Solar feed-in tariffs in Australia, state by state
Most Australian feed-in tariffs are now set by individual retailers, not regulators — so what you get paid for exporting solar varies wildly by state, retailer and time of day. Here's how each market actually works.
What is a feed-in tariff?
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for surplus solar power your system exports back to the grid. It's a line item on your electricity bill — exports earn the FiT, imports cost the usage rate. Net bill = (imports × usage rate) + supply charge − (exports × FiT).
In 2010 most states had generous regulated FiTs of 40–60 c/kWh designed to bootstrap the residential solar market. Those schemes are now closed or winding down. In 2026, typical retailer FiTs sit at 3–10 c/kWh — well below the 25–35 c/kWh you pay for electricity from the grid. That asymmetry is why batteries (which let you self-consume your solar instead of exporting it cheaply) increasingly make economic sense.
Three market structures across Australia
- Fully deregulated (NSW, QLD SEQ, SA, ACT) — retailers set their own FiTs with no regulated floor. Comparison shopping matters; differences of 2–4 c/kWh between retailers are common.
- Deregulated with regulated minimum (VIC) — Essential Services Commission sets a floor each financial year; retailers must offer at least that. Some retailers offer above the floor for competitive positioning.
- Single-retailer regulated (TAS, NT, WA, regional QLD) — one main retailer with a regulated rate set annually by the state regulator. Limited or no competition on FiT.
Time-of-use FiTs are increasingly common
As more solar is installed, midday wholesale electricity prices have collapsed (sometimes negative). Several retailers and one state-level scheme (WA's DEBS) now pay higher FiTs during the 3 pm–9 pm evening peak when wholesale prices are highest. If you have a battery that can shift export timing from midday to evening, time-of-use FiTs can double or quadruple your effective export rate.
Grandfathered legacy schemes
Most states ran early Premium FiT schemes between 2009 and 2012 paying 40–60 c/kWh — many of these are still in effect for original-cohort customers. Each state's page below has the relevant scheme details and the wind-down timeline.
By state
- New South WalesNSWDeregulated2026 typical: 4–8 c/kWh single-rate (2026)Full breakdown
- VictoriaVICDeregulated + minimum2026 typical: Minimum tracks ~3 c/kWh single-rate; retailer offers 4–7 c/kWh (2025–26)Full breakdown
- QueenslandQLDDeregulated2026 typical: SEQ: 4–10 c/kWh from retailers; regional Ergon: 5–6 c/kWh regulated (2025–26)Full breakdown
- South AustraliaSADeregulated2026 typical: 4–8 c/kWh single-rate (2026)Full breakdown
- Western AustraliaWASingle-retailer regulated2026 typical: DEBS: 10 c/kWh peak (3 pm–9 pm), 2.25 c/kWh off-peak (2025–26)Full breakdown
- Australian Capital TerritoryACTDeregulated2026 typical: 6–10 c/kWh single-rate (2026)Full breakdown
- TasmaniaTASRegulated2026 typical: ~8.4 c/kWh single-rate (2025–26)Full breakdown
- Northern TerritoryNTSingle-retailer regulated2026 typical: ~8.3 c/kWh for newer connections (2024–25 rate, expect updates)Full breakdown
The federal solar battery rebate drops 19% on 1 May 2026
Low FiTs make batteries more economic — every kWh you self-consume is worth ~30 c saved versus 3–10 c earned exporting. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate steps down on 1 May 2026. Comparison by battery size:
Federal solar battery rebate breakdownGet FiT updates when rates change
State regulators publish new annual benchmarks in May–June. We'll email you when there's a real update.