Solar
Thinking about going solar or already got panels? You're in the right place.
Here’s the simple stuff you need to know.
What to consider before you buy, how to get connected, and how to get the most out of your solar once it’s up and running.
New to solar? No stress. Check out our quick How solar works video below 👇
Transcript
So... how does solar work?
Sunlight powers your panels. Your solar panels soak up the sun and generate DC (direct current) electricity.
Your inverter does the magic. It converts the DC electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity, which your home can use.
Extra solar goes back to the grid. Any unused solar energy is exported to the distribution network.
You use grid power when needed. If your solar isn't generating enough, you'll automatically draw power from the grid.
At night, you buy power. Once the sun sets, you'll use electricity from the grid - unless you have a battery to store your solar energy.
Learn more on our website: ergon.com.au/retail
🔎 Fun fact: Solar panels can still generate energy on cloudy days, they just won’t produce as much!
Is solar right for you?
Solar works well for many Queensland homes. The key is whether it works well for yours.
Why go solar?
- You live in the sunshine state - make the most of that free sunshine!
- You can lower your power bills by using the energy you generate
- Government incentives can reduce upfront costs
- It’s a cleaner, renewable energy choice.
What to think about before you buy
- You’ll still get a bill - solar reduces energy costs, it doesn’t remove them
- Your usage matters - when and how you use power makes a big difference
- Cost vs savings - look at payback time, including rebates and feed‑in tariffs
- Your roof - make sure it’s sturdy, sunny and clear of shade from trees or buildings
- System size - bigger isn’t always better for every household
- Get a few quotes - comparing options helps you find the right system at the right price.
⚠️ Important note: Before committing, check the New Energy Tech Consumer Code’s guide to installing solar so you know what to expect and what questions to ask.
Steps to getting solar
1. Check if solar makes sense for you
Have you thought about factors like the size of your roof, shaded areas, your electricity usage, your budget, and any government schemes available in your area? To get started, grab your latest electricity bill, and check your average daily kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. It’s also helpful to consider when you use the most electricity - during the day or at night? Remembering, if the majority of your usage is at night, the solar will not cover this. For easy access to your bills, simply log in or sign up for My Account today.
Also visit our tariff page to check the current solar feed-in tariff for regional Queensland. Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh up the benefits and potential impacts on your electricity bill.
More information: Find out more about if solar is the right decision for you via the New Energy Tech Consumer Code’s guide to installing solar.
2. Choose the right solar retailer
It’s always a good idea to compare quotes from trusted solar retailers, as prices for solar PV systems can vary. Make sure you know the right questions to ask before making a decision. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) website is helpful to find an approved seller that meets consumer protection standards and has lots of easy-to-understand information on new energy technologies and how to choose them. Check the Solar Accreditation Australia website for your installers' accreditation.
A transparent quote ensures you get the best value from your solar investment!
Talk to your solar installer about how a Dynamic Connection may help you increase your exports from your solar system. Learn more about dynamic connections on the Ergon Energy Network website.
3. Pick the best tariff
We have a range of tariffs which may be suitable depending on your usage and requirements. Our tariffs are set by the Queensland Competition Authority. Check out our tariffs page to learn more. You can also check out My Account, where we offer our Compare Tariffs Tool. This tool calculates the tariff best suited to you based on your last 12 months of usage. Check it out by logging in or registering for My Account today. The solar feed-in tariff regional Queensland is also set by the QCA, and you can find information and the latest rates on our solar feed-in tariffs page.
4. Apply for connection, receive approval, and sign the contract
Once you accept a quote, your solar retailer or installer will provide you with a contract. They’ll typically also handle the application with the network provider to connect your new system to the grid. For more details on the connection process, visit the Ergon Energy Network website.
5. Install your solar PV system
After accepting the connection offer from your network provider, you’re ready to schedule your solar installation! Make sure your system is installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia accredited installer. You can ask to see their accreditation card or check if they’re listed on the Solar Accreditation Australia website.
6. Don't turn on your inverter
One final important step before you switch on your solar! Your installer must leave your system switched off until your meter has been replaced or programmed to measure solar exports. Before turning it on, chat with your installer about how to do this safely. If the system is switched on too soon, your electricity bill may be estimated based on last year’s usage instead of actual solar generation.
You’re almost there - just this last step, and you’ll be ready to start using your solar power!
7. Connect system to the electricity grid
Your solar installer will coordinate with the network provider to complete your solar PV system connection. If needed, they’ll arrange for your electricity meter to be replaced with a bi-directional meter, which may require a short power interruption.
Once your new meter is installed, check with your solar installer before switching on your system.
After everything is set up and your meter is compliant, look for ‘Queensland Solar Scheme’ details on your electricity bill to ensure everything is correctly recorded.
