Many residents living in South Australia (SA) have installed a solar panel system, or are planning to do so. Are you one of them? Then you are probably wondering what are the solar feed-in tariffs in SA. How can you get yourself a great solar deal with good FIT rates?
Here you will find the answer!
First of all: What are feed-in tariffs?
When you have a solar system, the amount of sunlight is essential for how effectively the system will produce electricity. Sometimes the system can produce more electricity than needed.
This excess energy is possible to send through to the grid. In return, you will receive a feed-in tariff, also known as a FIT. This is the payment you can receive for the energy sent to the grid by your solar panel system.
Across Australia, the FIT can vary from state to state. In some places, the government has decided on a tariff your electricity retailer must pay as a minimum. In other places, there is no minimum limit. The amount of competition in the area can also affect the FIT rates.
Usually, the feed-in tariffs will be credited directly from your electricity bill. That way you can save a lot of money.
Is there any minimum rate for solar feed-in tariffs in SA?
No. There are no minimum solar feed-in tariffs in SA, although there used to be. Today, the FIT rates are set directly by the energy providers themselves.
If you installed your solar panel system before 30 September 2011, it is possible to get the premium FIT rate set by South Australia’s energy distributor.
Which electricity retailer has the best tariffs in SA?
With no minimum FIT rates, it is important to find the electricity retailer that can offer you the best deal. There are big differences from retailer to retailer. Which electricity retailer can offer the best FIT rate in SA may vary from time to time.
Some may offer their customers a great solar feed-in tariff in SA of 20 cents per kWh. Others, meanwhile, offer 10 cents or 9 cents per kWh.
There are many electricity retailers in South Australia. What they offer can be worth checking out, including EnergyAustralia, Origin, Simply Energy, Energy Locals and AGL.
How to choose the best electricity retailer and feed-in tariffs in SA?
When looking for the electricity company that has the best feed-in tariffs in SA. Be careful not to focus only on the FIT rate itself. Not all offers are as good as they might seem at first sight.
In some cases, a deal that includes a high feed-in tariff might disguise an increase in other areas. It could be higher electricity or supply charges.
If your solar system is quite small, you might not benefit as much from certain deals as homes that export large amounts of power. It might be more beneficial to go with the deal that gives you the best base rates rather than the largest FIT rate.
Also, be aware of the electricity retailer’s terms and conditions before signing any deal. Sometimes you will get a great FIT rate the first year. You may see the rate drop significantly in the next year.
Where do I see my solar feed-in tariff?
If you already have a solar panel system and an existing deal with an electricity retailer, you should be able to see your feed-in tariff in the energy bill. Find the last energy bill you received to see the FIT rate you have today.
Sometimes it may not be so easy to find your solar feed-in tariff on the energy bill. In that case, you can always contact your retailer and ask them.
You may also check out the retailer’s homepage. All electricity retailers should have energy fact sheets with all the information you need. In the fact sheets, you will see base costs, FIT rates and other relevant information.
Get the best in SA
By comparing different electricity retailers, you should be able to find the best solar feed-in tariffs in SA. If you are not sure how to find the best offers, you can take a look at our recommendations.
And remember, the solar feed-in tariff is just one of many bonuses you will get from having a solar panel system. You will also reduce the carbon footprint of your household, and furthermore, you can save a lot of money by producing your own electricity.
If you are going to install a new solar panel system, you might be eligible for a government rebate and even local rebates. In SA, you can receive financial help through the federal rebate, but also the Home Battery Scheme.
Find the best solar feed-in tariff in SA, and earn some money from your excess power!