AGL Just Cut Solar Feed-in Tariffs to Zero. Here’s What to Do.
AGL slashed feed-in tariffs in Sydney — now at zero. If you have solar (or are considering it), here’s what you can do to protect your savings and stay empowered.
- Keep more of your solar power with quality battery storage
- Get honest, practical advice from fully certified local electricians
- Upgrade your energy setup for long-term bill savings
What Does AGL’s Zero Feed-in Tariff Actually Mean?
AGL’s move means you now get $0 for every unused solar kilowatt-hour exported to the grid. This hurts Sydney homeowners and business owners who planned their solar payback around old incentive rates. It doesn’t mean solar is “dead”—but you have to rethink how you use your solar setup.
The bottom line: It’s now smarter to use more of your own solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid for free. That shift changes how you should invest in your system from here.
3 Smart Moves for Sydney Solar Owners Facing Zero Tariffs
1. Store Your Power – Battery Systems
Batteries let you keep solar power for evenings instead of giving it away. Quality matters: Envirosmart recommends Sigenergy batteries first for reliability and smart tech, then GoodWe as a solid backup. If needed, we source other brands, but quality and real warranty support come first.
2. Optimise Your Usage
Set appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, pool pumps) to run during daylight hours. Basic energy upgrades or a smart meter can help automate this.
3. Upgrade Old Solar Hardware
Many Sydney homes still have outdated inverters or panels. Upgrading can boost efficiency, enable battery add-ons, and unlock more self-consumption. Talk to an honest electrician, not a pushy “solar only” sales office.
Common Mistakes When Responding to AGL’s Feed-in Tariff Change
- Panic buying the cheapest battery or jumping for a hard sell package – quality and compatibility matter.
- Overlooking energy use patterns – not tracking when and how you use power, so you miss savings.
- Ignoring electrical upgrades – modern switchboards or load balancing may be required for batteries, but many skip this step and risk future headaches.
- Falling for “guaranteed payback” claims – there are no financial guarantees with solar.
- Delaying out of confusion – old inverters might miss out on battery compatibility or rebates if you wait too long.
Why Choose Envirosmart? Certified, Trusted, and Sydney-Local
We’re a fully Australian-owned company. Our electricians live and work in Sydney, and we install everything ourselves—no subcontractors, no offshore call centres. And yes, we’re fully licensed. Check our NSW licence here.
What Happens on the Call?
- Simple phone consultation: Tell us your current setup and bill situation — we’ll listen, not sell.
- Honest advice: If a site visit makes sense, we offer a free on-site assessment — still no hard sell.
- Written recommendations: You get a clear, reality-checked plan (products, estimated savings, what’s worth fixing).
- Zero pressure: You decide, in your time, if and when to proceed.
How to Choose the Right Solar or Battery Provider in Sydney
- Ask for local, recent install references — not just Google reviews.
- Check NSW licence status for electrical work (never just “solar accreditation”).
- Insist on written, plain-English quotes – with clear models and warranty info.
- Avoid “instant install” pressure or deals that expire the next day.
- Find out who actually installs (in-house team vs. subbies).
- Ask about battery brands and end-to-end warranty support.
- Look for transparent advice about upgrade vs. new system costs.
Areas We Serve: Sydney Suburbs and Surrounds
- Parramatta
- Ryde
- Epping
- Castle Hill
- Pennant Hills
- Baulkham Hills
- Blacktown
- Hornsby
- Lidcombe
- Strathfield
- Chatswood
- North Sydney
- Carlingford
- Westmead
- Concord
- Homebush
- Seven Hills
- Kellyville
Local to Sydney and surrounding areas. If you don’t see your suburb here, give us a call — we probably cover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace my existing solar system?
Not always. Many Sydney homes can add a battery or upgrade parts without starting from scratch. A site assessment helps confirm what’s possible and cost-effective.
How much do battery systems cost?
Installed battery prices start around $9,000 to $14,000 in Sydney for quality, warrantied brands. Price depends on your needs and usage patterns. We provide a straight-up proposal after the site check—no guesswork.
Are batteries always worth it in Sydney?
Not in every single case. Batteries work best for homes with high evening usage and solar excess during the day. That’s why we offer transparent, numbers-driven advice—sometimes the answer is “not yet”.
Which battery brands do you recommend?
We recommend Sigenergy first, then GoodWe. Both have proven support in Australia and solid warranties. We work with other brands only if they meet tough, local standards.
What electrical upgrades might be needed with solar batteries?
Some switchboards or home wiring need upgrades for safety and compatibility. Our in-house electricians quote these honestly—no surprise bills once work starts.
Can a business benefit from batteries even with zero feed-in tariffs?
Yes, especially if you run during the day and have high process loads (bakery, gym, workshop, etc.). We’ll help run the numbers on payback and reliability for your business.
Will installing a battery mean I have power in a blackout?
Batteries can provide backup, but only if set up with the right “islanding” hardware. Discuss backup needs on your call and we’ll tailor options for true backup capability.
Are you actually based in Sydney?
Yes, Envirosmart Electrical is owned and operated in Sydney. Our techs live here and all work is done by our direct team.
How do I book a free, pressure-free consult?
Call 0431 725 458 for a chat. We’ll answer your questions, and if a site visit helps, we’ll arrange it—always free and without pushy tactics.
Take Control. Save More of Your Solar Power – Starting Now
Don’t let the zero feed-in tariff leave you short. Get honest, local advice and smart upgrades. The earlier you sort your battery options, the more you’ll keep in your pocket. No hard sell. No wasted time.
Call 0431 725 458 – Speak to Your Local Expert
Or request a call-back and we’ll get in touch.