SOLAR PLAN OPTIMISER
Is Your Solar Plan Still the Best Deal?
Feed-in tariffs, usage rates, and supply charges vary enormously between Australian retailers. Our free tool compares real plans for your solar setup — and assesses whether a battery could save you more than exporting.
What the Calculator Does
1) Plan comparison
Compare your current energy plan against real alternatives from Australian retailers. See how different combinations of feed-in tariffs, usage rates, and supply charges affect your actual costs based on your solar generation and consumption. Upload your latest bill for the fastest results.
2) Battery assessment
Find out whether adding a battery is worth it for your household. The calculator estimates how much of your excess solar you could store instead of exporting, and whether the savings justify the investment at current battery prices.
Key Variables
1- Feed-in tariff rate: What your retailer pays you per kWh of exported solar. Currently ranges from 0–12c/kWh across Australian retailers. A higher rate isn't always better — it depends on the whole plan.
2- Usage rate (TOU vs flat): What you pay per kWh consumed from the grid. Time-of-use plans charge less during off-peak hours, which can save solar households significantly — especially if you use most of your power in the evening.
3- Daily supply charge: The fixed daily fee you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. This varies by $150 or more per year between plans and is often overlooked when comparing on FIT alone.
4- Controlled load rates: Separate, usually cheaper tariffs for hot water systems, pool pumps, or other dedicated circuits. If you have these loads, the controlled load rate can meaningfully affect your total bill.
Most energy comparison tools are built for households that only consume electricity. If you have solar, you're both a consumer and a producer — and that changes everything. A plan with the lowest usage rate might have a terrible feed-in tariff, wiping out the value of your exports. Conversely, a high feed-in tariff can mask expensive usage and supply charges that cost you more overall.
In 2026, Australian feed-in tariffs typically range from 3–10c/kWh depending on your state and retailer, with some plans now offering 0c. But a 0c FIT with low usage rates can actually save you more than a 10c FIT with high charges. The only way to know is to compare the full plan against your actual usage and export patterns.
Why solar households need a different approach
FAQ
What factors matter most when comparing solar plans?
The balance between three things: your feed-in tariff, your usage rate, and your daily supply charge. A high FIT with high usage rates can cost you more overall than a low FIT with cheap usage. You need to compare based on your actual consumption and export volumes — not just the headline FIT number.
Will switching plans affect my solar feed-in tariff?
Yes. Your FIT is set by your retailer, not your network distributor. Switching retailers will change your FIT rate. Important: if you're on a legacy premium tariff (44c+ in QLD/SA, or 47.5c in the ACT), check very carefully before switching — these legacy rates cannot be regained once you leave them.
Should I get a battery or just switch plans?
Start by optimising your plan — it's free and takes minutes. Our calculator does both: it compares plans for your solar setup and assesses whether a battery makes financial sense based on your excess generation. If you're exporting a lot at low FIT rates (below 5c/kWh), a battery can help you capture more value by storing daytime generation for evening use — but the numbers need to stack up at current battery prices ($5,000–$15,000 installed).
How often should I review my existing solar energy plan?
Annually. The plan that was cheapest last year may not be now. A quick comparison once a year takes minutes and can save hundreds.
Added an EV or added a battery. A battery changes your export profile dramatically. You'll export less during the day and use stored energy in the evening. Plans that suited a solar-only setup often don't suit solar + battery.
An EV shifts your consumption patterns significantly. Your solar plan needs to account for when and how much you charge. See our EV plan comparison tool for plans that work alongside solar.
Are there specific plans for solar households with EVs?
Yes. Several Australian retailers now offer combined solar + EV tariffs with higher feed-in credits during the day and ultra-low overnight charging rates. You can also use our EV plan comparison tool to see how EV-specific plans interact with your solar setup.