8. Check and maintain your system
Your solar installer should give you a maintenance schedule to keep your system running smoothly. In most cases, it’s as simple as having a solar installer or qualified electrician regularly service the system. Your service can include panel cleaning as you should only allow a qualified person to clean your panels (to avoid damage and ensure your safety). It can be dangerous to clean your own panels. For more tips, check out the ‘Getting the most of your solar' section on this page or visit the look after your solar system page on energy.gov.au
9. Ensure safety during bad weather
Severe weather like storms, cyclones, or floods can damage your solar PV system, making it unsafe. To keep yourself and your home safe, be sure to check Ergon Energy Network’s solar power safety webpage for important guidelines.
It’s also a good idea to review your insurance policy or check with your insurer to make sure your solar system is covered.
Powering up your solar with a battery 🔋
If you want to use more of your solar energy after dark, a battery is required. It stores the extra energy your panels make during the day, so you can tap into it at night or when your solar system isn’t generating.
Check out our batteries webpage to see how it can make your system work even harder for you.
When’s the best time to use my solar?
If you're on the solar feed-in tariff for regional Queensland:
- It’s best to use power during the day between 8am to 5pm, and particularly when the sun is at its peak between 10am-2pm.
- You should aim to shift your usage to the daytime while your solar is generating.
- The smaller the solar credit on your bill the better, because this means you’re using the cheaper power you generate and not using as much from the grid.
Review and analyse your usage every 6-12 months to see if there is a better tariff option for you via our Compare Tariffs tool in My Account, especially after July each year when tariff rates change, new tariffs are introduced, and some old ones become obsolete.
Maintain your system
It’s also important to maintain your solar system to ensure it's performing at its peak:
- Trim any trees that are shading your panels – just remember to always check for overhead power lines first.
- Regularly check the system status on your inverter
- Get your solar system serviced regularly by a solar installer or qualified electrician
- Use My Account’s solar export alerts to track your solar system’s exports and keep on top! Login or register for My Account today
- Look at the inverter’s display regularly. If a fault code appears, contact your installer or use any system monitoring app that has been provided to keep an eye out for unwanted issues or changes.
Set up solar export alerts in My Account 🚨
Stay on top of how your solar is performing by turning on solar export alerts in My Account. It’s a simple way to keep an eye on the energy your system sends back to the grid and make the most of your setup.
Steffanie, one of our local Energy Specialists in Townsville, is here to show you how solar export alerts can keep you on top of your solar game!
Transcript
Protect your solar savings with Solar Export Alerts and catch issues before they cost you.
You invested in solar, now let’s make sure it’s working. And I’m here to show you how.
Hi, I’m Steffanie from Townsville, one of the Energy Specialists here at Ergon Energy Retail.
So, you’ve got solar? That’s amazing! You’re helping lead the energy transition, and we’re excited to have you on board.
There’s a super-helpful feature in My Account called Solar Export Alerts.
It keeps an eye on your system so you don’t have to.
If your solar hasn’t exported for five days straight, you’ll get a quick heads-up.
It’s all about catching small issues early - before they turn into big ones.
All you need is a smart meter.
If you’ve still got a basic one, you can request an upgrade at ergon.com.au/smartmeters.
Once your Solar Export Alert’s on, we’ll send you a text or email - whichever you prefer - if exports stop consecutively for 5 days.
So you can get back to soaking up those sunny savings.
You can check your dashboard anytime to see your energy use and solar exports, whether it’s day by day numbers or months of sunshine.
Want to dive deeper? You can request your full meter data and we’ll email you a spreadsheet with all the details.
It’s never been easier to stay in control of your energy and solar exports.
Jump into My Account today and set up your Solar Export Alerts.
For more solar info, visit ergon.com.au/solar.
We’re Ergon Energy Retail - your local energy experts.
Supercharged Solar for Renters Program
Got a rental property? Here’s your chance to make it shine! The Queensland Government’s Supercharged Solar for Renters program offers rebates of up to $3,500 for eligible landlords who install rooftop solar on their rental homes. That means happier tenants, lower bills, and a boost to your property’s value.
Why it matters:
✅ Tenants save around $700 a year on power
✅ Landlords get financial support to go solar
✅ Everyone benefits from cleaner, greener energy
Applications are open now via the Queensland Government’s Website.
Helpful websites
FAQs
Got a question about solar? We’ve got the answer.
How does solar work?
Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight and turn it into electricity for your home. During the day, they power your lights, appliances, and more. If you generate more solar energy than you use, the extra goes back to the grid - and you might even get paid for it! It’s a smart way to save on bills and make the most of Queensland’s sunny weather.
Is solar worthwhile for me?
