Contents
What Answers You’ll Get From This Page
- Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs SA 2024
- Top 10 Solar Plans in South Australia
- ‘Big 3’ Solar Feed-in Tariffs in South Australia
- How Do I Choose the Right Solar Plan For Me?
- What is a Solar Feed-in Tariff?
- How Do I Qualify For Solar Feed-in Tariffs?
- Solar System Size Limits in South Australia
- Minimum Feed-in Tariff in South Australia
- Can I Upgrade My Solar System?
Key Highlights
Finding a high solar feed-in tariff rate can be time-consuming, especially with how saturated the solar retail market has become. Still, it’s an essential step for consumers who want to maximise the rate of return on their solar investment. Whether you're a new solar owner or a solar enthusiast, knowing where and how to secure the best tariffs in South Australia can make all the difference.
- Solar Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are credits paid to solar customers for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid.
- Some of the top solar FiT providers in South Australia for 2024 include Origin Energy, AGL, and EnergyAustralia.
- It’s important to compare feed-in tariff rates from various providers. While some might offer higher feed-in tariffs, others may provide better overall value through lower energy rates or additional benefits.
- If you’re in the market for a new solar plan or want a higher solar feed-in tariff, call Electricity Monster today. Our solar experts can perform a bill-to-bill comparison and help you choose a plan tailored to your budget and solar needs. We’ll also complete a serviceability check on your property to determine your area's exact solar FiT rates.
Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs SA 2024
The table below lists the highest solar feed-in tariff rates in SA, from highest to lowest. If you want to compare electricity plans or need a solution to lower your high power bills, call us today. We provide a variety of solar power solutions tailored to your needs and budget.
Retailer | Minimum FIT (c/kWh) | Maximum FIT (c/kWh) |
---|---|---|
Energy Australia | 8.5 | 12 |
AGL | 4 | 10 |
Origin Energy | 4 | 10 |
Alinta Energy | 8 | 8 |
ENGIE | 5.5 | 8 |
Energy Locals | 6 | 6 |
CovaU | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Diamond Energy | 5.2 | 5.2 |
Lumo Energy | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Red Energy | 3 | 4.5 |
Momentum Energy | 2.5 | 2.5 |
Globird | 1.5 | 2 |
OVO Energy | 2 | 2 |
1st Energy | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Kogan Energy | 1.4 | 1.4 |
Powershop | 1.4 | 1.4 |
Sumo Energy | 1 | 1 |
Top 10 Solar Plans in SA
Adelaide and other surrounding cities in South Australia have several competitive electricity retailers, each offering unique rates, plans, and price structures. In the table below, you’ll find some of the best solar plans currently available in the market.
Retailer | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) | Price/year (Est.) |
---|---|---|
Energy Australia (Solar Max) | 12 | $2230 |
AGL (Solar Savers) | 10 | $2141 |
Origin Energy (Solar Boost) | 10 | $2230 |
Alinta Energy (HomeSaver) | 8 | $2118 |
ENGIE (Solar) | 8 | $2116 |
Energy Locals (Online Member) | 6 | $2054 |
CovaU (Freedom) | 5.5 | $2101 |
Diamond Energy (Everyday Renewable Saver) | 5.5 | $2163 |
Lumo Energy (Basic) | 4.5 | $2086 |
Red Energy (Living Energy Saver) | 4.5 | $2107 |
*Calculated based on usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the SA Power Networks. The DMO reference price is: $2,279 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
How Do I Choose the Right Solar Plan For Me?
When you’re comparing solar plans, there are several factors to consider. While a high feed-in tariff can be financially beneficial, it doesn’t always mean you get the best value. For example, if you sign up with a plan that has expensive electricity buy rates attached to it, you’ll need to almost exclusively rely on exporting surplus energy. So, if you are still purchasing a high amount of electricity from your retailer, you need to be careful you don’t end up paying all of the savings your solar system has generated back to the electricity retailer.
Ask yourself these important questions before you commit to a solar plan:
- Do I export a lot of solar energy back to the grid?
- Do I purchase a high amount of power from the grid?
- Am I on a flat rate or a time-of-use solar feed-in tariff?
- Am I on a peak or time-of-use electricity tariff?
- Do I have a controlled load for your hot water?
- When do I use most of my electricity, at night or during the day?
- What usage rates and supply charges come with the plan I am looking for?
