Understand The Best Solar Feed-in Tariff in NSW

What Is A Solar Feed-in Tariff?

Feed-in tariffs may occasionally be confusing. These are the financial rewards provided to solar panel owners who sell their excess energy back to the grid. This option has a significant influence on your savings. With the best solar feed-in tariff in NSW, one may turn solar energy into a cost-effective power source by comprehending the subtleties of these tariffs.

How Does a Solar Feed-in Tariff Work?

FiT is usually implemented and governed by the state government in NSW. It establishes the general framework, for example, the eligibility requirements that different energy suppliers  (such as AGL, EnergyAustralia, and others) must operate within. These providers then decide on the prices, terms, and conditions of the particular FiT programmes they supply to their clients.

It should be noted that there is no single standard or fixed FiT rate; instead, rates vary based on several variables, including region, energy retailer, governmental regulations, and market circumstances. As a result, determining the optimal solar feed-in tariff becomes essential to the entire solar purchasing process.

Why Does Solar Power Matter?

Australia has pledged to switch to renewable energy sources by 2050, meeting the Renewable Energy Target (RET). This shift will involve a significant amount of solar electricity. Residential solar panels and commercial solar farms may drastically lower the total quantity of electricity that must be produced from fossil fuels.

In addition to its environmental benefits, solar power may lower your electricity costs. The extra energy produced may be transferred back into the grid during maximum sunshine hours, earning FiTs.These can result in very cheap or no costs because they are paid as credits to your power bills!

When evaluating the best NSW solar plans, it's essential to consider the upfront setup expenses and the long-term advantages of lower energy bills and attractive feed-in tariffs.

Best Solar Feed-In Tariff in NSW

The table below shows NSW's highest feed-in tariff rates, ranked from highest to lowest. Call us now to compare energy plans in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, or any other city in New South Wales.  

Various solar solutions are available based on your requirements and financial constraints. We can evaluate your current account, provide you with solar panel information, and address any concerns you may have regarding a new electricity plan.

AGL offers NSW's most significant solar feed-in tariff, with 12 cents per kWh for the first 10 kWh daily (6.8 kWh beyond that). Momentum Energy and Origin are next at 7.6c/kWh, and EnergyAustralia is in second place at 12c/kWh. 

Top Performers: Who Offers the Highest Rates?

Several energy suppliers in NSW offer the best solar feed-in rates. Here are a few of the best choices:

1. AGL

Maximum solar feed-in tariff: 15 c/kWh

Minimum solar feed-in tariff: 7 c/kWh

With over 800,000 customers, AGL is the third-largest power supplier in New South Wales and one of the oldest energy firms in Australia. That represents around 24% of the home market in NSW.

Given its focus on sustainable energy solutions, it should be no surprise that AGL provides the highest maximum feed-in tariff in NSW at 15 cents per kWh.

Though just for the first 10 kWh of surplus energy you send back to the grid (which is a lot, by the way), is this high fee relevant to their Solar Savers Plan? This cost reverts to 7 c/kWh after that. The fixed fee for all other plans is 7 cents per kWh.

2. OVO Energy

Maximum solar feed-in tariff: 12 c/kWh

Minimum solar feed-in tariff: 7 c/kWh

OVO is a relatively young and smaller energy supplier compared to AGL and the other power retailers in our top 5. Despite this, OVO continues to provide one of the most significant solar feed-in tariffs in New South Wales.

Their maximum FiT charge of 12 cents per kWh applies to the first 4000 kWh of surplus energy you export annually. After that, it reverts to 7 cents per kWh.

3. Origin Energy

Maximum solar feed-in tariff: 12 c/kWh

Minimum solar feed-in tariff: 7 c/kWh

Origin Energy dominates the energy industry. With over a million consumers in New South Wales alone, Origin Energy represents almost one-third of the state's market.

With a maximum solar feed-in tariff of 12 cents per kWh, Origin Energy provides one of the greatest incentives. Only the first 14 kWh of surplus energy produced by your solar system is covered by this feed-in tariff rate, exclusive to their Origin Solar Boost package.

They also have further plans. Their Origin Go Solar Variable plan charges 10 c/kWh, and their Origin Go Variable plan charges 7 c/kWh.