Find out if solar is the right decision for you via the New Energy Tech Consumer Code’s consumer guide to installing solar power.
How do I find a quality system and reputable installer?
The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) offers helpful advice on choosing a solar retailer and finding NETCC approved sellers that meet consumer protections. You can also check your installer’s accreditation via Solar Accreditation Australia. Solar retailers will help you find a solar system suited for your home, and electricity retailers (like us) will help you connect to a solar feed-in tariff.
Do I need to also get a battery once I have solar?
No, you don’t need a battery to benefit from solar power but adding one can offer extra advantages depending on your energy goals. With solar panels alone, your home uses electricity as it’s generated during the day. Any excess power is typically sent back to the grid. However, without a battery, you’ll draw power from the grid at night or during cloudy periods. Introducing a battery storage system allows you to store surplus solar energy for later use, such as in the evening or during power outages. This can enhance your energy independence and potentially reduce electricity bills.
What’s the best tariff for me once I have a solar system installed?
The optimal electricity tariff for your household after installing a solar system depends on your energy usage patterns, the type of meter you have, and your ability to shift electricity consumption to different times of the day. Check out our solar feed-in tariffs.
How do I export and get credits for my exports?
Once your solar system is set up and approved, any extra power you don’t use goes back to the grid — and you’ll earn credits for it. These show up as credits on your electricity bill. Learn more about understanding your bill.
What further support is there if I’ve got solar, but still receive a high bill?
If your household usage is still higher than expected, you can complete our household appliance calculator or contact us to help you with some additional support options.
If you are having issues with your NETCC approved seller, please contact NETCC, Solar Accreditation Australia or the Office of Fair Trading as they will be able to provide you the most appropriate assistance.
Why hasn’t my bill reduced as much as I expected since having solar installed?
Solar power generation can be impacted by many factors. Here's some things to consider:
- Has there been any interruptions to your power supply recently?
- Has there been rainy or cloudy weather?
- Does your solar system require maintenance?
- Check the status lights on your inverter and the display panel for any drastic changes in your solar output
- Check your solar system is generating the recommended amount of power each day.
It’s also important to maintain your solar system to ensure it’s performing at its peak. For example:
- Trim trees to ensure there’s no shade over the panels
- Service your solar system regularly.
My solar system is generating the expected amount, why am I still needing to pay a bill?
Here's some things to consider:
- Are your appliances using more power than anticipated during the day? This could be exceeding the amount of solar being generated
- Have you introduced new appliances to the premises? For example, purchasing a new fridge that is larger. Find out more via our appliance running cost calculator
- Have you considered that you need to pay for the power you use during the night?
- Have you set appliance timers for the most optimal times?
- Are you running appliances at the same time? It may be beneficial to stagger your appliance usage.
Have there been any changes within the household that could cause an increase in the energy being used? For example:
- Has another person moved into the property?
- Have you recently had a baby and are home more often?
- Changes to work schedule – are you working from home or on shift work?
- Consider the season and weather conditions for the billing period.
Summer periods have longer daylight hours to generate solar power, while also having increased rain and cloud cover that can reduce the system’s ability to generate.
Why can't I see solar on my bill?
Do you have the solar tariff displaying on your bill? (Queensland Solar Scheme)
If not, we may be waiting for your electrician’s paperwork to be submitted to enable a solar capable meter to be installed.
You may need to follow up with your installer to see if they have submitted all the required paperwork to the network provider.
How can I pinpoint the cause for my high bill when I have solar?
Want to understand your solar and where your energy’s going?
You can do this with your inverter and meter.
Step 1: Check your solar
Look at your inverter to see how much solar your system generated.
Step 2: Check your usage and solar exports
Look at your meter (or My Account) to see:
- How much power you used from the grid
- How much solar you exported back.
If you’ve got a smart meter, you can view or request your data in My Account under Usage & metering.
Step 3: Work it out (quick version)
- Solar generated – solar exported = solar used by the household (This is what you saved by having solar!)
- Then add your grid usage to see your total energy use.
Need more help?
If your bill still feels higher than expected, check out our high bill checklist for simple next steps.
I believe that my 44c FiT has been incorrectly removed. What do I do?
You will need to contact Ergon Energy Network and ask for the Solar Review Team. They will investigate if your 44c feed-in tariff can be reinstated.
Why does my solar bill say it was based on an estimate?
If your solar inverter is switched on before you have a bi-directional meter installed, you may receive an estimated bill. The estimated bill is likely to be based off your usage from the same time last year. These calculations are based on AEMO Metrology Procedures.
Access to the meter may have been restricted when the meter reader attended. These reasons could include dogs, locked gates and severe weather events.
If you have a smart meter, there may be varying reasons why you have received an estimated account, please contact us to find out more.