Start with your household

How to Choose the Right
Electricity Plan

The best solar battery electricity plan depends on how you use energy at home. Answer a few quick questions to find plans that fit your household energy needs, and battery setup.

  • Which state or territory do you live in?

    Electricity plans, rates, and special offers vary across Australia. Your location helps narrow down the electricity plans for solar and battery systems available to you.

  • Are you home during the day?

    If you use more electricity during daylight hours, your solar panels may cover more of your needs directly. If you're out, a battery can store excess solar energy for later use. Look for a home battery electricity plan that works with your household's energy habits.

  • Do you own an electric vehicle (EV)?

    If you charge an EV at home, look for electricity plans for EV owners that offer rates suited to your charging habits.

  • Is your battery connected to a VPP?

    Some VPP electricity plans offer benefits for joining a Virtual Power Plant, while others let you manage your battery independently. Your VPP status can help determine which plans are suitable.

The details, side by side

Compare Electricity Plans for Your Solar Battery

Not all electricity plans for solar and battery systems work the same way. Some reward you for exporting stored energy, while others offer free electricity periods or credits for managing your grid use. Compare the key details below to find options that suit your household and battery setup.

  • GloBird Energy

    FOUR4FREE

    VPP-specific?
    No, VPP optional
    Offer type
    4 hours of free electricity daily
    Key rate or credit
    $0/kWh during the free period, currently 11 am–3 pm for new customers
    States
    NSW, VIC, QLD, SA
    Contract terms
    No lock-in contract or termination fees

  • GloBird Energy

    ZEROHERO

    VPP-specific?
    No, VPP optional
    Offer type
    Free battery charging and daily credit
    Key rate or credit
    3 hours of free electricity daily; $1 daily credit for avoiding grid imports during the evening peak; 10c/kWh feed-in credit for eligible evening exports
    States
    Confirm postcode eligibility with retailer
    Contract terms
    No lock-in contract or exit fees

  • Amber Electric

    Wholesale pricing

    VPP-specific?
    No
    Offer type
    Wholesale electricity pricing
    Key rate or credit
    Variable wholesale usage prices;
$25/month subscription
    States
    NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, SE QLD
    Contract terms
    No lock-in contract

  • Origin Energy

    Origin Loop VPP

    VPP-specific?
    No
    Offer type
    Wholesale electricity pricing
    Key rate or credit
    $200 sign-up credit; $1/kWh for battery exports during eligible VPP events, capped at 200 kWh/year
    States
    NSW, VIC, SA, ACT, SE QLD
    Contract terms
    No lock-in contract

Find your fit

Which Electricity Plan Suits Your Household?

The right solar battery electricity plan depends on when you use power, how you manage your battery, and whether you're comfortable joining a VPP. Here are a few common scenarios to help you narrow down your options.

  • You're home during the day and can shift your energy use

    — GloBird FOUR4FREE

    Consider GloBird FOUR4FREE if you can run appliances or charge your EV during the free electricity window. Check the applicable free hours and usage limits for your address.

  • You want to make more of your battery during peak periods

    — GloBird ZEROHERO

    Consider GloBird ZEROHERO if you're open to VPP participation and want to reduce evening grid imports while exploring rewards for exporting energy when it's in demand.

  • You're comfortable with changing electricity prices

    — Amber Electric

    Consider Amber Electric if you want access to wholesale pricing and are comfortable with VPP participation, battery automation, or adjusting your energy use to take advantage of price changes.

  • You're happy to share stored energy with the grid

    — Origin Loop

    Consider Origin Loop if you're open to joining a VPP and earning credits for supporting the grid during periods of high demand. Check the plan's terms to see if it suits your home and battery setup.

From the blog

More on Batteries, Plans and VPPs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I switch electricity plans after installing a solar battery?

You can usually switch electricity retailers without changing your battery or solar system. Here's how to get started:

  1. Compare your options. Look at usage rates, daily supply charges, feed-in tariffs, battery export rewards, and any VPP requirements.
  2. Check your eligibility. Confirm the plan is available in your state, suits your meter and is compatible with your battery setup.
  3. Have your details ready. You may need your electricity bill, National Metering Identifier (NMI), supply address, meter details, and account information.
  4. Sign up with your chosen retailer. They'll explain any required steps and arrange the transfer.
  5. Check your first bill. Review your usage, credits, and feed-in tariffs to make sure the plan is working as expected. 

If you're considering a VPP, check whether your battery needs additional configuration or retailer approval before you enroll. 

What should I compare before choosing a plan?

Look beyond the headline offer. Compare: 

  • Electricity usage rates and daily supply charges
  • Solar and battery feed-in tariffs
  • Free electricity periods and any usage limits
  • Battery export rewards and VPP conditions
  • Sign-up credits, offer expiry dates and ongoing eligibility
  • Contract terms, exit fees and price changes 

Your actual savings depend on your household's energy use, battery settings, and the plan's terms.  

How long does switching electricity retailers take?

The timing depends on your retailer, meter, and local arrangements. Your new retailer will coordinate the switch, and the changeover may happen at your next scheduled meter read, which can take up to three months. Ask your retailer whether an earlier changeover is available.

Will switching electricity plans interrupt my power supply?

No. Switching retailers doesn't change the physical electricity supply to your home. Your local distributor and the network supplying your property remain the same.

Do I need to change my solar battery to switch plans?

Not necessarily. Many plans can work with an existing battery, but some have specific requirements around battery compatibility, smart meters, export settings, or VPP participation. Confirm these requirements with the retailer before switching.

Should I choose a VPP electricity plan?

Not necessarily. A VPP electricity plan may offer credits or payments in exchange for allowing your battery to support the grid during certain events. In return, you may have less control over when some stored energy is exported. Compare the rewards, participation conditions, and backup requirements with a standard plan before deciding.