For Australian homeowners with rooftop solar, understanding feed-in tariffs (FiTs) is crucial for maximising savings. In 2026, the landscape for solar FiTs continues to evolve, with rates generally lower than historic highs but still offering significant value, especially when combined with smart energy management. While top competitive plans in some states can reach up to 22 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh), the average residential FiT across Australia typically hovers between 3c and 10c/kWh.
The key takeaway for 2026 is that self-consumption of your generated solar power is consistently worth significantly more than exporting it to the grid. This is because retail electricity import rates (what you pay to buy power) are often 3 to 8 times higher than export rates (what you get paid for your solar). Therefore, while a good FiT is a valuable bonus, optimising your energy usage to align with solar production, or storing excess energy in a battery, is where the most substantial savings lie.
Understanding Solar Feed-in Tariffs in 2026
A solar feed-in tariff is a credit on your electricity bill for any surplus solar energy your system generates and sends back to the main grid. These rates are set by electricity retailers, and in some states, a minimum rate is regulated by government bodies. However, the trend across Australia is towards deregulation and lower, market-driven FiTs, particularly during midday when solar supply is abundant.
Factors influencing your FiT include your state or territory, your electricity retailer and specific energy plan, your system size, and whether you have a home battery or participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
“Feed-in tariffs across Australia have fallen to roughly 3-10c/kWh in 2026, down from historic highs of 44-66c a decade ago. Grid electricity now costs the average household 28-45c/kWh, meaning every kWh you use yourself is worth three to eight times more than a kWh you export.”
The National Landscape: Lower FiTs, Higher Self-Consumption Value
The declining value of exported solar electricity means that strategic energy use is paramount. Instead of solely chasing the highest FiT, focus on plans that offer a competitive overall package, balancing export rates with daily supply charges and usage rates. Many retailers are now offering tiered FiTs, where a higher rate applies to the first few kilowatt-hours exported daily, dropping thereafter.
Federally, the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) scheme continues to provide an upfront discount on solar PV systems. For a typical 6.6kW solar system installed in 2026, this rebate can be worth approximately $1,500 to $2,000, depending on your postcode zone and the STC market price. Additionally, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers an STC-based discount, equating to about 30% off eligible battery systems (5-100kWh), making battery storage more accessible.
State-by-State Breakdown of Solar FiTs 2026
Here’s a comparison of current solar feed-in tariffs and key considerations across Australian states and territories for 2026.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW has no regulated minimum feed-in tariff, with retailers setting their own rates. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) provides a benchmark range, which for 2026-27 is 3.4 to 6.5 c/kWh for an all-day rate, a decrease from the previous year. However, retailers are not mandated to adhere to this. Some retailers, like AGL on Standard Retail Contracts, offer 0 c/kWh from July 1, 2026, while EnergyAustralia reduced its flat rate to 3c/kWh.
Time-of-use tariffs are gaining traction, with IPART’s evening peak benchmarks significantly higher (e.g., Ausgrid 17.2 to 18.7 c/kWh between 4 pm and 9 pm).
| Retailer (Example) | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GloBird Energy | 10 | Often with daily export caps (e.g., first 8kWh) |
| Alinta Energy | 10 | Often with daily export caps (e.g., first 8kWh) |
| Origin Energy | 5.5 | Average rate, some plans may vary |
| EnergyAustralia | 3 | Flat rate as of July 1, 2026 |
| AGL (Std Contract) | 0 | For Standard Retail Contracts from July 1, 2026 |
NSW households with smart meters may also be eligible for the Solar Sharer Offer, providing up to three hours of free electricity between 11 am and 2 pm from July 1, 2026.
Victoria (VIC)
From July 1, 2025, Victoria’s Essential Services Commission (ESC) no longer sets a minimum feed-in tariff. Retailers are free to set their own rates, provided they are not below 0 c/kWh.
While the average minimum rate offered by retailers is around 0.8c/kWh for 2026/27, competitive market offers exist. Some retailers advertise rates up to 8c/kWh for the first block of daily exports. Notably, Flow Power reportedly offered up to 45c/kWh in March 2026, though such high rates are typically conditional and may have specific time-of-use or daily export caps.
| Retailer (Example) | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Power | 45 | Reported March 2026, likely conditional/time-varying |
| Origin Energy | 10 | Reported March 2026, likely conditional/time-varying |
| AGL | 10 | Reported March 2026, likely conditional/time-varying |
| EnergyAustralia | 8 | Highest maximum rate |
The ESC continues to set the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) and monitors retailer behaviour. New network tariffs are introducing “solar soak” periods (11 am-4 pm) to encourage midday energy consumption, which is now the cheapest time to use grid power. Victorian households can also access the Solar Victoria Solar Homes rebate of up to $1,400 for solar PV.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland’s FiT rates vary significantly between the deregulated South East Queensland (Energex network) and regional Queensland (Ergon network).
South East Queensland (SEQ - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast): This market is deregulated, with retailers setting their own rates, commonly ranging from 3c to 10c/kWh, often with daily export caps.
| Retailer (Example) | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Energy | 22 | Highest reported, likely specific plan/conditions |
| GloBird Energy | 10 | |
| Sumo | 8.8 | |
| Origin Energy | 8.7 |
Regional Queensland (Ergon network): The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets a mandatory rate. For the 2026-27 financial year, this rate is 6.006 c/kWh, a decrease from 8.66 c/kWh in 2025-26.