4. Red Energy

Maximum solar feed-in tariff: 12 c/kWh

Minimum solar feed-in tariff: 6 c/kWh

As of this writing, Red Energy isn't among Australia's tier 1 electricity suppliers, which indicates it is a smaller business than Origin, AGL, and EnergyAustralia. Despite this, many clients believe it is the greatest solar energy supplier because of its high maximum FiT.

Indeed, a maximum FiT of 12 c/kWh is competitive with providers like Origin and OVO. They offer a Red Solar Saver package at this pricing. Their standing offer is charged for 6 cents per kWh; other plans charge a flat fee of 7 cents per kWh.

5. Simply Energy

Maximum solar feed-in tariff: 12 c/kWh

Minimum solar feed-in tariff: 5.5 c/kWh

In terms of market share, Simply Energy is even less than Red; nonetheless, among all NSW power suppliers, Simply Energy offers one of the best solar feed-in rates.

Like Origin, Red, OVO, and Simply Energy, its maximum FiT is 12 cents per kWh. Its Simply Solar package is likewise billed at this rate. However, its minimal FiT—which also applies to its other plans—isn't very noteworthy.

Top 10 Solar Plans in NSW

Several competitive power retailers in New South Wales provide different plans, price structures, and feed-in tariffs for various solar clients. The table below lists some of the greatest solar plans on the market right now.

How To Find The Best Solar Feed-in Tariff NSW? 

Finding the optimum solar feed-in tariff (FiT) necessitates thorough thought and investigation. The following factors must be considered while searching for the best solar feed-in tariff NSW to meet your unique energy requirements.

Recognise Your Energy Needs: Before implementing FiTs, find out how much energy your home or place of business uses each day to help you prepare for potential future increases in energy use.

FiT Rates for Research: Before using an energy supplier, compare the FiT prices each one offers by doing some study and research. Select the supplier that provides the best rates in your area.

Look Over the Rules: Read the conditions of the contract carefully. Take note of the contract's duration, the frequency of payments, and any other related terms.

Assess Your Solar System: It is equally important to assess your solar system and speak with a solar specialist before beginning any work. This will ensure that the FiT is used to its fullest potential.

Look into Incentives: Investigate any government grants and incentives that may be accessible for solar system installation. Look into any tax breaks or credits related to solar energy installation.

Pay Attention to Self-Consumption: Monitor your energy usage and consider methods of storing extra energy in batteries.

Regularly Review Your FiT: FiT prices are subject to change, so stay informed about any policy and rate updates.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

By obtaining credits for surplus energy returned to the grid, selecting the best solar feed-in tariff (FiT) in NSW can help you get the most out of your solar investment. There is also another way to use solar energy, which is a solar generator.    

Jackery Solar Generators combine Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station, which collects and stores energy from the sun. It works cleanly and doesn't harm the earth because it doesn't give off any harmful gases. Jackery Solar Generators turn sunlight into electricity quickly and effectively. They are a safe way to get power for camping, RVing, living off the grid, and home backup.

When Jackery builds solar power stations, it includes a smart BMS (Battery Management System) that keeps the electronics safe from short circuits, low and high voltage, and temperature changes. With the latest version of ChargeShield technology, three charging modes keep you powered up at all times and anywhere: fast charging, whisper-quiet charging, and emergency supercharging.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a leader (2 to 12 kWh capacity) in portable power solutions because it blends state-of-the-art technology with intuitive functionality. With its built-in Jackery App, you can remotely operate and monitor your power plant while receiving real-time reports on battery health, energy use, and personalised settings. This cutting-edge solution ensures you're always ready and in control by putting complete energy management at your fingertips.

