Solar Feed-in Tariff Comparison: Best Tariffs by State and Territory

best solar feed in tariff nsw

A solar feed-in tariff or FiT refers to how much you are paid per kWh of electricity when you export excess energy from your solar installation to the grid.

A FiT means that as well as generating your own electricity, you can also earn a small income from it.

As individuals explore the benefits of solar power and its financial implications, considering solar quotes from Energy Matters can provide insights into the potential returns on solar investments.

Understanding the nuances of solar feed-in tariffs and their impact on household finances is a key element in making informed decisions about integrating solar energy into homes and businesses.

FiTs were originally introduced by the government as an incentive to stimulate demand for solar PV systems. As the solar industry has matured and solar panel prices have dropped by almost 80 per cent, FiT rates have reduced considerably.

With current system payback periods typically less than 6 years, any FiT you receive can be considered a bonus and welcome financial sweetener as opposed to a make-or-break factor – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop around for the best rate.

Below is a guide to FiT schemes and offers by state/territory. We have provided minimum and maximum FiT rates for each state’s major retailers by market share and also for the top 3 retailers offering the highest maximum FiT rates.

Remember, a good solar feed-in tariff is important, but to find the best deal you also need to value usage rates and supply charges. The best way to ensure you are seeing the whole picture and getting the best deal overall is to compare your current energy plan with a range of other offers using our free energy comparison tool.

Energy electricity and gas comparator through Energy Matters

Victoria Feed-In Tariffs

In Victoria, the Essential Services Commission sets a mandatory minimum feed-in tariff for households.

Feed-in tariffs from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024

FLAT FiT (c/kWh)TIME-VARYING FiT (c/kWh)
All timesOption 1
Overnight
Weekdays: 10pm-7am Weekends: 10pm-7am
Day
Weekdays: 7am-3pm, 9pm-10pm Weekends: 7am-10pm
Early
Evening Weekdays: 3pm-9pm Weekends: n/a
4.9 c/kWh11.3 c/kWh4.4 c/kWh9.3 c/kWh
Option 2
Shoulder
Everyday: 9pm – 10am ; 2pm-4pm
Off-peak
Everyday: 10am-2pm
Peak
Everyday: 4pm-9pm
5.5 c/kWh3.9 c/kWh10.6 c/kWh
  • The 2023-24 ‘flat rate’ minimum feed-in tariff is 4.9 cents per kilowatt hour: The flat rate feed-in tariff applies regardless of the time of day or day of the week.
  • The 2023-24 ‘time-varying’ minimum feed-in tariffs are between 11.3 cents and 3.9 cents per kilowatt hour:

Under option 1, customers are credited between 4.4 cents and 11.3 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity exported, depending on the time of day. 

Under option 2, customers are credited between 3.9 cents and 10.6 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity exported, depending on the time of the day.

The tariffs are different for each option as the time blocks are different. The table below has more detail on the different timing blocks.

Feed-in tariffs from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023

PeriodWeekdayWeekendRate: cents per kilowatt hour (c/kWh)
Overnight10 pm to 7 am10 pm to 7 am7.1 c/kWh
Day7 am to 3 pm, 9 pm to 10 pm7 am to 10 pm5.0 c/kWh
Early Evening3 pm to 9 pmn/a6.9 c/kWh

Check out our page to learn more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in Victoria.

Victorian electricity retailers are required to offer eligible FiT customers no less than these rates for electricity exported to the grid. Electricity retailers may offer a higher rate than the regulated minimum but are not obligated to do so.

Top 2 Feed-in Tariff VIC

Top 2 Feed-in Tariff rates VIC
RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Origin4.9c20c (must purchase a solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW)
AGL4.9c15c (for the first 10kWh/day, 4.9c thereafter)

Feed-in tariff for major VIC retailers

Feed-in tariff rates for major VIC retailers
VIC MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
1st Energy4.9c9.9c
Alinta Energy4.9c4.9c
EnergyAustralia5.4c12c (for the first 15kWh/day, 5.4c thereafter)
Lumo Energy4.9c5.5c
Momentum Energy5.4c5.4c
Red Energy4.9c7.0c
Simply Energy4.9c11.0c
Tango4.9c4.9c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in Victoria

New South Wales Feed-In Tariffs

There is no set minimum feed-in tariff rate in NSW, although there is a benchmark range of 7.7 to 9.4c/kWh, according to Energy NSW.