Eligible early adopters (pre-July 2012) under the Solar Bonus Scheme continue to receive a premium 44 c/kWh FiT until June 30, 2028.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia’s FiT market is deregulated, meaning retailers set their own rates, although they typically offer competitive options. SA Power Networks imposes an indirect export charge between 10 am and 4 pm, which retailers factor into their FiT offerings, though the first 9-11 kWh/day may be exempt.
| Retailer (Example) | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Energy | 22 | Highest reported, likely specific plan/conditions |
| EnergyAustralia | 8 | Capped at first 10kWh/day |
| AGL | 8 | Varies by plan, up to 8c/kWh |
| Origin Energy | 8 | Capped at first 8kWh/day |
| Red Energy | 2 | All Market Offers |
Customers who installed solar before September 30, 2011, may still receive a 44 c/kWh FiT until June 30, 2028, provided they do not significantly upgrade their system.
Western Australia (WA)
WA operates under a regulated, time-of-export FiT called the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) for Synergy customers in Perth and the south-west.
| Retailer/Scheme | FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Synergy DEBS | 10 (3pm-9pm) | Peak rate |
| 2 (9pm-3pm) | Off-peak rate |
To qualify for DEBS, your solar system’s inverter capacity must be 5kW or less, and exports are capped at 50 kWh/day. For most households, this averages out to under 3c/kWh across the day without a battery. However, batteries can significantly increase earnings by shifting exports to the higher peak rate.
Regional WA, serviced by Horizon Power, has varying rates by location, with some remote areas offering significantly higher FiTs (e.g., 55.99c peak, 16.92c off-peak).
WA also offers state battery rebates of $130/kWh for Synergy customers and $380/kWh for Horizon Power customers, which stack with federal STCs, providing substantial savings for battery installations.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT does not have a mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Competitive rates generally range between 7c and 12c/kWh. While specific retailer data for 2026 is less detailed in public searches, it’s advisable to compare offers directly with retailers like ActewAGL and other providers in the region.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania stands out with a regulated minimum feed-in tariff that is higher than most mainland states. For the 2026-27 financial year, the minimum FiT is 9.276 c/kWh, an increase of 5.6% from the previous year.
| Retailer (Example) | FiT (c/kWh) | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solstice Energy | 11 | From July 14, 2026 |
| Aurora Energy | 9.276 | Regulated minimum |
Standard FiT eligibility applies to single-phase systems up to 10kW and three-phase systems up to 30kW.
Northern Territory (NT)
For Jacana Energy customers in the NT, a Super FiT time-of-export rate is available for 2026-27, offering 18.66 c/kWh during the 3 pm-9 pm peak and 9.33 c/kWh at other times.
Beyond the FiT: Maximising Your Solar Returns
Given the general trend of lower feed-in tariffs, maximising your solar investment in 2026 means focusing on strategies that reduce your reliance on grid electricity. This involves:
- Self-Consumption: Use as much of your generated solar power as possible during the day. Run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps when your solar panels are producing. This saves you the higher retail import rate, which is far more valuable than the FiT. Consider installing a Best Home Energy Management Systems in Australia 2026: Slash Bills by $1,000+ Annually to automate this process.
- Solar Batteries: A home battery allows you to store excess solar generated during the day and use it during the evening peak, avoiding expensive grid imports. With federal and state battery rebates, a right-sized 10-14kWh system can now pay for itself in roughly 5-8 years. For more details, see our guide on 6.6kW Solar & 10kWh Battery Cost Australia 2026: Full Payback Analysis.
- Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Joining a VPP program can provide additional revenue by allowing your battery to export power to the grid during periods of high demand, earning you extra credits. Some retailers offer premium FiTs or direct payments for VPP participation. Explore how to Join a VPP in 2026: Earn Up To $1,500 Annually & Boost Grid Stability.
- Smart Energy Monitoring: Understanding your household’s energy consumption patterns is key to optimisation. Best Home Energy Monitoring Systems in Australia 2026: Unlock $1,000+ Annual Savings can provide the data you need to make informed decisions.
Choosing the Right Electricity Retailer
When comparing electricity retailers, do not solely focus on the highest advertised feed-in tariff. A plan with a high FiT might come with higher daily supply charges or usage rates, potentially costing you more overall if you consume more electricity than you export. Always consider the total value of the plan, including:
- Usage Rates: What you pay for electricity imported from the grid.
- Daily Supply Charge: A fixed daily fee.
- Feed-in Tariff: The rate you receive for exported solar.
- Any Conditional Offers: Look for caps on high FiT rates (e.g., first X kWh/day) and whether a battery or VPP participation is required.
Use independent comparison tools like the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) Energy Made Easy website to compare personalised offers based on your actual energy consumption and solar export data.
Bottom Line
In 2026, the value proposition of solar power in Australia is stronger than ever, but the focus has decisively shifted from high feed-in tariffs to maximising self-consumption and strategic energy management. While Tasmania and parts of Queensland and the NT offer some of the most generous regulated or competitive FiTs (up to 9.276 c/kWh and 18.66 c/kWh respectively, with some conditional plans reaching 22c/kWh or 45c/kWh), most states see rates between 3c and 10c/kWh.
For the average Australian solar household, the most impactful way to save is to use your own solar power first, especially during the day. Investing in a home battery and exploring Virtual Power Plant programs can further amplify these savings, turning your solar system into a more dynamic and profitable asset. Always compare the entire energy plan, not just the headline FiT, to ensure it aligns with your household’s unique energy profile.