Hello, neighbour! If you have solar panels on your Brisbane roof, you’ve probably spent some time trying to make sense of your power bill, especially the part about the solar feed-in tariff. It seems simple enough: your retailer pays you for the extra solar power you send to the grid. But when you start to compare plans, a whole world of different rates, conditions, and confusing terms opens up.

I’ve been there, staring at comparison websites and trying to figure out if a huge feed-in tariff is too good to be true (hint: sometimes it is). So, let’s walk through this together. I’ll help you understand how to compare solar feed-in tariffs in Brisbane, what the major retailers are offering, and how to choose a plan that genuinely saves you money.

Understanding solar feed-in tariffs in Brisbane

First, let’s get the basics right. A solar feed-in tariff (FiT) is the credit your electricity retailer gives you for the surplus solar energy your system exports to the grid. Think of it as selling your excess power back to your provider.

In Southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane and is part of the Energex network, there is no government-mandated minimum FiT. This means retailers are free to set their own rates to compete for your business. This is different from regional Queensland (the Ergon network), where the government sets a standard rate.

This competition in Brisbane is both a blessing and a curse. It means there are some great deals out there, but it also means you need to do your homework.

Gigi’s pro tip: Don’t forget the legacy Solar Bonus Scheme. If you were an early adopter and installed your system before 10 July 2012, you might be on the premium 44c/kWh tariff, which runs until 1 July 2028. If you’re one of the lucky ones, making any changes to your system could make you ineligible, so always check first.

What are the best solar feed-in tariffs in Brisbane for 2025?

The “best” feed-in tariff isn’t always the one with the highest number. A sky-high FiT can sometimes mask inflated electricity usage rates or daily supply charges, wiping out the benefits of your solar exports. The true value comes from the overall plan.

Here are the common types of tariffs you’ll encounter:

• Fixed or flat-rate FiT: You get paid the same rate for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power you export, no matter the time of day. This is the simplest to understand.
• Variable or tiered FiT: This is very common. A retailer might offer a high headline rate, say 10c/kWh, but only for the first 8-10kWh you export each day. After you hit that cap, the rate drops significantly, sometimes to just a few cents.
• Time-of-use FiT: This is becoming more popular. You’ll be paid different rates depending on the time of day you export power. Rates are usually lowest in the middle of the day when solar generation is abundant, and highest in the late afternoon and evening peak when the grid needs power most.

How to compare electricity retailer solar feed-in tariffs Brisbane

Chasing the highest feed-in tariff alone is a common mistake. To find the best overall deal, you need to be a little more strategic. A plan with a massive FiT might have high usage rates, meaning you pay a lot more for any electricity you import from the grid after the sun goes down.

Here’s my checklist for a fair comparison:

• Check the FiT rate and its conditions: Is it a flat rate or is it tiered? If it’s tiered, is the daily cap realistic for your system’s export capacity? Many plans limit the high rate to the first 10kWh or so per day.
• Compare the usage and supply charges: Look at the rates you’ll be charged for the electricity you buy from the grid and the daily supply charge. A low FiT with cheap usage rates might save you more money if you use a lot of your own solar power and don’t export much.
• Read the fine print: Some of the best-sounding solar plans are only available if you have a system smaller than 10kW or if you bought the system directly through the retailer.
• Consider your energy habits: Are you home during the day, using the power as it’s generated? Or is the house empty, meaning you export most of your solar production? Your usage pattern will determine whether a high FiT or low usage rate is more important.

AGL, Origin, and EnergyAustralia: A look at the big three

The major retailers all offer specific plans for solar customers in Brisbane. Remember, these rates and conditions can change, so always check the latest documents on their websites.

• AGL solar feed-in tariff Brisbane: AGL’s main offer is the ‘Solar Savers’ plan. As of late 2025, this plan often provides a competitive feed-in tariff for the first 10kWh exported per day, with a lower rate after that. Eligibility typically requires your solar system to be 10kW or smaller.
• Origin Energy solar feed-in tariff Brisbane: Origin’s flagship offer is the ‘Solar Boost’ plan, which provides a high feed-in tariff for the first 14kWh exported daily before dropping to a standard rate. This plan is often a good fit for households that export a lot of energy. To be eligible, your system’s inverter capacity generally can’t exceed 10kW.
• EnergyAustralia solar feed-in tariff Brisbane: EnergyAustralia has its ‘Solar Max’ plan. This plan typically features a strong FiT on the first 10kWh exported per day. Like the others, it’s designed to attract solar owners and rewards them for daily exports.

Are smaller electricity retailers in Brisbane a better deal?

Absolutely, they can be. Smaller or newer retailers often use competitive feed-in tariffs to attract customers. Companies like ENGIE and Alinta Energy have been known to offer FiTs that rival or even beat the major players.

However, the same rules apply. Always read the plan’s fact sheet to understand the usage rates, supply charges, and any export caps or system size limits.

Getting more from your exports with a Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

If you have a solar battery or are considering one, a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is something you should definitely look into. A VPP is a network of connected home batteries that can be centrally managed to support the grid during times of high demand.

In return for allowing the VPP operator to use a portion of your stored energy, you can receive benefits that go beyond a standard FiT, such as premium export rates or quarterly bill credits. Major retailers like AGL and Origin, along with other specialised companies, offer VPP programs in Brisbane. With federal government incentives available for VPP-capable batteries, it’s an increasingly attractive option.

My final checklist for choosing a solar plan in Brisbane

It’s clear that finding the best solar feed-in tariff in Brisbane isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s a balancing act that depends entirely on your home.

Here’s a simple recap to guide your decision:

• Look beyond the headline FiT: Always compare usage rates and daily supply charges.
• Understand the conditions: Check for daily export caps and system size restrictions.
• Match the plan to your lifestyle: Choose a plan that rewards how and when you use energy. If you’re home all day, self-consumption is key. If not, a higher FiT might be better.
• Think about the future: If you plan on getting a battery, see if the retailer offers a VPP or time-of-use tariffs that could increase your savings.

Choosing the right electricity plan can feel overwhelming, but with a little bit of research, you can make a confident choice that ensures your solar panels are working as hard as possible to save you money.

If you’d like a personalised estimate of solar costs and savings for your home, the free solar assistant on this page is a great place to start. And if you’re ready for a detailed quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert—just fill out the form below.