Queensland has some of the highest rooftop solar uptake in Australia, which means the “best” solar electricity plan is rarely the one with the biggest headline feed-in tariff. The right plan is the one that matches how your household actually uses power: how much you self-consume, how much you export, and when you draw from the grid.
This guide explains how solar plans work in QLD, what changes between the Energex and Ergon networks, and the checks that matter most when you compare offers. If you want a fast comparison, Zembl can review your bill and solar profile and shortlist competitive options from our retailer panel, then handle the switch paperwork for you.
What is a solar plan in Queensland?
A “solar plan” is simply an electricity plan that includes a solar feed-in tariff (FiT), which is the rate your retailer pays you for excess solar you export to the grid. Every plan still has the usual electricity charges, including:
- Daily supply charge (a fixed amount per day)
- Usage charges (c/kWh you import from the grid, often split into peak and off-peak on time-of-use plans)
- Solar feed-in tariff (c/kWh paid for exports, sometimes with conditions)
Because of this mix, a higher FiT can be offset by higher import rates or a higher daily supply charge. A good comparison focuses on annual bill impact, not just the FiT.
How feed-in tariffs work in QLD (Energex vs Ergon)
Where you live in Queensland affects which network you are on, and that influences how solar exports are treated and what minimums may apply.
South East Queensland (Energex network)
Most customers in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas are on the Energex distribution network. In this region, solar FiTs are generally set by retailers and can change with notice under your plan terms. That is why it is worth reviewing your plan regularly, even if nothing about your solar system has changed.
Regional Queensland (Ergon network)
Many regional areas are supplied by Ergon Energy (the network, not necessarily your retailer). In regional QLD, a regulated minimum FiT may apply in some circumstances, which is determined by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). Retailers can still offer more than the minimum, but your eligibility and the specific rate can depend on your location and plan.
If you are unsure whether you are in an Energex or Ergon area, your bill usually shows the distribution network, or Zembl can confirm it during your comparison.
What to check when you compare solar plans in QLD
Use the checklist below to avoid choosing a plan that looks great on the FiT, but costs more overall.
1) Compare total import costs (not just the solar FiT)
Many solar homes still import electricity in the evening, overnight and on cloudy days. If your import usage is high, a slightly lower FiT can be fine if the plan has cheaper usage rates or a lower supply charge.
2) Look for FiT conditions and caps
Common conditions that can reduce real-world value include:
- Tiered FiTs: a higher rate up to a daily export threshold, then a lower rate after that
- Promotional FiTs: a high rate that drops after a set period
- Eligibility rules: requirements around smart meters, solar system size, or specific tariffs
3) Check whether a single-rate or time-of-use tariff suits you
Some QLD customers are on a flat usage rate, while others are on time-of-use (peak and off-peak). Time-of-use can suit households that can shift consumption into cheaper windows, for example running appliances during the day when solar is generating, or overnight off-peak.
However, if your household imports most power during peak periods, time-of-use can increase costs. Your bill data tells the story, which is why bill-based comparisons are more accurate than comparing “headline rates”.
4) Understand controlled load and hot water tariffs
If you have controlled load (often used for electric hot water), make sure you compare that rate too. A good solar FiT can be wiped out by an expensive controlled load charge if your hot water uses a lot of energy.
5) Check the plan’s price change rules and benefit periods
Retailers may change rates with notice, and conditional discounts may have a benefit period. When comparing, check:
- How often prices can change and how you are notified
- Whether any credits or bonuses are conditional
- Any fees for special circumstances (for example, some plans may have administrative fees)
How to choose the best solar plan for your household
A simple decision framework is to start with your solar profile:
- High exports, low imports: FiT matters more, but still watch supply charge and conditions
- Low exports, high imports: import usage rate and supply charge usually matter more than FiT
- Battery owners: you may export less, so import rates, peak pricing and any virtual power plant (VPP) rules can be more important than FiT
If you want a quick baseline, Zembl can compare options using your latest bill and (where available) interval data, so you can see the estimated bill difference across plans.
How Zembl helps you compare solar plans in QLD
Zembl streamlines the comparison and switching process. We can:
- Check your current electricity rates, solar FiT and tariff type
- Confirm your distribution network area and any relevant plan eligibility
- Compare suitable offers from our panel of energy retailers
- Explain trade-offs clearly, including FiT conditions and likely bill impact
- Handle switching paperwork if you decide to move
If you are also comparing solar export value specifically, you can read our guide to best solar FiT in QLD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the highest feed-in tariff always the best deal?
Not necessarily. Some plans offer a high FiT but charge more for imported electricity or have a higher daily supply charge. A plan can look attractive on exports and still cost more overall depending on when you use power.
How often should I review my solar plan in Queensland?
At least once a year, and also after major changes like adding a battery, changing household size, buying an EV, or if your retailer changes rates.
Will switching electricity retailers affect my solar system or rebates?
Switching retailers does not change your solar system. Any installation rebates are tied to the system, not the retailer. You may need to confirm metering details and ensure your new plan supports solar exports.
Can businesses compare solar plans too?
Yes. Small businesses and larger commercial sites can compare plans, tariffs and contract structures. If you have multiple sites or complex metering, Zembl can help assess tariff fit and procurement options. For broader comparisons, see our compare solar energy plans QLD page.
Get a free comparison
If you want to compare solar plans in QLD based on your actual usage and exports, send us a recent bill. We will provide obligation-free options and, if you choose to switch, we can take care of the admin.
For related reading, you may also find our NSW guide useful: best electricity feed-in tariff NSW.
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