The Explorer 2000 Plus has ports to accommodate all your charging requirements, including a 12V carport, two 100W USB-C outputs, and three 3000W AC outlets. This power station efficiently manages everything, whether you're recharging numerous devices at once, powering tools, or charging large appliances. Its pure sine wave technology protects your electronics from harm and ensures safe and steady energy transmission.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is designed to function in any setting and uses six SolarSaga 100W panels to recharge fully in six hours. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for people who want to enjoy off-grid energy independence and lessen their carbon impact. The Solar Generator 2000 Plus's remarkable power, adaptability, and technical innovation make it ideal for professionals, homeowners, and outdoor lovers.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Start your next outdoor adventure with the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus, your go-to energy source. It is essential for weekend getaways and off-road excursions because of its 2000W output and 1264Wh capacity, guaranteeing that you can power everything from tiny appliances to camping equipment. It offers unparalleled performance whether charging gadgets, powering lights, or becoming ready for emergencies. It can be expanded up to 5kWh.

This portable station is powerful and lightweight. It can be fully charged in 1.7 hours using an AC adapter or 4.5 hours using solar panels. The state-of-the-art Advanced IBC Technology guarantees maximum solar efficiency, and the whisper-quiet, emission-free operation guarantees a tranquil outdoor experience.

Durability meets convenience with its long-lasting LiFePO4 battery and intuitive Jackery App, offering real-time control and monitoring. Compact and eco-conscious, the Explorer 1000 Plus elevates sustainable energy solutions for your outdoor lifestyle.

What Are The Alternatives To A Solar Feed-in Tariff?

Feed-in tariff rates are just one aspect of the problem; everyone wants the most value from their solar system. It made sense for households and companies to strive to export as much power as possible while feed-in tariffs were greater than the cost of grid electricity since this would optimise savings.

An owner of a solar system would profit most from trying to use as much of the power it produces as feasible to optimise its investment.

This is because, while exporting the power will earn system owners credits on their power bill to the tune of only 6–10¢/kWh, direct consumption of any solar power generated means less electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid (at rates between 20–30¢/kWh, depending on the retailer and region).

Alternatives to Solar Feed-in Tariff

In addition to solar feed-in tariffs in NSW, real estate owners in NSW may also investigate other possibilities, such as Solar Buyback Schemes, which allow excess solar electricity to be sold straight to the grid, or Solar Self-consumption, which allows excess energy to be used on the property.

Solar Buyback Plans: Under these plans, property owners in New South Wales (NSW) can directly sell any excess solar power they generate back to the grid at predetermined prices. Power companies like AGL and EnergyAustralia frequently assist with these arrangements.

Through this procedure, households can sell any extra energy they create back to the grid, incentivising the adoption of solar energy. The electricity suppliers usually buy the excess solar power at feed-in prices, which benefits the property owners monetarily. By adding more clean energy to the grid, this agreement not only helps households but also advances NSW's overall aims for renewable energy.

Solar Self-Consumption: This strategy offers an alternative since it allows property owners to use excess solar energy on their properties. In doing so, they may lessen their reliance on outside grid sources and maximise their self-sufficiency, helping to manage load, maintain grid stability, and promote a more broadly sustainable energy ecology. 

Encouraging renewable energy strategy helps the environment and gives property owners more control over how much energy they consume, potentially saving them money. By utilising intelligent energy management systems, people may efficiently track and modify their energy consumption, bringing it into compliance with solar energy supply.  

The Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs NSW FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the best solar feed-in tariffs in NSW.

1. Can I negotiate my solar feed-in tariff?

Retailers are not required to provide feed-in tariffs or rates within this standard. Therefore, you need to haggle with vendors and compare prices to get the optimum feed-in tariff for your situation.

2. What is the government rebate for solar panels in NSW?

Environment Australia and the NSW government developed the Solar Rebate NSW programme to promote the usage of renewable energy. The program provides homeowners with loans for solar panel installation or refunds of up to $7000.

3. How much does it cost to install solar panels in NSW?

When completely installed, a 5kW system will cost between $5,000 and $7,690—the cost of a 5kW Solar System. In the winter, a 10kW system produces around 26 kWh per day; in the summer, 50 kWh. When fully built, the cost ranges from $6,990 to $13,290.

Final Thoughts

This guide clarifies some points about NSW's best solar feed-in tariffs. Solar power significantly reduces electricity costs, enabling you to simultaneously maximise your solar investment and meet NSW's renewable energy requirements. If you're prepared to realise the full potential of solar energy in NSW, you may also investigate options like solar buyback programmes and self-consumption techniques.