Looking to find the right energy retailer that has the best feed in tariffs NSW (FiT)? In this guide, we will discuss the importance of solar power, understanding FiTs, and find the highest solar feed in tariff NSW. Let’s get straight into it.
Switching to solar energy in NSW is a great idea if you want to save money and help the environment. Solar feed in tariffs (FiTs) are important because they allow you to earn credits for extra energy your solar panels produce and send back to the grid. These credits help lower your electricity bills. In 2024, NSW offers some of the best feed-in tariffs from top retailers like Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia, and AGL providing good rates. Solar energy is important in NSW because it helps reduce electricity costs and supports using clean, renewable energy. The sunny climate in NSW makes it ideal for solar power, ensuring you get the most out of your solar panels throughout the year. By taking advantage of the best solar feed-in tariffs in NSW, you reduce your dependence on the grid and support the transition to renewable energy sources. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet.
Why Does Solar Power Matter?
Australia has committed to a Renewable Energy Target (RET) to transition to renewable energy by 2050. Solar power will play a huge part in this transition. As well as commercial solar farms, residential solar panels can significantly reduce the overall amount of energy needed to be generated from fossil fuels.
As well as the environmental benefits, solar power can help reduce your power bills. During peak sunlight hours, the excess energy generated can be fed back into the grid, which earns FiTs. These are paid as credits to your electricity bills, which can lead to very low bills, or even no bills at all!
When researching the best solar plans NSW, it’s essential to consider both the initial setup costs and the long-term benefits of reduced energy bills and favourable feed-in tariffs.
Understanding Feed-In Tariffs (FiTs)
FiTs are contracts between renewable energy producers and electricity retailers. Under these contracts, solar panel owners are paid for the excess electricity they send back to the grid, which helps offset their overall electricity prices. Most energy providers in NSW offer single-rate tariffs, where you are charged the same rate for electricity throughout the day. Understanding how these tariffs work in conjunction with FiTs can help you get the most out of your solar energy system. Feed-in tariffs can be puzzling sometimes. In simple words, they are the incentives offered to the solar panel owners if they want to sell access energy back to the grid. This opportunity does have a valuable impact on your savings. By understanding the nuances of these tariffs, one can transform solar energy into an affordable power source with the best solar plans NSW.
Feed-in tariffs can be puzzling sometimes. In simple words, they are the incentives offered to the solar panel owners if they want to sell access energy back to the grid. This opportunity does have a valuable impact on your savings. By understanding the nuances of these tariffs, one can transform solar energy into an affordable power source with the best solar plans NSW.
FiTs are essentially contracts between renewable energy producers and utilities or governments. Under the contract, the producers are paid for their electricity, which is then fed back into the grid. Here are some of the benefits of the feed-in tariff in NSW.
- Financial incentives make investing in solar energy systems economically viable.
- Finding the best feed in tariff NSW can significantly impact your energy savings and environmental footprint.
- An increase in solar installations contributes significantly to the overall renewable energy capacity of NSW.
- Boosts energy security and grid stability.
- Reduces carbon emissions and fosters sustainability.
Best Solar Feed In Tariffs in NSW: The Options That Stand Out
In New South Wales the retail energy market is deregulated, as retailers are free to set their own highest solar feed-in tariff. These are the payments made to solar owners for the generated energy sent back into the grid. Here are the 15, highest solar feed in tariff NSW showing the details of the minimum and maximum FiTs available.
Retailer |
Minimum Feed-In Tariff (kWh) |
Maximum Feed-In Tariff (kWh) |
Energy Australia |
7.60c |
15.00c |
Origin |
2.00c |
12.00c |
AGL |
1.00c |
15.00c |
Powershop |
0.0c |
12.0c |
GloBird Energy |
1.0c |
15.0c |
ActewAGL |
8.0c |
15.0c |
SimplyEnergy |
5.5c |
12.0c |
Red Energy |
6.0c |
12.0c |
OVO Energy |
0.0c |
10.0c |
Momentum Energy |
0.0c |
7.0c |
Sumo Energy |
5.50c |
8.00c |
Energy Locals |
11.50c |
11.50c |
Kogan Energy |
0c |
5c |
Nectr |
0c |
4.4c |
Alinta Energy |
6.7c |
6.7c |
How to Figure Out the Best Solar Feed in Tariff NSW?
