How do I calculate the potential savings with rooftop solar?

Check your electricity bills to find your average amount of energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the month or year. You can also access this information in our aurora+ app.

Once you know your average energy consumption, that will help you work-out the size of the solar system you need. For example, if your annual usage is 6,000 kWh you might need a 5 kW system (since a 1 kW system typically generates around 1,200 kWh per year in Tasmania).

Estimate how much electricity your solar panels will generate. This depends on factors like panel efficiency, roof orientation (a north facing roof is ideal), and local sunlight hours. In Tasmania, a 5 kW system might generate around 6,000 kWh per year on average.

Use solar when it’s generated: Shift high-energy activities like doing laundry, running the dishwasher, or charging an EV to daylight hours when your solar panels are producing the most energy.

Upgrade to smart energy-efficient appliances: Reducing your overall energy use means more of your solar power is used directly in your home. Smart appliances with internet connectivity and sensors allow users to control and monitor them remotely using a smartphone app or with voice commands when at home. This lets you more easily schedule or optimise personalised settings. Perfect for heat pumps, washing machines, dishwashers or a host of other domestic appliances.

Consider battery storage: Batteries allow you to store excess energy for use during the evening or on cloudy days, increasing the amount of solar energy your home consumes.

Work-out how much of the generated electricity you will use and how much will be exported to the grid. 

Check current rates: Visit our Solar Rates page for the latest FiT rates.

Calculate FiT earnings: If you export 3,000 kWh per year at a FiT rate of 8.935 cents per kWh, you’d earn around about $268.05 annually.

Direct solar savings: If you use 3,000 kWh of your own solar power and your electricity rate is 25 cents per kWh, you’d save $750 each year on your bills.

Peak and off-peak tariffs

• Offset against a single tariff plan: If you’re on a peak and off-peak plan, your solar energy can offset your total usage throughout the day.
• Maximise savings: By aligning your energy use during peak times with solar production—such as mid-mornings and early afternoons in summer—you can optimise and make the most of your savings. This is because you’re offsetting higher-cost energy with your own generation during these periods.
• Limited offset opportunities: In most cases, if you’re on a Flat Rate (31/41) dual tariff plan, you can typically only offset your usage against specific components of your bill, such as Tariff 31 (Lights and Power) or Tariff 41 (Heating and Hot Water).
• Reduced maximisation: This limitation means you might not be able to offset your entire energy consumption with your solar generation, potentially reducing your overall savings compared to a peak/off-peak plan.

Optimise based on your tariff:

• Choose the right plan: Selecting an energy plan that complements your solar generation can impact your savings. Peak and off-peak plans generally offer more flexibility and higher savings potential when paired with solar systems for the reasons noted above.
• Consult with us: We know it can sometimes appear complicated and confusing but if you’re unsure which plan is best for maximising your solar savings, our team will be happy to help you evaluate your options.

Combine FiT and bill savings: Add your FiT earnings to your electricity bill savings to see your total annual savings. In this example, it’s $268.05 (FiT) + $750 (bill savings) = $1,018.05.

The information in this guide is provided as general information only and is not intended as financial or investment advice. While solar power and other renewable energy systems can be suitable for some households and businesses, they may not be appropriate for every situation. We recommend that you do your own research and, if needed, seek independent advice to determine whether these options are right for your individual circumstances.