South Australia has one of the highest electricity bills in AU, projected to reach over $1700 by the 2023-2024 forecasted report. However, for those looking to alleviate the financial burden of energy costs, there is a solution: the best solar feed-in tariff in SA (South Australia).
Discover Energy has the best solar Feed-in Tariff (FIT) in SA for eligible solar PV systems at 16 cents/kWh, followed by OVO Energy and AGL at 12 c/kWh, and Energy Australia at 10 c/kWh. Other providers may offer better deals in the future as rates change
That is why it is always a good idea to explore your options and compare feed-in tariffs from different providers before making a final decision. To help you, this article will tackle the following in detail:
- List of solar companies with the high feed-in tariff
- Top 5 best solar FITs (Feed-in Tariffs) in South Australia
- Factors to consider when picking the best SA electricity retailers
Continue reading to learn all of these!
Energy Providers with Solar Feed-in Tariffs in SA
| Energy Provider | Minimum Feed-in Tariff | Maximum Feed-in Tariff | Notes/Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGL | 5 c/kWh | 12 cents/kWh | The rates are different for each state. The maximum rate is available for customers with a solar system capacity of less than 10kW. |
| Origin Energy | 2 c/kWh | 12 cents/kWh | The rates vary depending on the state and the solar system capacity. The maximum rate is available for customers with a solar system capacity of less than 10kW in VIC and NSW. |
| EnergyAustralia | 7 c/kWh | 10 cents/kWh | If the average solar export for the billing period is over 15kWh per day, customers on Solar Max plans may become ineligible. Additionally, the feed-in tariff is applicable only for systems of up to 10kW in ACT and NSW, and 30kW in QLD and SA. |
| OVO Energy | 0 c/kWh | 12 cents/kWh | The feed-in tariff on The Solar Plan is limited to the first 4000kWh per year, even with higher rates. |
| Diamond Energy | 0 c/kWh | 5.2 cents/kWh | Diamond Energy provides households in NSW, QLD, SA, and VIC with competitive feed-in tariffs. They have a strong commitment to renewable energy and were awarded a 5-star rating in the 2018 Green Electricity Guide for their outstanding support of solar owners and renewable generation. |
| Dodo | 5 c/kWh | 5 cents/kWh | In NSW, QLD, and SA, the maximum panel size allowed is 10kW, along with an inverter system size that does not exceed 10kW. |
| Powershop | 0 c/kWh | 3 cents/kWh | The feed-in tariff is applicable only for systems with a maximum size of 10kW in NSW, QLD, and SA. |
| Lumo Energy | 3 c/kWh | 3 cents/kWh | Lumo Energy offers 4 plans including the standard, basic, Elga plus, and Lumo Energy Plus. All these plans offer the same minimum and maximum FITs of 3c/kWh. |
| Red Energy | 3 c/kWh | 3 cents/kWh | The High Feed-in Tariff (FIT) in NSW and Queensland is restricted to the first 5kWh per day. |
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The 5 Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs in South Australia (2024)
1. OVO Energy
OVO Energy offers competitive rates and is known for its flexible payment options. Solar panel owners who choose OVO Energy as their energy provider can receive a flat rate of 25 cents per kWh fed back into the grid, which is the highest feed-in tariff or solar (FIT) in South Australia.
OVO Energy also allows customers to choose whether they want to receive their payments for excess solar energy monthly or quarterly. The company does not have any lock-in contracts and provides its service with an excellent customer reputation.
Furthermore, OVO Energy is dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources and is committed to environmental preservation.
2. Energy Australia
Energy Australia offers a feed-in tariff of 7.5 cents per kWh on their standard plan, but this rate can increase to 10 cents per kWh if customers also sign up for their Solar Boost Plus package.
The package includes a higher feed-in tariff and additional discounts.
They also offer a bonus for solar customers with smart meters. The bonus increases the rate by an additional 3 cents per kWh, depending on the customer’s location.
Energy Australia’s payment method is monthly, and the contract is flexible, with no exit fees.
3. AGL
AGL offers a feed-in tariff of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for solar customers on their current standing offer. With no time limits and no minimum usage requirements, it’s a great option for those who want flexibility.
They also have a tiered system that rewards solar power customers with higher feed-in tariff rates depending on how much the solar system produces.