Acquiring the best solar feed-in tariff (FiT) requires careful consideration and research. Here are a few things that are crucial to consider if you want to find the best solar feed in tariff NSW to suit your specific energy needs.
- Understand Your Energy Needs: Before getting into FiTs, access your household or business’s daily energy usage, as it helps you anticipate any increase in your energy usage.
- Research FiT Rates: Do some research and homework beforehand and compare FiT rates offered by several energy providers. Go for the provider that gives the best tariffs based on your location.
- Examine the Policies: Examine the contract terms closely. Pay attention to the duration of the contract, payment frequency, and other terms, if applicable.
Evaluate Your Solar System: Before getting into it, it is equally essential to consult with a solar expert and evaluate your solar system. It helps ensure maximum utilisation and benefits from the FiT. - Explore Incentives: Explore any available government incentives and rebates for installing solar systems. Also, check for the tax credits or deductions for solar installation.
- Pay Attention to Self-Consumption: Monitor the self-consumption of energy and explore systems that allow you to store excess energy in batteries.
- Review Your FiT Regularly: FiT rates fluctuate, therefore, keep yourself updated with the changes in FiT rates and policies.
Which is the Best Solar Energy Provider in NSW?
Determining the best solar energy plan in NSW heavily depends on individual requirements, preferences, and specific circumstances. Below we will discuss some of our favourite electricity providers based on the best solar tariff NSW.
Getting the best solar feed-in tariff (FiT) involves evaluating your solar system, understanding your energy needs, and researching various electricity retailers. These electricity retailers often offer different FiT rates, and it’s important to compare them with their single-rate tariffs to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Doing so will help you manage your electricity prices more effectively. Choosing the best solar energy plan in NSW heavily depends on individual requirements, preferences, and specific circumstances. Below we will discuss some of our favourite electricity providers based on the best solar tariff NSW.
Retailer |
Plan | Solar Feed-in Tariff (c/kWh) |
Rebates |
Origin Energy | Solar Boost | Up to 20 (for systems less than 7kW, installed by Origin); 17 for systems more than 7kW installed by Origin; Standard rate of 12 for other systems | $60.00 (up to 7 kW) / $51.00 (over 7 kW) / $36.00 (standard) |
EnergyAustralia | Solar Max | 12 (first 15 kWh/day), 7.6 thereafter | $36.00 |
AGL | Residential Solar Savers | 15 (first 10 kWh/day), 7 thereafter | $45.00 |
The Origin Energy solar feed in tariff is recognised for its competitive rates, making it a preferred choice for many solar energy adopters in NSW. However, please note that CheapBills does not have Origin on its panel of energy service providers. If you want to explore their packages, please visit www.originenergy.com.au or give them a call at 13 24 61.
-
Origin Energy – Solar Boost
The Origin Solar Boost plan is the top-ranked option for solar systems in NSW, offering a feed-in tariff of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. Based on an estimated daily export of 10 kWh to the grid, customers could receive a monthly rebate of $30.00. The plan is very flexible with no exit fees and no lock-in contracts, so customers can change their plans without any penalties if a better option comes along. This makes the Solar Boost plan an excellent choice for those who want to maximise their returns without being tied to a long-term agreement.
-
EnergyAustralia – Solar Max
The EnergyAustralia Solar Max plan is ranked as the second-best option for those in NSW with solar systems larger than 7kW. With this plan, you can expect to receive a feed-in tariff of 7.6 cents per kilowatt-hour, resulting in an estimated monthly rebate of $36.00 based on average daily exports. Similar to the Origin plan, there are no exit fees or lock-in contracts, giving you the freedom to switch providers or plans without any financial penalties. This plan is ideal for homeowners with larger solar systems who want to benefit from competitive FiT rates without being tied down to a long-term contract.
