Best Solar Feed In Tariff QLD

Which provider has the best solar feed-in tariff in QLD?

Origin has the best solar feed-in tariff in Queensland at the time of publishing, with a generous 20 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) on offer to eligible customers. To earn its maximum feed-in tariff of 20c/kWh, you need to get your solar panels installed with Origin and have a system under 7kW. So that’s no use if you already have a system and are just looking for the best rate going. In this case, you’ll have to settle for a still very reasonable 12c/kWh.

Maximum and minimum solar feed-in tariffs in QLD

In the table below, you’ll find a list of minimum and maximum solar feed-in tariffs available from retailers in Queensland. Some of these companies may not operate in all areas of QLD, while some FiTs may only be available when certain conditions are satisfied. Please check each provider’s website for further details.

Which is the best solar energy provider?

Red Energy was rated Australia’s best solar energy provider in our annual customer satisfaction ratings in 2024. An Australian-owned company, Red Energy took out a handful of five-star ratings, including FOR customer service, bill and cost clarity, ease of sign-up and overall satisfaction. Red Energy is known for its partnership with Qantas where customers can earn Frequent Flyer points by paying their bills. It has one specific solar plan in the state – Red Solar Saver – which offers a 8c/kWh feed-in tariff.

How do I know what my solar feed-in tariff is?

If you don’t know what your current feed-in tariff rate is, it should be located on your energy bill. Alternatively, you will find your FiT listed in the relevant energy fact sheet which can be found on your energy retailer’s website. Some power providers are sneakier than others, and may hide this information though it is generally situated at the bottom of the company’s homepage. All retailers must provide fact sheet documents that outline each plan’s rates, fees, charges, along with other important product details.

Is there a minimum solar feed-in tariff in QLD?

In south-east Queensland, there is no set minimum solar feed-in tariff that energy retailers have to adhere to. This is why shopping around for a plan with a good FiT is important as power companies will try to compete for your business by offering a more competitive FiT. Don’t forget to check directly with your energy retailer to see if there are promotions or solar-specific deals available, which may not be publicly advertised.

Are there solar-specific plans available in QLD?

Yes, some solar-specific products are on offer in QLD, however these deals are few and far between. Most larger companies, such as AGL and Origin, will generally have solar-specific plans available, but it normally requires certain conditions to be met, such as purchasing solar panels through the energy retailer. It’s a good idea to check the power provider’s website for terms and conditions.

Energy rates or feed-in tariffs: What’s more important?

While a high feed-in tariff can make a world of difference to overall energy costs, it may be suffering at the hands of expensive base rates. The two main costs to look out for are electricity usage rates and supply charges. These rates are billed to customers for the amount of electricity the household uses, along with a fixed daily cost of supplying power to their property via the grid.

Depending on how much electricity a solar system can export, it may be worth calculating which features of an energy plan are best-suited to your needs. For example, if you have a smaller solar system that doesn’t produce much excess electricity to be fed back into the grid, then you may be better off with lower base rates, as opposed to a higher feed-in tariff. On the other hand, if your solar panels export a lot of electricity, then a higher FiT could justify paying increased usage and supply rates. At the end of the day, it’s all about balancing out what works for your circumstances and budget.

What about solar in regional QLD?

Unlike Queenslanders who live in the south-east on the Energex network, regional QLD customers on the Ergon Energy network have a minimum feed-in tariff rate of 13.441c/kWh. These rates are set by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), a governing body that also monitors retailer’s FiT rates in SEQ.

How to maximise your solar investment in QLD

Maximising your solar investment will come down to choosing an energy provider that offers a good feed-in tariff that best suits your needs. Remember, not all plans are equal, which means it does take some research to find a good deal. Just be sure to scan over the electricity rates of a plan, as well as any other value-add incentives, like discounts, bill credits and rewards programs. With more than 20 retailers across SEQ, there has never been a better time to compare your options.

About our electricity experts

Tara Donnelly: Utilities Editor

As Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, Tara Donnelly covers the internet, mobile and energy sectors – topics she’s spent a decade focused on, alongside consumer technology, within the comparison industry. Her telco expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald. You can follow Tara on LinkedIn

Breanna Gream: Data Insights Team Lead

Breanna Gream is Canstar’s Data Insights Team Lead, and is responsible for developing the methodology and delivering Canstar Blue’s Value Ranking for the energy and telco sectors. She holds a dual degree in Business and Mathematics from the Queensland University of Technology, and enjoys using her skills to help consumers find more suitable utilities plans. Connect with Breanna on LinkedIn.