Top 3 feed-in tariff NSW

Top 3 Feed-in Tariff rates NSW
RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Simply Energy5.5c12c
EnergyAustralia7.6c12c (first 15kWh/day, 7.6c thereafter)
Origin Energy7.0c20c (must purchase solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW)

Feed-in tariff for major NSW retailers

Feed-in Tariff rates for major NSW retailers
NSW MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
AGL5.0c15c (for first 10kWh/day, 7c/kWh thereafter)
Sumo8.0c8.1c
Alinta Energy6.7c6.7c
Momentum Energy0c7.0c
Dodo6.2c6.2c
Red Energy6.0c12.0c (first 5kWh/day, 6c thereafter)
1st Energy6.0c6.0c
CovaU Energy0c5.5c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in NSW

Energy electricity and gas comparator through Energy Matters

Queensland Feed-In Tariffs

If you live in South East Queensland, there is no mandated rate for electricity exported to the grid. Instead, electricity retailers offer competitive, market-based tariff rates.

Solar Feed-in Tariff for regional Queensland

Depending on where in the state you live, you may be qualified for one of Queensland’s two primary solar feed-in tariffs.

Regional Queensland 

Regional Queensland consumers on the Ergon Energy network have a minimum feed-in tariff rate of 13.441c/kWh, as opposed to Queenslanders who live in the state’s southeast on the Energex network. 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.

Southeast Queensland (SEQ)

Energy retailers in southeast Queensland (SEQ) are not required to adhere to any particular minimum solar feed-in tariff. Because power suppliers will compete for your business by offering a more competitive FiT, it is important to shop around for a plan with a good FiT. Don’t forget to inquire with your energy retailer directly whether there are any special solar-related great deals or offers that may not be provided elsewhere.

Top 3 Feed-in Tariff rates QLD

TOP 3 FEED IN TARIFF QLD
RETAILERSMIN SOALR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Origin Energy5.0c20c (must purchase solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW)
AGL5.0c
15.0c (for first 10kWh/day, 5.0c/kWh thereafter)
EnergyAustralia5.0c
12.0c (first 15kWh/day, 6.6c thereafter)

Feed-in Tariff for major QLD retailers

FEED IN TARIFF FOR MAJOR QLD RETAILERS
QLD MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Alinta Energy8.0c

8.0c
GloBird Energy1.0c11c (for the first 8kWh/day, 4c thereafter)
OVO Energy0c8.0c
Powershop5.0c5.0c
Red Energy1.0c8.0c (for the first 5kWh/day)
Simply Energy5.5c7.0c
1st Energy6.0c6.0c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in QLD

South Australia Feed-In Tariffs

There is no minimum FiT in South Australia. The retailer Feed-in Tariff, which is available to anyone with an eligible solar PV system, is a variable amount offered by retailers. It can change regularly due to influences such as the wholesale price of electricity and market competition.

Top 3 Feed-in Tariff SA

TOP 3 FEED IN TARIFF SA
RETAILERSMIN SOALR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Origin Energy6.0c20.0c (must purchase a solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW)
EnergyAustralia8.5c12.0c (first 15kWh/day, 8.5c thereafter)
1st Energy8.0c8.0c

Feed-in Tariff for major SA retailers

FEED IN TARIFF FOR MAJOR SA RETAILERS
SA MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
AGL5.0c15c (for first 10kWh/day, 6c/kWh thereafter)
OVO Energy0c12c
Alinta Energy8.0c8.0c
Simply Energy5.5c8c
Sumo5c8c
Energy Locals6c6c
Lumo Energy3c5.5c
Red Energy3c5.5c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in SA

Western Australia Feed-in Tariffs

The Western Australian Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) compensates for electricity exported to the grid from qualified solar PV installations, batteries, and electric vehicles.

DEBS offers export payment time. With a greater price paid for electricity exported in the late afternoon and evening when electricity demand and the wholesale cost of electricity are higher, these rates more accurately represent the cost of electricity at different times of the day.

DEBS rates for Synergy customers as of 1 July 2023:

  • Peak rates: Electricity exported between 3 pm to 9 pm earns 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh);
  • Off-peak rates: Electricity exported between 9 pm and 3 pm earns 2.75 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

DEBS rates for Synergy customers as of 1 July 2022:

  • Peak rates: Electricity exported between 3 pm to 9 pm earns 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh);
  • Off-peak rates: Electricity exported between 9 pm and 3 pm earns 2.25 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in WA

Australian Capital Territory Feed-in Tariffs

Since new applications to the ACT government’s feed-in tariff scheme closed in 2011, FiTs are no longer regulated and are set by retailers. Until recently, strict state regulations meant only a few electricity retailers wanted to operate in the ACT, leaving customers with fairly limited options. Fortunately, more retailers have entered the market allowing customers to shop around for better deals.