-
AGL – Residential Solar Savers
The AGL Residential Solar Savers plan is ranked #3. It offers a feed-in tariff of 8 cents per kilowatt-hour and an estimated monthly rebate of $24.00. This plan requires a 12-month commitment, but there are no fees if you decide to switch to another provider. This option is great for those who want a short-term commitment with the flexibility to change plans if needed.
In addition to the main energy retailers like AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia, several smaller or alternative retailers in New South Wales (NSW) offer solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs). Some of these include:
- Powershop
- Powershop often offers competitive FiTs and markets itself as a green energy retailer, sourcing energy from renewable sources.
- Red Energy
- Red Energy, owned by Snowy Hydro, provides decent FiT rates in NSW and emphasises customer service and renewable energy support.
- Energy Locals
- Energy Locals is known for its no-lock-in contracts and transparent pricing. It often offers higher FiT rates than some larger providers.
- Amber Electric
- Amber Electric offers wholesale energy prices to customers and provides dynamic FiTs based on market conditions, which can appeal to solar users during peak demand periods.
- OVO Energy
- OVO Energy offers simple, environmentally-friendly plans with competitive FiT rates and a focus on sustainability.
- Dodo Energy
- Dodo Energy, part of the M2 Group, provides affordable energy plans, sometimes with lower FiTs. Its plans are often popular with customers seeking budget-friendly options.
- ReAmped Energy
- ReAmped Energy typically offers competitive pricing and flexible plans, including FiTs for solar customers, though the rates vary depending on the plan.
- Simply Energy
- Simply Energy provides energy solutions with flexible FiT rates, often including promotions and discounts for new solar customers.
- GloBird Energy
- GloBird Energy offers straightforward plans, and while their FiT rates are often moderate, their overall pricing can be attractive.
- Alinta Energy
- Alinta Energy is another option in NSW, offering competitive rates and FiTs, often bundled with discounts or special offers.
These smaller or alternative retailers can sometimes offer more competitive or flexible solar feed-in tariffs compared to the bigger players, so it’s worth comparing offers to find the best deal for your solar energy needs.
Smart Meters and Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) in NSW
If you’re thinking about making the most of your solar energy system in New South Wales, smart meters are essential for maximizing your feed-in tariff (FiT) earnings. A smart meter is a digital device that accurately tracks your energy usage and solar energy export to the grid in real-time. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters provide detailed data on your electricity usage patterns, which is important for optimizing your solar savings.
Why Smart Meters Matter for FiTs in NSW
- Accurate Tracking: Smart meters accurately measure the electricity your solar panels send to the grid. This ensures you are paid correctly for the energy you contribute and helps you receive the best rebates for your exported energy.
- Time-Varying FiTs: In New South Wales, many energy providers offer different rates for the solar power you export based on the time of day. Smart meters can track your energy exports, allowing you to benefit from higher rates during peak times. This can help you save more compared to a fixed rate for your solar exports.
- Monitoring and Optimization: Smart meters can help you keep track of how much electricity you use and how much solar power you send back to the grid. You can do this using online portals or apps provided by your retailer. This means you can change how much energy you use to get the most benefit from your FiT. For example, you can use more power when electricity costs less, and send more power back to the grid when electricity costs more.
- Automatic Meter Readings: Smart meters send your electricity readings to your provider automatically. This eliminates the need for manual checks. As a result, you will always have the most up-to-date billing and accurate FiT credits without any delays or discrepancies.
Wrap Up
The best solar feed in tariff isn’t just a number; it’s a gateway to a sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly energy plan. Remember that unlocking value from a solar system doesn’t return investment overnight. Choose the right tariff and invest in solar panels for a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come. Review energy prices frequently and stay on top of the latest deals in your area.