The Shifting Value of Solar Exports in 2026
For Australian households with rooftop solar, securing the highest possible feed-in tariff (FiT) is no longer the primary driver of savings. In 2026, the strategy has decisively shifted towards self-consumption — using your own solar power to avoid purchasing expensive grid electricity. Standard feed-in tariffs now typically range from 3c to 10c per kWh, while the average cost of importing electricity from the grid can be as high as 30-45c/kWh. This price gap means the greatest value from your solar system comes from using the energy you generate yourself.
However, choosing a retailer with a competitive feed-in tariff remains a crucial part of maximising the return on your solar investment, as most systems will still export surplus energy to the grid. The highest rates are often found on plans with specific conditions, such as daily export caps or time-of-use pricing.
The era of high feed-in tariffs encouraged grid export. Now, the smarter strategy is grid independence through self-consumption. This fundamentally changes how solar systems deliver value to homeowners.
This guide provides a detailed state-by-state comparison of the best solar feed-in tariffs available to Australian consumers in 2026, helping you navigate the complex market and make an informed decision.
State-by-State Solar Feed-in Tariff Comparison
Feed-in tariff rates and regulations vary significantly across Australia. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in your state or territory.
New South Wales (NSW)
There is no mandatory minimum feed-in tariff in NSW. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) provides a benchmark range, which for 2025-26 is 4.8c to 7.2c/kWh. However, retailers are free to set their own rates. Some network distributors have also introduced a ‘sun tax’ on midday exports, while rewarding exports in the late afternoon.
| Retailer | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Engie | 10c | - |
| Alinta Energy | 10c | - |
| GloBird Energy | 10c | - |
| AGL (Solar Savers) | 8c | Higher rate for the first 10kWh exported daily, then 4c/kWh. |
| EnergyAustralia (Solar Max) | 8c | Higher rate for the first 10kWh exported daily, then 4c/kWh. |
Victoria (VIC)
As of 1 July 2025, the Essential Services Commission (ESC) no longer sets a minimum feed-in tariff in Victoria. Retailers can now set their own rates, which cannot be below zero. The market has shifted towards time-varying tariffs, rewarding households that can export power during evening peaks, a strategy that pairs well with home batteries. For those on a flat rate, the average minimum is around 1.1c/kWh.
| Retailer | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Power | 45c | Time-of-use rates apply. |
| ENGIE | 11c | - |
| Origin Energy | 10c | - |
| Alinta Energy | 10c | - |
| EnergyAustralia | 8c | - |
| AGL | 8c | - |
Queensland (QLD)
The Queensland market is split into two distinct zones. In South East Queensland (Energex network), there is no regulated minimum FiT, and retailers offer competitive market rates. In regional Queensland (Ergon network), the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets the rate, which is 8.66c/kWh for the 2025-26 financial year.
| Retailer (South East QLD) | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| ENGIE | 12c | May be capped to a daily export limit. |
| Alinta Energy | 10c | Higher rate for the first 10kWh exported daily. |
| AGL | 10c | Capped at first 8kWh per day on some plans. |
| GloBird Energy | 10c | - |
South Australia (SA)
South Australia has no mandated minimum feed-in tariff. Due to the high penetration of rooftop solar, daytime export rates are generally low, with some retailers introducing time-of-use tariffs or even charges for exporting during periods of grid congestion. The focus here is heavily on self-consumption and battery storage. To get the most from your system, consider looking into Best Solar Panel & Home Battery Financing Options in Australia 2026: Loans, PPAs & Green Mortgages Explained.
| