Solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are government-mandated programs designed to incentivise the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar power. If you have a solar PV system installed in your home or business and produce more electricity than you use, you will be paid for the excess power you generate at the FiT rate.
The solar FiT in Queensland was introduced in 2007 as a way to encourage the adoption of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was initially set at a rate of 44 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) but has gradually decreased over time as the cost of solar panel systems in Brisbane has fallen and the technology has become more widely adopted.
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Solar feed in tariff in Regional Queensland
Regional Queensland consumers on the Ergon Energy network have a minimum feed-in tariff rate of 12.377 cents per kWh (from 1 July 2024) for the 2024-25 financial year. The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), a regulatory organisation that monitors retailers’ FiT charges in SEQ, determines these rates.
- Ergon Energy Retail if you’re connected to the Ergon Energy network
- Origin Energy if you’re connected to the Essential Energy network.
Market solar feed-in tariffs in South East Queensland (SEQ)
Is there a minimum solar feed-in tariff in Queensland?
In South East Queensland, there is no mandated minimum feed-in tariff that energy wholesalers must follow (Energex network). Instead, each retailer can set tariffs for exported solar electricity purchased from a solar system owner.
In this instance, we recommend you look for a plan with a high FiT, as energy retailers will do everything they can to gain your money by giving a competitive FiT.
Solar Bonus Scheme
For the excess electricity produced by solar power systems and exported to the Queensland electrical network, the Queensland Government’s Solar Bonus Scheme pays eligible consumers a feed-in tariff.
New clients are not eligible for the Solar Bonus Scheme, which offers a 44-cent feed-in tariff. If you are currently eligible and are receiving this tariff rate, you will continue to do so until its expiration date of July 1, 2028.
QLD solar feed-in tariffs: Maximising your solar investment
The solar feed-in tariff allows homeowners and businesses to earn credits for excess solar energy fed back into the grid. The solar feed-in tariff in QLD varies depending on your electricity provider and location, making it crucial to compare rates to find the best electricity deals with solar QLD.
How to get the best solar feed-in tariff in QLD
- Compare retailers to secure the best electricity deals with solar in QLD.
- Check eligibility for government schemes like the QLD Solar Bonus Scheme.
- The decline of the QLD Solar Bonus Scheme 2023: The original generous scheme has closed. In 2023, the QLD Solar Bonus Scheme 2023 provided eligible solar owners with a locked-in rate, but newer plans may offer competitive rates.
- Monitor energy usage to maximise feed-in tariff earnings.
Comparison by retailers in Queensland (QLD)
| RETAILERS | MIN SOLAR FiT | MAX SOLAR FiT |
| Engie | 5.5c | 12c (for the first 8kWh/day, 5.5c thereafter) |
| Energy Locals | 7.0c | 7c (for the first 8kWh/day, 8c thereafter) |
| EnergyAustralia | 4.6c | 10c (for the first 12kWh/day, 4.6c thereafter) |
| AGL | 4.0c | 10c (for the first 10kWh/day, 4c/kWh thereafter) |
| Alinta Energy | 4.0c | 10c (for the first 10kWh/day, 4c/kWh thereafter) |
| QLD MAJOR RETAILERS | MIN SOLAR FiT | MAX SOLAR FiT |
| Dodo | 3.5c | 3.5c |
| Energy Locals | 7.0c | 7c (for the first 8kWh/day, 8c thereafter) |
| GloBird Energy | 1.0c | 11c (for the first 8kWh/day, 3c thereafter) |
| Momentum Energy | 2.9c | 4c |
| OVO Energy | 3.0c | 3.0c |
| Origin Energy | 4.0c | 8c (for the first 8kWh/day, 4c thereafter) |
| Powershop | 1.4c | 1.4c |
| Red Energy | 1.0c | 8.0c |
| 1st Energy | 1.5c | 5.0c (for the first 15kWh/day, 2.5c thereafter) |
Eligibility of the QLD solar feed in tariff
Your eligibility for one of Queensland’s two primary solar feed-in tariffs depends on where you live. Contact your electricity distributor to see whether you are eligible:
- Ergon Energy Retail if you’re connected to the Ergon Energy network
- Origin Energy if you’re connected to the Essential Energy network.
To be eligible, you must:
- operate a solar system with a maximum inverter capacity not exceeding 30 kilowatts
- consume less than 100 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity a year (the average home uses approximately 4.3MWh a year)
- be a retail customer of either Ergon Energy Retail or Origin Energy (if you’re connected to the Essential Energy network)
- be connected to the electricity grid
- have a network connection agreement with an electricity distributor signalling their approval to connect the system to the electricity grid,
- have only one solar power system receiving the feed-in tariff per premise
- and not be receiving any other tariff (i.e. the 44 cent/kWh feed-in tariff).
To participate in the solar FiT in Queensland, you will need to have a solar panel system installed on your property and be connected to the grid.
You will also need to register with your electricity retailer and provide them with details of your system, including its size and capacity.
It’s important to note that the solar FiT in Queensland is only available to customers of certain electricity retailers. If you are not a customer of one of these retailers, you may not be eligible to receive the FiT rate for excess solar electricity that you generate.
Benefits of QLD solar feed in tariff
There are several benefits to participating in the solar FiT in Queensland.
First and foremost, it provides an additional source of income for homeowners and businesses that have installed solar PV systems. This can offset the initial costs of installation and make it more financially viable for people to switch to renewable energy.
In addition, the solar FIT helps to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which is beneficial for the environment and can help to reduce the impact of climate change. It also helps to increase the use of renewable energy in the state, which can lead to a more diverse and resilient energy mix.
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!
Looking for solar incentives in other states? Explore the following pages for further insights on solar feed in tariffs.
