Neither retailer wins outright, and any article claiming otherwise is guessing. Rates change quarterly, they differ by distribution network within the same state, and the answer flips depending on how much power you import against how much you export.
What follows is how the two are structured, which state-level patterns hold, and the method that actually settles it for your house.
What Decides a Solar Household's Bill
Three numbers, and they are not equally important:
- Usage charges. What you pay per kilowatt-hour imported. Still the largest number for almost every solar household, because virtually nobody exports more than they import across a year.
- Daily supply charge. A fixed fee regardless of consumption. Solar cannot touch it, and for a low-import household it becomes the biggest line on the bill.
- Feed-in tariff. The credit for exported surplus. Consistently over-weighted in comparisons like this one.
That ordering matters. A plan with a feed-in rate two cents higher and a usage rate five cents higher costs you more, and it looks better in an advertisement.
Origin Energy
Origin Energy is one of Australia's largest and most recognisable energy retailers. With a vast customer base, they offer a wide range of plans designed to suit different household needs, including specific solar-friendly options. Origin's reputation often leans towards stability, standard customer service, and a broad suite of offerings that might include bundled gas or internet deals.
Origin typically offers competitive, albeit not always market-leading, feed-in tariffs. Their strategy often involves a balance between a respectable FIT and competitive daily supply and usage charges. For households that consume a fair bit of grid power in addition to their solar, Origin's overall package can still prove cost-effective.
- New South Wales: Origin often presents a tiered FIT structure where you might receive a higher rate for your first few kWh exported daily, then a slightly lower rate. Their daily supply charges are generally in line with market averages.
- Victoria: In Victoria, where a minimum FIT is mandated, Origin often adds a competitive bonus FIT on top. Their daily charges and usage rates are usually quite competitive, appealing to households looking for overall value.
- Queensland: Queensland is a highly competitive solar market. Origin's offerings here often focus on a blend of reasonable FITs and competitive overall rates, making them a solid choice for many.
- South Australia: Given SA's high solar penetration, Origin usually has several solar plans, often balancing moderate FITs with stable daily supply and usage charges.
Simply Energy
Simply Energy, while not as long-standing as Origin, has carved out a significant niche by positioning itself as a challenger brand, frequently offering aggressive pricing and attractive incentives. They have gained popularity among solar households by focusing on maximising the value of exported power.
Simply Energy plans are frequently characterised by higher feed-in tariffs, particularly for customers with standard-sized solar systems. Their daily supply charges and usage rates can also be highly competitive, making them a strong contender for homes that export a substantial amount of their generated electricity back to the grid.
- New South Wales: Simply Energy often leads with some of the higher flat-rate FITs in NSW, making them appealing to those exporting significant power. Their daily supply charges are often very competitive.
- Victoria: Beyond the mandatory minimum, Simply Energy regularly offers a generous additional FIT, aiming to attract solar customers who want to maximise their earnings from exports. Their overall rates are usually well-structured to compete fiercely.
- Queensland: Simply Energy often shines in Queensland with highly competitive FITs, positioning them as a go-to for many solar-savvy households looking for maximum export value.
- South Australia: In SA, Simply Energy typically offers very attractive FITs, understanding the market's high solar engagement and catering directly to those prioritising export credits.
The State-by-State Price Battle: Who Comes Out Ahead?
The direct comparison depends on your specific location and energy habits.
- New South Wales: If you are an NSW solar household exporting a lot of power, Simply Energy might edge out Origin with a higher flat FIT. However, if your consumption from the grid is also high, Origin's overall usage rates might balance the playing field.
- Victoria: For Victorians, the situation is a battle of the bonus FITs. Simply Energy often aims for the highest combined FIT, while Origin focuses on a more rounded offering that includes competitive usage and supply charges. Your overall consumption from the grid versus export determines the winner here.
- Queensland: In the Sunshine State, Simply Energy's aggressive FITs often make them attractive for maximising solar credits. Origin might offer a more stable package for those who value consistency and broader service offerings.
- South Australia: SA solar owners often find Simply Energy's FITs to be among the most competitive. Origin's plans here usually offer a reliable option with a solid FIT alongside reasonable overall rates.
Beyond the Dollars and Cents: What Else to Consider?
While price is a major consideration, it is not the only factor in your decision.
- Customer Service: Research online reviews. Are billing issues common? How easy is it to get through to someone?
- Contract Terms: Look for lock-in contracts, exit fees, and benefit period durations.
- Bundling: Do you need gas as well? Some retailers offer discounts for bundling services.
- Green Credentials: Does the retailer offer accredited GreenPower options or invest in renewable projects?
- Payment Options: Flexibility in payment methods and due dates can be important.
Making Your Choice: It is Personal, Mate!
There is no universal winner in this Origin vs. Simply Energy battle. The best plan for you depends entirely on your specific circumstances:
- Your solar system size: Larger systems export more, making a higher FIT more impactful.
- Your consumption habits: Do you use most of your solar power directly, or do you export a lot?
- Your state: The regulatory environment and market competition heavily influence available plans.
- Your priorities: Are you chasing the absolute highest FIT, or do you prefer a stable plan with good customer service?
The golden rule for all Australians with solar is to compare. Retailer offers change frequently, so what was best last year might not be today. Use government-backed comparison websites like EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au (for NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, TAS) and Victorian Energy Compare (for VIC) to get up-to-date, personalised quotes based on your actual usage data.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Solar Journey
The competition between Origin Energy and Simply Energy highlights the dynamic nature of Australia's energy market. Both offer compelling reasons for solar households to choose them, with Simply Energy leading on aggressive FITs and Origin providing a solid, standard service.
By taking the time to understand your energy usage, research the latest offerings in your state, and look beyond just the feed-in tariff, you can ensure your solar investment continues to pay dividends, saving you money and contributing to a greener future. Happy comparing!
How to Settle It for Your House
The state-level patterns above are directional. They are not a substitute for running your own numbers, and the difference between the two answers is routinely a hundred dollars a year.
Pull your last four bills and write down three figures: total imported kilowatt-hours, total exported kilowatt-hours, and how your imports split across peak, shoulder and off-peak if you are on a time-of-use tariff.
Then run those through Energy Made Easy, the federal government's free comparison service, or Victorian Energy Compare if you are in Victoria. Both are independent and take no commission from retailers. Enter your own usage rather than accepting the default household profile, and tick that you have solar.
Read the result by household type:
- You import much more than you export. Most solar homes. Prioritise the usage rate and daily supply charge; the feed-in tariff barely moves your total.
- You export a large surplus. Big array, low daytime consumption. The feed-in rate earns real money here, and check any daily export cap on the better rates.
- You import very little. Usually a battery household. Chase the lowest daily supply charge you can find and accept a higher usage rate in exchange.
Then diarise the end of any benefit period, because most run 12 months and revert to noticeably worse rates, and repeat the whole exercise annually. Whichever retailer wins today, the answer changes.
Read More
For a detailed overview, check out our master guide: Read the Full Guide Here.