- What are the contract terms and benefits offered with the plan I am looking at?
If you’re serious about a new electricity plan that will maximise the return on investment of your solar PV system, the most effective way to achieve this is to consult with an energy broker. An energy broker has the tools to run a serviceability check on your property to determine what tariff you are on and what rates energy providers will offer you. They can also analyse your power bills, pull your energy usage data and populate it into a calculator that will automatically calculate the cost-benefit of each plan. This will help you find a plan to maximise your investment return. On top of this, they can provide you with a breakdown of the contract terms and let you know how long the plan's benefits will last and when you should review your plan again.
At Electricity Monster, we are energy brokers. Our goal is to help customers like you save money on your electricity bill, and we have the tools to help. If you would like to talk to one of our energy brokers to help you find a plan that will help you maximise your return on investment, simply click on the button below to book an appointment. The whole process is quick, easy, and, best of all, 100% free.
What is A Solar Feed-In Tariff?
A Solar Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is a payment made to eligible solar PV systems for the excess energy they generate and send back to the electricity grid. When your system produces more electricity than your household uses, the surplus energy is exported to the grid. In return, you receive a payment per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your electricity retailer, which is credited to your energy bill.
How Do I Qualify for a Solar Feed-in Tariff?
To qualify for a feed-in tariff, you must have an eligible solar PV system that is connected to the electricity grid. An eligible system involves meeting state or territory-mandated standards and requirements.
The installation of your system must be carried out by a licensed and accredited installer. Accredited installers ensure that the system is installed correctly and safely based on the latest standards and regulations.
Some electricity retailers will set minimum or maximum system size limits for eligibility. For example, a system might need to be under 10 kW to qualify for certain feed-in tariffs. We’ll cover more on system size limits down below.
You must also have an approved metering system to measure the energy you export to the grid accurately. This often involves installing a smart meter, which records your energy consumption and export.
If you have questions regarding whether you are eligible forthe best solar feed-in tariffs, call the energy experts at Electricity Monster now.
What Are the Solar System Size Limits in SA?
In Australia, there are guidelines that regulate the maximum size of a solar system. These guidelines vary depending on your network, where your home is located, and whether your home is a single-phase or three-phase connected property.
But first, let’s break down the main differences between a single-phase and a three-phase connected property. What separates these two connections is the power supply capacity and usage. A single-phase connection is generally used in residential settings, providing adequate power for household appliances. It consists of one active wire and one neutral wire, delivering power in a single alternating current (AC) wave. In contrast, a three-phase connection, commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, delivers electricity through three active wires and one neutral wire, which makes for a more consistent energy supply. This type of connection is ideal for powering large equipment and machinery with high energy demands, like commercial properties or large-scale residential properties.
Each state or territory has separate regulations and guidelines set by the local distribution network operators. Here's an overview of solar system size limits in SA:
Network | System Size Limits |
---|---|
SA Power Networks | Single Phase: Up to 5kW Three Phase: Up to 30kW (Battery inverter capacity is counted towards the total allowable capacity.) |
Minimum Feed-In Tariff in SA
The minimum solar feed-in tariff refers to the rate paid by electricity providers for the excess solar energy your system exports to the main grid. This rate can vary depending on the retailer and the specific plan you choose.
As of 2024, South Australia’s regulatory body does not set a mandatory minimum feed-in tariff. Electricity retailers voluntarily set their rates, so consumers need to shop around for the best deal.
Can I Upgrade My Solar PV System?
Yes, you can. Upgrading your solar PV system can be a great way to enhance your energy efficiency and lower energy costs.
First, you’ll need to assess whether your current solar energy system meets your energy needs. If you're using more electricity than your system generates or want to increase your savings, an upgrade might be necessary. This could involve installing more solar panels, upgrading to a larger inverter, or integrating battery storage to store excess solar energy for later use.
If your current solar inverter is not being used to its full capacity, you may be able to add more solar panels up to the inverter's limit. Before you do this, make sure that the new panels are compatible with the existing ones to reduce the risk of performance issues. Also, consider whether you have sufficient space on your roof for additional panels.
Adding battery storage to your solar power system allows you to store surplus energy generated during the day for use during peak demand or at night. This can help reduce your reliance on the grid and potentially save you more money. Some common battery integration options include a hybrid inverter or adding a dedicated battery inverter alongside a new standard inverter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Financial Benefits of a High Solar FiT?
