Big Aus
Updated 27 April 2026

Solar feed-in tariffs in New South Wales

What NSW households get paid for surplus solar exported back to the grid in 2026. Market structure, typical rates, time-of-use bands, and the grandfathered schemes still in effect.

Market structure
Fully deregulated (retailer-set)
Typical 2026 rate
4–8 c/kWh single-rate (2026)

How NSW's feed-in tariff market works

NSW retailers set their own feed-in tariffs. There is no regulated minimum. IPART publishes an annual benchmark range each financial year as a guide for consumers, but retailers are not required to meet it.

Time-of-use feed-in tariffs

Some retailers offer time-varying FiTs that pay more during evening peak when wholesale prices are highest. Worth comparing if you have a battery that can shift export timing.

Legacy scheme: Solar Bonus Scheme (closed)

Headline rate: 60 c/kWh. Closed to new connections on 31 December 2016. Customers who connected before that date have already been moved off the scheme.

What's actually worth chasing

FiTs are usually bundled with usage rates — a high FiT is often paired with a high usage rate, so net impact depends on your import/export ratio.

Authoritative sources

Rates change annually. For current numbers, go directly to the source.

Considering a battery for NSW?

Battery economics depend heavily on your FiT — the lower your export rate, the more valuable a battery becomes. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate steps down 19% on 1 May 2026.

NSW solar battery rebate breakdown

Get FiT updates when rates change

Most state regulators publish new annual benchmarks in May–June. We'll email you when there's a real update — no filler.