Top 3 Feed-in Tariff ACT

TOP 3 FEED IN TARIFF ACT
RETAILERSMIN SOALR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Origin Energy10c


20c (must purchase a solar system through Origin that’s under 7kW)
ActewAGL10c


15c (for first 15kWh/day, 11c/kWh thereafter)
EnergyAustralia7.6c


12c (first 15kWh/day, 7.6c thereafter)

Feed-in Tariff for major ACT retailers

FEED IN TARIFF FOR MAJOR ACT RETAILERS
ACT MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Energy Locals7.1c

7.1c
Amber0c6.25c (estimated based on wholesale prices)
Red Energy6.0c

6.0c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in ACT

Tasmania Feed-in Tariffs

Tasmania has historically had one of the most heavily regulated energy markets in the country. Aurora Energy was the only electricity retailer servicing homes in Tasmania until February 2019, when 1st Energy was permitted to enter the local market. Since then, several more retailers have moved to Tasmania, allowing customers to shop around for better deals.

As of July 2022, a minimum solar feed-in tariff rate was set to 8.883c/kWh in Tasmania.

As of July 2023 – 30 June 2024, the minimum feed-in tariff rate is 10.869 cents per kWh. However, some providers choose to offer more competitive rates than this.

Top Feed-in Tariff TAS

TOP FEED IN TARIFF TASMANIA
RETAILERSMIN SOALR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
1ST Energy10.87c


12.0c
Aurora Energy10.87c10.87c

Feed-in Tariff for major TAS retailers

FEED IN TARIFF FOR MAJOR TASMANIA RETAILERS
SA MAJOR RETAILERSMIN SOLAR FiTMAX SOLAR FiT
Energy Locals10.87c10.87c
CovaU Energy10.87c10.87c

Read more about the solar Feed-in Tariff in TAS

Northern Territory Feed-in Tariffs

Jacana Energy and Rimfire Energy are the only providers offering solar feed-in tariffs in the Northern Territory. 

The biggest non-government electricity supplier in the Northern Territory is called Rimfire Energy Electricity. The government owns Jacana Energy, which provides service to most residential customers in Darwin and the surrounding areas.

  • Jacana Energy: The standard feed-in tariff is 9.13 cents per kilowatt hour (incl. GST) for residential and business customers. 
  • Rimfire Energy: The feed-in tariff is 12.1 cents per kilowatt hour (incl. GST) for residential and business customers. This is higher than the standard feed-in tariff offered by Jacana Energy.

“Premium” Feed-in Tariff

The premium feed-in tariff for residential users is 28.1117 cents per kilowatt hour (including GST). 

As of July 1, 2022, customers on the Premium feed-in tariff for four years or more will transfer to the Standard feed-in tariff, which is 9.13 cents per kilowatt hour inclusive of GST. 

Read more about solar Feed-in Tariff in Northern Territory

Do solar panels need cleaning?

Australia is known for its diverse climates, ranging from arid regions to coastal areas with higher humidity levels. These environmental factors play a role in determining the extent to which solar panels require cleaning. In regions with higher levels of rainfall or near the coast where salt spray is prevalent, solar panels are more likely to self-clean to a certain degree. Rainwater helps rinse off dust, pollen, and other debris that may accumulate on the panel’s surface. However, in areas with low rainfall or heavy dust and dirt accumulation, manual cleaning may be necessary.

While the self-cleaning properties of rainwater can reduce the need for regular maintenance in some areas, it is important to note that solar panels can still accumulate stubborn dirt, bird droppings, or other contaminants that may hinder their performance. Dust particles and grime can form a layer over the panel, reducing the amount of sunlight absorbed and subsequently lowering energy production.

Additionally, bird droppings can create shading, leading to localised hotspots that can damage the panel’s cells.

Therefore, periodic cleaning is recommended, especially in regions with dry climates or areas prone to heavy soiling.

Read more about cleaning solar panels

UPDATED JANUARY 2024

Get a quick solar quote, or contact us today toll free on 1800 EMATTERS or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice!

Other Energy Matters news services: