Solar Feed-in Tariffs in Queensland, 2026: Rates, Caps and Conditions

Choose on cap, window and eligibility before the headline rate. A higher rate on fewer kWh can earn less than a lower rate with a bigger cap, and a large system can pass a daily cap on a sunny day. Peak rates pay only inside their hours. Check installer, system size and smart meter rules before you apply. Limits on what you can send to the grid also vary, so see solar export limits by state.

Brisbane is in South East Queensland, where retailers set their own rates and there is no regulated minimum. Every plan in the table above is on this network. Your address decides your network, so check it first. To compare other states, see NSW, SA and Victoria, or the feed-in tariffs overview.

Regional Queensland and the QCA rate

Regional Queensland gets a mandatory QCA rate each year. The 2026-27 rate of 6.006c/kWh is about 31% lower than 8.660c in 2025-26, reflecting lower energy costs and more solar export data from digital meters. The QCA says customers should not expect it to stay the same.

The 44c Solar Bonus Scheme

The 44c scheme is closed to new customers. Existing recipients keep it until 1 July 2028 if they stay eligible. You lose it if you move house, increase inverter capacity, add panels beyond inverter capacity, or use a battery or other generator while the system operates, unless it has a separate connection. Ask your electricity distributor first. Read what happens when the scheme ends.

Peak-window plans pay their rate only inside set hours, which suits battery owners: Origin Battery Starter at 28c/kWh (4pm to 9pm), AGL Three for Free at 15c (5pm to 9pm) and GloBird FOUR4FREE at 8c (4pm to 11pm). Panels produce little in the evening, so these windows mostly reward stored energy. Check each plan's conditions before you buy a battery for it. See VPP versus feed-in tariff, virtual power plants and home batteries.

A high feed-in tariff is not worth it if the rest of the plan costs more. The rate pays only on what you export, while usage and supply charges apply to everything you buy. Each kWh you use yourself avoids your usage rate, so when that rate is above your feed-in rate, using solar at home is worth more than exporting it. Compare QLD electricity plans on total cost, not just the export rate.

Your new retailer arranges the switch, and it happens at your next meter read, which could be up to three months away.

1. Get the Basic Plan Information Document for the plan and check its eligibility rules.
2. Check exit fees with your current retailer, whether prices can change, and any concessions.
3. Know your cooling-off rights. For a new electricity contract you have 10 business days to withdraw, counted from when you receive the contract information (National Energy Retail Rules, rule 47).
4. Contact the new retailer with the plan name and plan ID.
5. Ask for an earlier meter read if you want to switch sooner. A fee may apply.