Important Points
Are you eager to get the most out of your solar system? We’ve got you covered. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about solar feed-in tariffs and solar plans, including the top solar feed-in tariffs, the best solar plans currently offered, how to choose a solar energy provider, and more. Whether you're a solar enthusiast looking to optimise your savings or a homeowner looking to make the switch, we’ve got the resources to help guide you to making an informed choice.
- Comparing solar feed-in tariffs is essential for homeowners and businesses looking to maximise the financial benefits of their solar energy investments.
- Origin Energy, ActewAGL, Globird Energy, and Energy Australia are some of the top solar feed-in tariff providers in New South Wales for 2024.
- When choosing a solar plan, it’s important to consider factors such as energy rates, solar feed-in tariffs, system eligibility (and size limits), and potential rebates for which you may be eligible.
- If you are serious about getting a competitive solar feed-in tariff, you need to get a serviceability check done with an energy expert and complete a bill analysis to determine your usage profile. This allows you to be matched up with a solar plan that maximises your return on investment. To book an analysis with an energy expert at Electricity Monster call us today.
Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs NSW 2024
The table below lists the highest feed-in tariff rates in NSW, from highest to lowest. If you're looking to compare electricity plans in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or the surrounding cities in New South Wales, call us today. We provide a variety of solar solutions tailored to your needs and budget. We can analyse your electricity bill, provide you with information about solar panels, and answer any questions you might have about a new electricity plan.
Retailer | Minimum FIT (c/kWh) | Maximum FIT (c/kWh) |
---|---|---|
Energy Australia | 7.60 | 12.00 |
Globird | 4.00 | 12.00 |
AGL | 5.00 | 10.00 |
ENGIE | 5.50 | 10.00 |
Origin Energy | 5.00 | 10.00 |
Red Energy | 5.00 | 10.00 |
Sumo Energy | 3.00 | 8.10 |
Ampol Energy | 7.00 | 7.00 |
Alinta Energy | 6.70 | 6.70 |
CovaU | 5.50 | 5.50 |
Diamond Energy | 5.20 | 5.20 |
1st Energy | 1.50 | 5.00 |
Momentum Energy | 5.00 | 5.00 |
Dodo | 3.50 | 3.50 |
OVO Energy | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Energy Locals | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Kogan Energy | 1.40 | 1.40 |
Powershop | 1.40 | 1.40 |
Electricity Monster Exclusive Feed-in Tariff Offers
Electricity Monster offers exclusive feed-in tariff deals available through our partnered providers in addition to the solar feed-in tariff rates listed above. If you want to learn more about our exclusive offers, call our energy experts at 1300 232 848.
Top 10 Solar Plans in NSW
New South Wales is home to several competitive electricity retailers, each offering unique feed-in tariffs, plans, and price structures for all types of solar customers. 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) | 12.00 | $1810 |
Globird (Boost) | 12.00 | $1768 |
AGL (Solar Savers) | 10.00 | $1575 |
ENGIE (Solar) | 10.00 | $1709 |
Origin (Solar Boost) | 10.00 | $1810 |
Red Energy (Red Solar Saver) | 10.00 | $1791 |
Sumo (Assure) | 8.10 | $1739 |
Alinta Energy (Priority Plus) | 6.70 | $1658 |
CovaU (Freedom) | 5.50 | $1497 |
Diamond Energy (Everyday Renewable Saver) | 5.20 | $1756 |
*Calculated based on usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff in the Ausgrid network. The DMO reference price is: $1,810 / year. Click here to view plan energy fact sheets.
Big 3’ Solar Feed-In Tariffs NSW
In the table below, you’ll find the current solar feed-in tariffs in NSW for the ‘Big 3’ energy retailers: Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, and AGL Energy. To learn more about the feed-in tariff rates in your area, phone us at 1300 743 173 or click on the button below to get ahold of one of our energy experts.
Retailer | Minimum FIT (c/kWh) | Maximum FIT (c/kWh) |
---|---|---|
Energy Australia
|
7.60 | 12.00 |
AGL
|
5.00 | 10.00 |
Origin Energy
|
5.00 | 10.00 |
What Is the Right Solar Plan For Me?
Finding the right solar plan isn’t as easy as it sounds, and solar feed-in tariffs are only one part of the whole picture. Whether or not it is more advantageous to have a high feed-in tariff can depend on your typical energy behaviour and energy generation. If you’re a high exporter and produce more electricity than you use, then a high rate could benefit you. Conversely, if you rely more on the main grid for power, then you may benefit from a low electricity rate. It’s important to note that FiT rates change per property, so you’ll need to call each provider individually to get exact rates for your household.