For customers producing more than 10 kW, AGL offers an additional 2 cents per kWh fed back into the electricity grid.
AGL also offers a flexible payment solar power plan that allows customers to choose how often they receive payment. They have an app that provides real-time data on solar production, usage, and export. A competitive advantage of AGL is its excellent customer service with phone, email, and live chat support.
4. Origin Energy
Origin Energy offers a variety of solar plans with different feed-in tariff rates and benefits to suit different needs. Origin Energy has three plans:
- Solar Boost Plus
- Solar Boost Max
- Solar Boost Max Plus
The Solar Boost Plus plan is suitable for an energy-conscious residential customer looking to save money. The Solar Boost Max and Max Plus plans are designed for homeowners with high-electricity usage, offering higher feed-in tariffs.
The payment methods are either monthly or quarterly, and there are no lock-in contracts. All solar power plan customers with Origin Energy will receive a free digital app that provides real-time solar production data.
5. Diamond Energy
Diamond Energy is known for its fair and transparent approach to pricing. Diamond Energy provides the standard retail rate of 5.2 cents per kWh fed back into the grid. Still, eligible customers can rest assured that Diamond Energy is environmentally friendly.
Another advantage of Diamond Energy’s solar feed-in tariff is that there are no fees or charges for the payment method or plan. Customers can select how often they receive payment—monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Solar feed-in tariffs shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing your electricity retailer.
Aside from the feed-in tariff rate, there are other important factors to consider when choosing electricity plans from wholesale electricity providers. These include:
Customer service
Customer service is an important factor to consider when choosing energy retailers, as it can have a significant impact on your overall experience as a customer.
Some retailer feed-in tariffs may come with great deals and low prices, but poor customer service can be a real deterrent. This can be frustrating if you have an issue that needs to be resolved quickly.
Billing
When evaluating a provider’s billing practices, check if they offer clear billing statements that break down your expenses.
You should also look for a provider that offers convenient billing options such as online billing and automatic payments.
Renewable energy options
You should also look at the percentage of renewable energy that the provider offers, as this can vary widely from provider to provider.
Moreover, check if the provider has a clear commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. This can include investing in:
- New renewable energy projects
- Supporting conservation efforts
- Implementing energy-efficient practices in their own operations, and more
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Technology
Some energy providers offer online monitoring tools that enable you to track your energy usage in real time. This helps you know when to use certain appliances, shift your usage to off-peak periods, or invest in more energy-efficient equipment.
Another technology that many providers are offering is smart meters.
Smart meters automatically send how much energy you used, eliminating the need for manual meter readings and enabling more accurate billing for excess energy usage.
Contract terms
Contract terms outline your relationship with your provider, including the electricity rates you will be charged, energy bill terms, and the length of your contract. That is why it is important to evaluate whether you prefer a fixed or variable rate plan.
Fixed-rate plans offer a predictable plan with a stable rate, giving you peace of mind during economic changes.
Variable-rate plans do not come with fixed rates, hence, the power bills are subject to change.
FAQs:
What Is A Solar Feed-In Tariff?
A feed-in tariff refers to a government policy that aims to incentivize investment in renewable energy sources. It rewards solar owners with a higher price for supplying the grid than the market competition.
What Electricity Retailers Offer The Top Feed-In Tariff In SA?
Discover Energy offers the best solar Feed-in Tariff (FIT) in South Australia with a maximum of 16 cents/kWh for exporting solar-generated electricity.
Are Solar Feed-In Tariffs Worth It?
Solar FITs can be a useful addition to help reduce the payback time of your solar panels if you do not consume all the excess electricity you produce.
Conclusion
To sum up, finding the best solar feed-in tariff in South Australia is just one aspect to consider when selecting an electricity retailer. As shown above, we discussed the list of energy providers with solar feed-in tariffs, including the 5 best solar feed-in tariffs available in South Australia.
It’s important to remember that while the solar FIT is an essential component of the overall benefit of installing a solar PV system, other factors, such as the retailer’s reputation, customer service, and contract terms, must also be taken into account.
Now, if you’re ready to take the next step, we have a network of pre-vetted installers that you can use. We can get you 3 FREE quotes from them right away.
Resources:
- https://www.aemc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/2021_residential_electricity_price_trends_report.pdf
- https://wattever.com.au/green-electricity-guide/
