two if your usage is seasonal).
- Identify your tariff type: single rate, time-of-use, controlled load, or demand-based (common for some business sites).
- Estimate your exports and whether you hit tier limits on a tiered FiT.
- Compare total annual cost, not just cents per kWh or FiT.
- Check conditions: FiT duration, caps, fees, and any contract restrictions.
How Zembl helps solar customers save
Zembl helps Australian homes and businesses compare energy plans quickly, using your actual usage and solar export profile. We are a signatory to the Energy Comparator Code of Conduct, and our comparisons are obligation-free.
Depending on your site, we can help you:
- Compare solar-friendly plans from a panel of retailers
- Assess whether a higher FiT is worth it for your export profile
- Review tariff suitability, including time-of-use and network tariff considerations for larger sites
- Switch providers and handle paperwork end-to-end
Related Zembl guides for solar customers
- Best energy provider for solar
- Best solar plans NSW
- Compare solar energy plans NSW
- Compare solar energy plans QLD
- Best electricity feed-in tariff NSW
Frequently asked questions
Who is the best electricity provider for solar in Australia?
There is no single best provider for every solar customer. The best choice depends on your state, your network tariff, and how much you export versus self-consume. The most reliable method is to compare the total estimated annual cost across several plans using your real usage and export data.
What is a good feed-in tariff?
A “good” FiT depends on your state and current market offers. Many plans pay a modest flat FiT, while others offer a higher rate for limited daily exports. Always compare FiT alongside import rates and supply charges.
Should I choose the highest feed-in tariff plan?
Not always. High FiT plans can come with higher peak rates or higher daily charges. If you self-consume most of your solar, your import price often matters more than your FiT.
How often should I review my solar electricity plan?
At least once a year, and also when your provider changes prices or you add major new loads such as an EV, pool pump, or battery. Solar plan conditions and FiTs can change frequently.
Get a free solar plan review
If you want to stop guessing and find a solar plan that fits your actual usage, Zembl can review your bill and compare options from our retailer panel. You can accept or decline any recommendation, and we can manage the switching process if you choose to proceed.
.svg)
.svg)
