Best Solar Feed-in Tariffs Australia 2026
Compare solar feed-in tariff rates across Australian states. See what you can earn for exporting excess solar to the grid.
Feed-in tariff rates across Australia typically range from 3 to 10c per kWh in 2026. Rates have declined from historic highs as solar adoption increases. The best strategy is to maximise self-consumption rather than chase the highest FiT rates.
Data updated 1 October 2026
Feed-in tariff rates by state
- New South Wales1c to 29c
1,894 plans, 12 retailers
No mandatory minimum. Rates vary significantly between retailers.
- Victoria0c to 15c
1,941 plans, 16 retailers
No minimum since 1 July 2025: the Essential Services Commission (ESC) no longer sets one.
- Queensland1c to 28c
784 plans, 12 retailers
Regional QLD (Ergon network) has a QCA-set rate: 6.006c/kWh for 2026-27.
- South Australia1c to 27c
338 plans, 13 retailers
Rates have dropped significantly due to high solar penetration.
- Tasmania9c to 11c
27 plans, 2 retailers
Aurora Energy is the main retailer with fixed rates.
- Australian Capital Territory3c to 12c
379 plans, 5 retailers
Limited retailer competition in the territory.
- Western Australia2c to 10c
3 plans, 2 retailers
Government-set DEBS rates: 10c peak (3pm to 9pm), 2c off-peak. Not in the NEM.
Rates sourced from the AER Consumer Data Right API. Last updated: 1 October 2026
Don't chase the highest rate. A high feed-in tariff often comes with higher supply and usage charges. Compare the total plan cost, not just the export rate.
Enter your postcode to see the full pictureWhat are you really earning?
Enter your postcode to see how your feed-in tariff compares to what you pay for electricity.
Federal battery rebate: about $3,610 on a 14 kWh battery. Free, no obligation.
Maximising your solar value
Self-consumption is more valuable
Using your own solar (saving 30c/kWh) beats exporting (earning 5c/kWh). Shift loads to daytime.
Time-of-export tariffs
Some retailers pay more for exports during peak demand periods (4pm to 9pm). Check if yours does.
Compare total plan value
A high FiT with high usage rates may cost more than low FiT with low usage rates.
Consider a battery
If FiT is below 5c, storing excess solar for evening use often makes more financial sense.
Frequently asked questions
What is a feed-in tariff?
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for excess solar energy you export to the grid. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus is sent to the grid and you receive a credit on your electricity bill.
What is the average feed-in tariff in Australia?
In 2026, feed-in tariff rates across Australia typically range from 3 to 10 cents per kWh. Victoria's regulated minimum ended on 30 June 2025, so in most states rates are market-based and vary by retailer. Rates have declined from historic highs as solar adoption has increased.
Is a high feed-in tariff better than self-consumption?
No. Self-consumption is almost always more valuable. When you use your own solar, you save around 30c/kWh (your usage rate). When you export, you only earn 3 to 10c/kWh. This means using your own solar is worth 3 to 6 times more than exporting it.
Should I get a battery if my feed-in tariff is low?
If your feed-in tariff is below 5c/kWh, a battery can help you capture more value from your solar by storing excess energy for evening use. With rebates available in most states, batteries are becoming more cost-effective.
How feed-in tariffs work
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the excess is automatically exported to the electricity grid. Your retailer pays you a feed-in tariff (FiT) for this exported energy.
FiT vs usage rate
It's important to compare the total value of an energy plan, not just the FiT rate. A plan with a high FiT (10c) but high usage rate (35c) may cost more than a plan with lower FiT (5c) but lower usage rate (28c), depending on your consumption patterns.
Key points
- Rates vary by retailer
- Different retailers offer different FiT rates, even in the same state.
- Rates are not regulated everywhere
- Victoria's ESC minimum ended on 30 June 2025. Regional Queensland has a QCA-set rate of 6.006c/kWh for 2026-27.
- Self-consumption is more valuable
- Using your own solar (saving 30c/kWh) is worth more than exporting (5c/kWh).
- Time-varying rates exist
- Some retailers pay more during peak demand periods.
- No FiT on batteries
- Electricity discharged from batteries typically doesn't earn FiT.
A low feed-in tariff is a reason to look at a battery
If your feed-in tariff is low, a battery might help you use more of your own solar. See your rebate eligibility.