NSW has one of Australia’s most competitive electricity markets, which is good news if you have rooftop solar. The challenge is that the “best” solar deal is rarely the one with the highest advertised feed-in tariff. In many cases, a higher feed-in tariff is offset by higher usage charges, a higher daily supply charge, export caps, or short-term bonus rates.
This guide explains how to compare solar electricity plans in NSW in a way that reflects your real bills, and how Zembl can help you review offers across our retailer panel and manage the switch for you.
What people mean by “best solar deals” in NSW
Most searches for best solar deals in NSW are really about one of these outcomes:
- Lower bills overall: best total annual cost after solar credits.
- Higher export credits: better value for households that export a lot of solar during the day.
- Solar-friendly tariff structures: plans that suit time-of-use, controlled load, or households with batteries.
- Clear, predictable terms: fewer gotchas like export caps, time-limited bonuses, or conditional discounts.
A good comparison balances import costs (what you pay for electricity you draw from the grid) with export credits (what you’re paid for surplus generation you send back).
How solar feed-in tariffs work in NSW
A solar feed-in tariff (FiT) is the credit you receive for each kilowatt hour (kWh) exported to the grid. In NSW:
- Retailers set their own FiT offers and plan structures, so rates and conditions vary widely.
- FiTs can be single-rate or tiered (for example, one rate up to a daily cap and a lower rate after that).
- FiTs may be variable and can change with retailer pricing updates.
If you want a deeper breakdown of FiT structures, see our guide to NSW feed-in tariffs.
What to check when comparing solar electricity plans in NSW
1) Usage rate and daily supply charge
For most solar households, the biggest drivers of cost are still:
- Usage rate (c/kWh) for power imported from the grid
- Daily supply charge ($/day)
A plan with a high FiT can still cost more overall if its import rates are higher.
2) FiT caps, tiers, and “bonus” periods
Common FiT conditions that affect the real value of a solar deal include:
- Daily export caps: higher FiT applies only to the first set amount exported per day.
- Tiered FiTs: exports above a threshold earn a lower rate.
- Time-limited bonuses: an attractive FiT may apply for 3–12 months only.
3) Tariff type: single rate vs time-of-use
Many NSW customers are moving to time-of-use (TOU) tariffs. Whether TOU is a win depends on:
- When your household imports electricity (evenings often cost more)
- Whether you can shift loads to daylight hours
- Whether you have a battery to reduce peak imports
4) Solar export charges (“sun tax”) and network impacts
Some NSW networks have introduced export charging options (often called a “sun tax”) for certain customers and meter configurations. These charges are network-driven and can affect the net benefit of exporting during high-export periods.
Not every household will see export charges, and the details depend on your network area and metering. If export charging applies to you, the best response is often to improve self-consumption (use more solar on-site) and consider battery storage if it suits your circumstances.
5) Contract terms and billing features
Before switching, check:
- exit fees (if any) and benefit periods
- direct debit or pay-on-time conditions for discounts
- how solar credits appear on bills and whether usage data is easy to access
How to get a better solar deal in NSW (practical actions)
Use more of your solar at home
In most cases, a kWh you use on-site is worth more than a kWh you export, because grid electricity typically costs more than the FiT you receive. Consider:
- running dishwashers and washing machines in daylight hours
- timing pool pumps, EV charging, or hot water heating to solar production windows
- using smart plugs or appliance timers
Recheck your plan at least once a year
Retail offers and FiTs change frequently, and the best deal for your household can change as your usage pattern changes. An annual review helps keep your plan competitive.
Match the plan to your system size and export profile
Households that export heavily may benefit from higher FiTs with a cap that still covers most exports. Households that import more in the evening may benefit from lower peak import rates instead.
NSW solar rebates and incentives to be aware of
Even though this page focuses on electricity plans, your overall solar economics also depend on incentives. In NSW, the most common considerations are:
- Federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) that reduce upfront system cost for eligible solar installs.
- Battery programs that may be available from time to time, subject to eligibility and program rules.
If you are unsure what applies, Zembl can help you understand how plan settings and tariff selection interact with your solar setup.
How Zembl helps you find better solar deals in NSW
Zembl compares solar-friendly electricity plans across our retailer panel using your actual usage and export profile, then helps you switch with minimal hassle. We can help with:
- comparing FiTs, import rates, and daily charges based on your meter and tariff
- checking for caps, tiering, and benefit periods that affect real savings
- explaining plan options in plain English
- handling the paperwork for switching
If you want to go deeper on NSW plan selection, read our guide to comparing solar energy plans in NSW or our roundup on solar plans in NSW.
Frequently asked questions
Is the highest feed-in tariff always the best solar deal?
No. A high FiT can be paired with higher import rates, higher daily charges, caps, or time-limited bonus periods. The best deal is the lowest overall annual cost for your household after credits.
Can I change electricity retailers if I have solar?
In most cases, yes. Switching retailers does not usually change your solar system, and electricity supply is not interrupted during the switch. The plan rules and FiT you receive can change, so it is worth comparing carefully.
Do solar households need a special meter in NSW?
Most solar households have a smart meter or interval meter capable of measuring imports and exports. Your retailer or distributor can confirm your metering configuration.
How often should I compare solar plans?
At least annually, or any time you receive a price change notice, add a battery, buy an EV, or notice your bills rising.
Next step: get a free solar plan review
If you are ready to see what a better solar deal could look like for your postcode and usage, Zembl can run an obligation-free comparison and help you switch. For broader NSW power comparisons, you can also explore our Sydney guide: cheap electricity providers in Sydney.
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