In this Canstar Blue guide, we look at the solar installation, feed-in tariff and rebates options from AGL. We’ll also highlight any special solar deals for households.
Millions of solar panels are installed on Australian rooftops every year, but where should you look if you’re after panels for your own place? Chances are that you have heard of AGL – one of Australia’s largest energy companies. AGL provides electricity and natural gas to nearly four million customers nationwide. It also helps customers get started with solar and offers special deals to help households make the most out of their investment.
So, if you’re in the market for solar, Canstar Blue has put together this guide on AGL. We’ll look at solar installation, feed-in tariffs, rebates and deals available for its solar customers to help you make an informed decision about whether AGL is the best solar retailer for your needs – both today, and in the future.
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AGL solar installations
In addition to being one of Australia’s biggest electricity retailers, AGL is a major installer of solar systems. Previously, it provided a comprehensive service to both residential and business customers that included planning, installation and post-installation retail services. In 2018 however, AGL formally ended its residential solar installation business.
While AGL is no longer directly responsible for selling and installing solar panels, the company says it continues to help customers get started with solar through third-party partners, which AGL says are experts in PV solar. If AGL is unable to assist, then there is a plethora of other installers on the market that can help you out. If you’re new to solar, and not sure what to look out for, be sure to check out our solar panels buying guide.
After you’re all set up with solar, AGL can help you get the most out of your solar system through special solar deals and feed-in tariffs (FiT). Feed-in tariffs are a form of rebate whereby customers are compensated a few cents for every unused kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity exported to the energy grid.
AGL business solar
Although AGL no longer provides installation services for households, it continues to do so for businesses large and small. AGL provides tailored solar and battery solutions which it claims are hassle-free and minimise the interruption to your business. AGL provides an end-to-end service that covers everything from planning to post-installation support. Businesses can also receive access to live usage monitoring so they can see how they’re using power and where they can save.
AGL solar plans
AGL no longer provides installation services to residential customers, but the retailer still wants to attract households that have solar panels. Solar customers in Victoria, South East Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia can sign up to AGL’s special deal called ‘AGL Solar Savers’. This is a no lock-in contract deal that comes with a 10c/kWh solar feed-in tariff for the first 10kWh/day (depending on location), with any remaining exports charged between 3c-7c/kWh (again, depending on location).
Customers also receive access to AGL Rewards and 24/7 customer support. The AGL Solar Savers is available to all solar customers regardless of who installed your panels.
AGL Solar Savers
While 10c/kWh may seem a generous feed-in tariff in select states and compared with many other retailers, keep in mind that the savings made from the FiT could be negated by the increased amount you’re paying for the power you need to draw from the grid. Broadly speaking, AGL’s Solar Saver could work out cheaper for customers with a large solar system (5kW or more), however this depends on a variety of factors including your location and energy usage habits. Please note, customers with a system capacity exceeding 10kW are ineligible for AGL Solar Savers.
Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for NSW. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for Victoria. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for QLD. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here is the AGL Solar Savers plan on our database for SA. This is a product from a referral partner†. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Solar plan price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Does AGL install solar batteries?
According to its website, AGL does sell solar storage batteries to residential customers, which can be purchased either alone or as part of a bundle that also includes solar panels and an inverter. Some of the listed solar battery brands available from AGL include the Tesla Powerwall and Sungrow. The retailer also offers a ‘bring your own’ battery deal for customers interested in joining AGL’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
You can also download the AGL Energy App which provides daily insights into your energy usage. While it can’t be used to measure your solar output or battery capacity, you can use it to better understand how you can save power.
AGL solar feed-in tariffs
AGL has a standard feed-in tariff for solar customers available across most of its residential electricity products. The tariff rates are displayed below:
| State | Feed-in Tariff |
| QLD | 4.00c/kWh |
| NSW | 5.00c/kWh |
| VIC | 3.30c/kWh |
| SA | 4.00c/kWh |
Source: AGL Website, October 2024.
Remember that the AGL Solar Savers deal offers a larger FiT of 10c/kWh for the first 10kWh/day. However, a higher FiT doesn’t necessarily equate to a better deal. In some cases, higher feed-in tariffs may be negated by increased usage rates, so be sure to compare prices carefully.
Is solar with AGL right for me?
While AGL was once one of Australia’s largest installers of rooftop solar, the service it offers today is less comprehensive if you’re looking for an energy retailer to walk you through the entire process. So, if you’re a residential customer looking for a start-to-finish solar solution, you may need to look to other providers, such as Origin Energy.
If you already have solar panels and you just need a retailer that can offer a great deal on your feed-in tariff, then AGL is worth some serious consideration. AGL Solar Savers may offer some decent value for customers with large solar systems. Worth noting is that some of the standard FiTs available on other AGL products, especially in SA, tend to be above average for the respective jurisdictions.
What’s important is that you shop around and compare solar retailers across a range of factors including FiTs, usage rates, supply rates, discounts and fees. There are plenty of providers out there vying for your custom, so there’s no need to settle for anything but the best. To start comparing solar retailers, check out our customer satisfaction ratings and price comparison tool via the link below.
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