South Australia is one of Australia’s most solar-rich states, which is great for cutting bills, but it also means solar plan details matter more than ever. The “best solar deal” is rarely the plan with the highest feed-in tariff (FiT). It is usually the plan that delivers the lowest total annual cost for your usage pattern, including supply charge, usage rates, solar credits, and any export limits or conditions.
This guide explains how to compare solar electricity plans in SA, what to watch for in retailer offers, and how Zembl can help you switch with less hassle.
What people mean by “best solar deal” in SA
Most searches for solar deals are really about one of these outcomes:
- Maximising solar credits with a better FiT.
- Reducing grid costs with cheaper usage rates and a lower daily supply charge.
- Making a battery pay off by choosing a plan that suits export and import times.
- Finding a plan that matches your household or business hours (daytime vs evening consumption).
A good comparison looks at all components together, not one headline rate.
How solar feed-in tariffs work in South Australia
A solar feed-in tariff is the credit you receive for excess solar energy exported to the grid, measured in cents per kWh. In SA, FiTs are generally set by retailers and can change over time depending on the plan.
Key FiT terms to check
- Is the FiT fixed or variable? Variable FiTs can change with notice.
- Is it a single rate or tiered? Some plans pay a higher rate for the first portion of exports, then a lower rate after a daily cap.
- Are there eligibility rules? Some offers require direct debit, e-billing, or a compatible meter configuration.
- How long does the FiT last? Promotional FiTs can step down after 6 to 12 months.
What to compare in SA solar electricity plans (beyond the FiT)
In many cases, a slightly lower FiT can still win if the plan has lower import rates. Focus on the total bill impact.
1) Daily supply charge
This is a fixed daily cost. If your solar covers a lot of your usage, the supply charge becomes a bigger share of the bill, so reductions here can be valuable.
2) Usage rates (import tariffs)
Check whether you are on:
- Single rate (flat rate all day)
- Time-of-use (peak, shoulder, off-peak)
- Demand tariff (common for some larger sites, charges based on peak demand)
If you export a lot during the day but import heavily in the evening, time-of-use pricing can materially change your outcome.
3) Solar export limits and export pricing signals
Some SA customers have export limits set by the distributor, and in some areas export control may apply to maintain grid stability. Even if your retailer FiT looks strong, your system may not be able to export as much as you expect at certain times.
4) Discounts and conditions
Retailers may advertise conditional discounts (for example, pay-on-time). Compare the undiscounted rates too, and confirm what happens if you miss a condition once.
How to choose the best plan for your solar setup
If you export a lot of solar
Look for a competitive FiT, but validate whether the plan has higher usage rates or a higher supply charge that could wipe out the benefit.
If you self-consume most of your solar
Your priority is often lower import costs. In this case, a “solar plan” with a premium FiT may not be necessary, and you might do better focusing on low usage rates and a reasonable supply charge.
If you have (or want) a battery
Batteries typically improve outcomes by reducing evening imports and giving you more control over exports. The best electricity plan for a battery household is often one with:
- reasonable time-of-use spreads,
- good off-peak import pricing (if you charge from grid sometimes),
- no harsh export limitations within the plan terms.
If you run a business in SA
Businesses often have daytime loads that align well with solar generation, but network tariffs can make a major difference. If your site has interval metering and higher usage, it may be worth exploring a structured procurement approach rather than a standard offer.
For larger energy users, start here: Commercial energy.
SA solar rebates and incentives (what still matters when comparing plans)
When people talk about “solar deals”, they often mean upfront system incentives as well as electricity plans. While incentives change over time, common considerations include:
- Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs): a federal solar rebate that reduces upfront system cost (usually applied as a discount by the installer).
- Battery programs: availability and eligibility can vary, and some offers are time-limited.
Even after rebates, the ongoing plan still determines long-term savings.
Common mistakes when comparing solar plans in South Australia
- Choosing the highest FiT only: it can come with higher import rates and a higher supply charge.
- Ignoring your export profile: a household with daytime usage may export far less than expected.
- Not checking plan time limits: promotional FiTs can drop after the first year.
- Forgetting meter and tariff type: your network tariff and meter configuration affect the rates you can access.
How Zembl helps you find a better solar deal in SA
Zembl compares energy plans from a panel of trusted retailers and helps you identify an option that fits your usage, solar exports, and preferences. We also handle the switching process end-to-end, so you do not have to chase paperwork.
- Obligation-free review for homes and small businesses
- Support for larger sites, including tariff and procurement guidance
- Clear explanation of plan trade-offs, so you can decide with confidence
Next steps
If you want to sharpen your comparison, start by pulling together:
- your most recent bill (or 12 months if available),
- your solar system size (kW) and whether you have a battery,
- any known export limits,
- your typical weekday and weekend usage pattern.
Then speak with Zembl for a free review and we will help you compare options based on total cost, not just a single headline rate.
Helpful Zembl guides
- Best solar panel deals
- Best solar plans NSW (useful solar plan comparison framework)
- Best solar deals NSW (additional plan considerations)
- Compare electricity business
- Commercial energy
Frequently asked questions
Is the best solar deal in SA always the highest feed-in tariff?
No. A high FiT can be offset by higher supply charges and higher import rates. The best plan is the one with the lowest overall cost for your usage and export profile.
How often should I review my solar electricity plan?
At least once per year, and also after major changes like adding a battery, changing household size, or shifting work-from-home patterns.
Can I switch solar plans without interrupting supply?
Yes, switching retailers should not interrupt your electricity supply. The new retailer takes over billing once the switch is completed.
Do businesses in SA need a different approach to solar plans?
Often, yes. Businesses can be on different network tariffs, may face demand charges, and can benefit from a tailored procurement process depending on energy use and metering.
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