Solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are a financial incentive offered by electricity retailers to encourage homeowners and businesses to generate renewable energy.
In New South Wales (NSW), the FiT is determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
On this page
Did you know Energy Matters is Australia’s largest renewable news, blog and educational resource? Subscribe to Energy Matters’ weekly newsletter and keep updated even with incentives, rebates and recommended solar product offers.
Under the FiT scheme, electricity retailers must pay customers for the excess solar energy fed back into the grid. This helps to offset the cost of installing and maintaining a solar panel system and can provide a financial return for homeowners and businesses that invest in renewable energy.
Eligibility of the NSW solar feed in tariff
To receive a solar feed-in tariff, a solar PV system must be:
- installed in a household or a small business
- connected to the grid within the National Energy Market (NEM).
To be eligible for the solar feed-in tariff in NSW, a solar panel system must be connected to the grid. A licensed and accredited installer must also install the system.
Independent Pricing And Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)
Each year, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) sets a benchmark range for what NSW solar exports are worth. For the 2026-27 financial year, the all-day range is 3.4 to 6.5 cents per kWh, down from 4.8 to 7.3 cents per kWh in 2025-26.
The drop reflects falling wholesale electricity prices during the middle of the day, when most rooftop solar is exported. Rising rooftop and grid-scale solar generation is pushing daytime power values lower across the network.
Retailers are not required to pay within IPART’s benchmark range. Some pay less, and some pay considerably more to win solar customers, which is exactly why comparing plans before you commit is essential.
Energy Matters is one of Australia’s most trusted solar quotes due to our high customer satisfaction and industry recommendations. Our team of solar experts can help you get up to 3 FREE solar quotes from pre-qualified and vetted solar firms in your area. Let’s harness the power of the sun together!
NSW solar feed in tariff: Maximise your solar investment
Understanding the NSW solar feed-in tariff is crucial for any homeowner or business considering installing solar panels in New South Wales. The solar tariff NSW represents the payment you receive for surplus solar energy exported back to the electricity grid.
These rates can vary significantly between electricity retailers, making it essential to compare offers to secure the best deal. When evaluating solar feed-in tariff NSW options, consider:
- Variable vs. fixed rates: Some retailers offer fluctuating rates based on time of day or market conditions, while others provide a consistent fixed rate.
- Retailer-specific offers: Each retailer sets its solar feed-in tariff, so comparing multiple providers is vital.
- Contract terms: Understand the duration of the contract and any potential changes to the solar feed-in tariff.
- Eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet the requirements for receiving the solar feed-in tariff, which may include system size and grid connection approval.
By carefully assessing these factors, you can maximise your returns and optimise your solar investment. For comparison and for those interested in exploring solar feed-in tariffs in other regions, you may find the following resources helpful:
Is there a minimum solar feed-in tariff in NSW?
In NSW, there is no minimum feed-in tariff rate. Individual electricity retailers assign value to exported solar power. Therefore, energy suppliers are incentivised to offer a decent solar feed-in tariff rate to win customers installing solar panels.
Benefits of NSW solar feed in tariff
While the FiT can provide financial benefits to those who invest in solar panel systems, it is important to consider the costs and benefits of installing one before deciding. This may include evaluating the system size required to meet energy needs, the location and orientation of the panels, and the potential return on investment.
The FiT in NSW is a valuable incentive for those looking to invest in renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Use Energy Matters’ carbon footprint calculator to estimate your household’s and business’s direct emissions.
Homeowners and businesses need to stay up to date on the current FiT rate and eligibility requirements to take advantage of this opportunity.
Comparison by retailers in New South Wales (NSW)
Explore the FiT available in NSW and compare.
Some of the Solar Feed-in Tariff Rates for Major NSW Retailers | |
Retailers | Solar Feed-in Tariff |
AGL | 8.0c/kWh for the first 10.0kWh per day, 3.0c/kWh thereafter |
Alinta Energy | 10.0c/kWh for the first 10.0kWh per day, 3.0c/kWh thereafter |
Dodo | 1.0c/kWh |
Energy Australia | 3.0c/kWh |
ENGIE Solar | 8.0c/kWh for the first 8kWh per day, 3.0c/kWh thereafter |
GloBird Energy | 10.0c/kWh for the first 8kWh per day, 0.0c/kWh thereafter |
Momentum Energy | 0.0c/kWh |
Next Business Energy | 2.0c/kWh |
Origin | 8.0c/kWh for the first 8kWh per day, 3.0c/kWh thereafter |
Red Energy | 2.5c/kWh |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current NSW solar feed-in tariff benchmark?
IPART’s all-day benchmark for 2026-27 is 3.4 to 6.5 cents per kWh, though retailers are not obligated to offer rates within this range.
Which retailer has the best feed-in tariff in NSW?
Rates change often, and the best plan depends on your export volume and usage pattern. As of July 2026, Alinta Energy and GloBird Energy advertise among the highest maximum rates, but always compare the whole plan, not just the FiT.
Is there a minimum feed-in tariff in NSW?
No. NSW retailers set their own rates, since there is no legislated minimum, unlike the evening rebate structures in some other states.
Why did my feed-in tariff go down in 2026?
Falling wholesale electricity prices during solar export hours, driven by record rooftop and grid-scale solar generation, have pushed IPART’s benchmark and most retailer rates lower for 2026-27.