However, it’s not as simple as choosing a plan based on the aforementioned profiles. You’ll also need to consider other factors, such as daily supply charges (the cost you pay to your energy retailer to be connected to the electricity grid) and usage rates (rates charged for the actual electricity you use from the main grid). Usage rates can vary depending on your provider and tariff, with rates typically higher during peak periods and lower during off-peak times. On the other hand, single-rate tariffs provide a flat feed-in rate regardless of the time of day, which offers the advantage of having a set rate, but potentially lower earnings during peak periods. For instance, homeowners with smaller solar systems that do not export a lot of energy back to the grid might want to consider going with a plan that has lower usage and daily supply charges because your capacity to get more back from exporting is limited by the size of your solar PV system.
The easiest way to figure out which solar plan and rate is right for you is to do a bill-to-bill comparison with one of our solar experts at Electricity Monster. Simply upload your bill, and our experts will complete a serviceability check on your property and get the exact rates available to you – these can vary per property. We’ll also compare rates with all the providers we are partnered with and recommend competitive plans based on your usage profile. We’ll take care of the entire process from start to finish.
Does NSW Have a Minimum Feed-in Tariff?
Currently, there is no minimum feed-in tariff (FiT) rate in New South Wales.
In New South Wales (NSW), the state government does not set a minimum FiT. Instead, electricity providers set their rates based on factors like market competition.
The current benchmark rate in NSW is 4.6 to 5.5 c per kWh for 2023-2024.
Solar System Size Limits NSW
In Australia, there are guidelines that regulate the maximum size of your solar PV 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 what each type means. A single-phase system only has two wires (one neutral and one active) and supplies 240V to the property – this is commonly seen in residential properties and small commercial buildings. A three-phase system has four wires (one neutral and three active). Three-phase systems can supply 415V and 240V (single-phase) of power from the same power supply. These systems are typically found in large residential properties, medium-sized commercial buildings, and other establishments that require a higher electricity capacity.
Regarding solar installations, the key difference lies in the potential for greater power generation and distribution with a three-phase connection. Since three-phase systems can handle higher loads and distribute power more evenly, they are better suited for larger solar systems and properties with higher energy demands. This particularly benefits households with energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioning units, electric vehicle chargers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
In the table below, we’ve listed the current solar system size limits for each electricity distributor in New South Wales.
Network | System Size Limits |
---|---|
Ausgrid | Single-Phase: Up to 10kW (by inverter) Three-Phase: Up to 30kW (by inverter) |
Endeavour Energy | Single-Phase: Up to 5kW Three-Phase: Up to 30kW |
Essential Energy | Approval depends on whether the solar inverter capacity is less than 3kW for rural regions or less than 5kW for urban properties. The solar system must also meet all other requirements. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Solar Feed-in Tariff?
A solar feed-in tariff is a credit received by solar panel owners for the excess energy generated by their system that is exported back into the grid. This is a set rate per kilowatt hour.
Solar panel owners who are looking for an electricity retailer with a higher feed-in tariff than what they currently have should be aware that the highest rate doesn't always equate the most savings. Energy prices and electricity usage go hand-in-hand. If you are a low exporter and rely on purchasing a high amount of electricity from the main grid, you'll want to make sure you get a competitive electricity rate so you don't end up with high electricity bills.
If you're looking for the best solar energy provider, it's important to compare the market. You'll often see solar owners sign up for an energy plan based on the best feed in tariffs. However, this can come with its drawbacks too. For example, if your solar panels are exporting a low amount of excess energy and you're signed up with a plan that has a high rate, you could be paying more on your bill than you would with a standard electricity plan that has a better rate. It's important to review energy prices frequently, so you sign up with a retailer that offers the best value for your money.
Can the Size of My Solar Inverter Affect My Feed-in Tariff Rate?
Yes, the capacity of your inverter can affect your eligibility for specific FiT rates, with restrictions on maximum inverter size to qualify for specific rates.
If you have questions about solar panels, what you need to get your solar panels installed, or about comparing electricity retailers, call Electricity Monster today. We'll compare prices from popular providers such as Origin Energy, Energy Australia, AGL, Red Energy, Energy Locals, and more.
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Disclaimer
This publication reviews solar feed-in tariff rates and electricity plans in NSW that are accurate as of 04/09/2024.
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 energy providers, 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 power 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.
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