Best electricity retailer
With more Aussies slapping solar panels on their roofs, we’re all becoming not just energy makers but also smart energy users. Picking the right company to sell your extra solar juice to is key to making the most of those panels. This piece is all about the must-knows for choosing the best electricity retailer for your sun-powered home.
Getting to Know Solar Feed-in Tariffs
When you’re diving into the solar world, one big thing to wrap your head around is the feed-in tariff (FiT). This is the cash you get for any extra power your panels crank out and send back to the big electricity pool. Since different suppliers pay different rates, you’ll want to do some digging here for the best electricity retailer.
Looking Over Electricity Plans and Prices
A juicy FiT rate sounds awesome, but it’s not the whole picture. You’ve also got to look at the plan’s details and how much you’ll cough up for the power you use.
- Plan Flexibility: Go for plans that let you move around freely—no sticking around because of contracts or paying through the nose to leave.
- What You Pay for Power: Check out what different companies charge for the electricity you use. A high FiT won’t help much if you’re paying more for power.
- Perks and Discounts: Keep an eye out for discounts or goodies for paying on time, automatic payments, or getting your bills online. These little things can add up.
Solar-Specific Deals
Some power companies have special deals just for solar panel owners, which might include better FiTs or lower prices when the sun’s doing its thing.
- Special Solar Perks: See if any company offers extra benefits for solar homes that might boost your savings.
- Battery System Plans: If you’ve got batteries storing your solar power, look for plans that let you make the most of that, especially during pricey electricity hours.
Customer Service: It Matters
Good help can be hard to find, but it’s super important, especially if you hit a snag with your bill or need a hand with your account.
- What People Are Saying: Scour reviews and feedback on the company’s service. It’s a good indicator of what you might be in for.
- Online Tools: Being able to peek at your account and track your energy use online is super handy. Make sure your retailer offers that.
Thinking Green
For a lot of solar panel owners, being eco-friendly isn’t just nice; it’s necessary. Take a look at what the company’s doing for the planet.
- Eco-friendly Plans: Some companies have plans that support green energy projects or let you offset your carbon footprint. If going green is your thing, look for companies that take it seriously.
- Sustainability Efforts: Dive into what the company is doing in the green space. Those actively pushing for renewable energy and environmental projects are likely a better fit for you.
Making the Call
Choosing the right electricity retailer for your solar home is about balancing a bunch of different things. It’s not just about snagging the highest FiT or the lowest power rates.
- Shop Around: Use comparison sites or government tools to line up the best electricity retailers and see who offers what.
- Read the Small Print: Always go through the terms and conditions with a fine-tooth comb. Keep an eye out for hidden fees or sneaky clauses.
- Stay in the Loop: The energy game is always changing. Keep your ear to the ground for new deals, plans, or incentives.
Deciding on an electricity retailer for your solar home is no small potatoes. It can really make or break your energy savings and how green your footprint is. By weighing up stuff like feed-in tariffs, electricity rates, plan flexibility, customer support, and a company’s green credentials, you can pick a retailer that boosts the benefits of your solar setup.
And hey, if you’d like to chat further, give us a call on 03 5610 5112, we can talk about which power company may suit you best.
