Time-of-use and feed-in tariffs: how they affect solar and a battery
Your electricity plan decides what solar and a battery are worth. The Australian Government says feed-in tariffs are now much lower than the rate you pay to buy power, so using your own solar saves more than exporting it, and a time-of-use plan can make a battery more valuable. Here is how the main plan types work.
Get my free energy assessment →
We’ll text you within minutes. Or call 0483 903 020.
The main plan types
- Flat rate: the same price per kWh at any time.
- Time of use: a higher rate at peak times and a lower rate off-peak, sometimes with a shoulder period in between.
- Demand charge: an extra charge based on the highest amount of power you draw at any moment. Common on business plans.
- Controlled load: a cheaper rate for set appliances such as off-peak hot water, on a separate circuit.
- Feed-in tariff: a credit on your bill for exported solar. Some plans vary it by time of day.
What it means for solar
Self-consuming solar saves you the full rate you would have paid; exporting earns the feed-in rate, which is usually much lower. When you install solar, your retailer may change your plan automatically, and the new plan may not be the best for you, so compare plans after you are connected.
What it means for a battery
On a time-of-use plan a battery can charge from solar or cheap off-peak power and discharge at peak, and with a time-of-use feed-in tariff it can export in the evening for a higher credit. If your plan is flat, a battery’s value comes mostly from storing solar and from backup. See is a home battery worth it?, virtual power plants and why is my battery charging from the grid?.
Not sure what plan you are on? Here is how to read your bill. Send us a bill and we will explain it as part of your free energy assessment.
Why locals choose us
- Our own in-house team designs every system and does every install. 25 years in solar and large commercial electrical work. No subcontractors.
- A face-to-face site visit before every install: compliant battery position, switchboard and RCBO check, no surprises on the day.
- SAA-accredited installer and Sigenergy-approved, with a 25-year workmanship warranty on our installation work.
Questions we get asked
Is a time-of-use plan better with solar and a battery?
Often it can be, because the battery can shift power from cheap times to expensive ones. The best plan depends on your usage, so compare plans on an official comparison site.
Why is my feed-in tariff so low?
Feed-in tariffs now reflect market value, and the government says they are much lower than the rate you pay to buy electricity.
Should I switch plan after getting solar?
Check. Your retailer may have moved you to a plan that is not the best for you.
What is a demand charge?
A charge based on the highest power you draw at any time, which a battery can sometimes help reduce.
Sources
Last checked 7 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus and defaults change between models and versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.
- energy.gov.au: Electricity pricing plans and tariffs
- energy.gov.au: How solar pays for itself and batteries reduce bills