High feed-in tariffs can expedite the payback period of your solar power investment. The more you earn from exporting electricity, the quicker you can recoup the initial costs of your solar panels and installation. This faster return on investment (ROI) makes the upfront cost of solar PV systems more justifiable and appealing to residential consumers and businesses.
Another benefit is the increased earnings you can receive for the extra energy your system generates and exports to the grid. A higher rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) can mean more money back into your pocket. For example, a larger system producing 1000 kWh of energy per month with a 15 cents per kWh feed-in tariff would generate $150 monthly or $1,800 annually. Comparatively, a 6 cents per kWh feed-in tariff would result in $60 per month or $720 annually, meaning a $1,080 difference annually.
It’s important to note that the highest feed-in tariff will not always save you more money in the long run. Some energy retailers might offer high feed-in tariffs but balance this by increasing the usage rates for the electricity you consume from the grid. This means that while you earn more from exported energy, your savings could be offset by higher costs for the energy you purchase from the grid.
Are There Government Incentives For Solar Installations in South Australia?
Government incentives, such as rebates and subsidies, can reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar PV system. Combining these incentives with a favourable feed-in tariff can maximise your financial benefits.
Will Using Energy-Efficient Appliances Help Me Get a Higher Feed-in Tariff?
While energy-efficient appliances can lower your energy usage, they don't directly affect your feed-in tariff rate. However, using less energy can increase the excess energy you export to the grid, which in turn can improve your feed-in tariff earnings.
Other Reads You Might Like
Disclaimer
This publication reviews solar feed-in tariff rates and electricity plans in SA that are accurate as of 02/07/2024.
Important Points to note are:
- The plans displayed have been taken from the energy fact sheets published on the retailer's website. We do not guarantee that this information is correct or that it applies to every household in Australia.
- Comparisons have been made on the peak rates in single rate plans from retailers, plus their daily electricity supply charges.
- The Citipower network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in Victoria.
- The Ausgrid network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Jemena gas network has been used to compare gas plans in NSW.
- The SA Power Networks network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in Victoria.
- The Energex network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Australian Gas network has been used to compare gas plans in QLD.
- The Evoenergy network has been used to compare electricity plans, and the Jemena gas network has been used to compare gas plans in the ACT.
- The ACTO network has been used to compare gas plans in WA.
- The reference price/VDO/GAS comparison will differ based on tariff type and location (distribution area). Your actual energy bill may be significantly different from these estimates if your usage differs from the average amounts used in this calculation.
- The information in this blog cannot substitute for legal advice. No financial decisions should be made based on information from this blog.
- The average electricity price in Victoria is drawn from the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), Residential Electricity Price Trends 2021, Final report, 25 November 2021. This figure reflects the default energy usage of a 2 person household.
- All dollar figures include GST.
- The plans displayed may be different than those advertised.
- The plans offered on this page may not be available in our call center.
- 'Get Best Offer’ is indicative of the best offer available in our database from our partners
- ‘Get More Info’ does not mean we will sign you up for the plan listed. Electricity Monster will provide offers in our database. We do not claim to be affiliated with the retailer.
- When you click 'Sign Up Now' you agree to be contacted by our energy experts. Plans with said button are affiliated with our partnered retailers only.
- Electricity plans are now compared to a regulated price called the Victorian Default Offer (VDO). This makes it easier to compare energy plans across the market. The VDO comparison and annual estimate is calculated based on an average usage customer.
- When calculating our rates we include in the price/year estimate the GST (unless otherwise stated), any advertised non-conditional discounts (e.g. guaranteed discount), and any one-off credits.
- What's not included in the price/year estimate are conditional discounts, green energy charges, any concessions or rebates which may apply to you, solar feed-in tariff credits that your solar system could generate.
- The VDO comparison will differ based on tariff type and location (distribution area). Your actual energy bill may be significantly different to these estimates if your usage differs from the average amounts used in this calculation.
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Get a $50* Coles or Woolies Voucher
When You Call & Switch Today
- Compare Providers
- 100% Free Service
- Brokered Over 150,000 Deals
Benjamin Tom
Benjamin Tom covers the retail energy market, with a focus on electricity, solar, and Internet. His interests include helping people navigate the complexities of the energy market while saving money on their power bills.