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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.
Your eligibility for one of Queensland’s two primary solar feed-in tariffs depends on where you live.
Feed in tariff in regional Queensland
Regional Queensland consumers on the Ergon Energy network have a minimum feed-in tariff rate of 13.441 cents per kWh for the 2023-24 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 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.
Comparison by retailers
| RETAILERS | MIN SOALR FiT | MAX SOLAR FiT |
| Origin Energy | 5.0c | 20c (must purchase solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW) |
| AGL | 5.0c | 15.0c (for first 10kWh/day, 5.0c/kWh thereafter) |
| EnergyAustralia | 5.0c | 12.0c (first 15kWh/day, 6.6c thereafter) |
| QLD MAJOR RETAILERS | MIN SOLAR FiT | MAX SOLAR FiT |
| Alinta Energy | 8.0c | 8.0c |
| GloBird Energy | 1.0c | 11c (for the first 8kWh/day, 4c thereafter) |
| OVO Energy | 0c | 8.0c |
| Powershop | 5.0c | 5.0c |
| Red Energy | 1.0c | 8.0c (for the first 5kWh/day) |
| Simply Energy | 5.5c | 7.0c |
| 1st Energy | 6.0c | 6.0c |
Eligibility
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
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.
Incentives and rebates
Queensland, Australia, offers generous incentives and rebates to encourage the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. These programs are designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and lower energy costs for households and businesses.
The Queensland government also incentives people and businesses interested in switching to hybrid or electric vehicles. These incentives include rebates on electric or hybrid car purchases or leases and access to dedicated charging stations and other support services.
Queensland has several incentives and rebates available to encourage the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. These programs are important to the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy security, and lower energy costs for households and businesses.
Check out our page to learn more about incentives and rebates in Australia.
Read more about solar feed-in tariff
- Australian Solar Feed-In Tariffs Information
- Solar Feed-in Tariff Comparison: Best Tariffs by State and Territory
- Feed-in Tariffs Keep Getting Lower: Is Solar Still Worth it in 2024?
Switching to a better plan?
You may already have an energy plan but want more power or to shop for a better deal.
Energy Matters‘ “Free Energy Bill Comparator” is a cutting-edge energy bill tool that compares your area’s most competitive retail offers. We collect the data from our wide range of trusted retailers, allowing you to decide on the switching plan and find the best deal for your needs.
If your goal is to get more electricity and minimise the cost of your gas and electricity bills, switch to a better plan now!
Updated January 2024
Sources: Essential Services Commission, Canstar Blue
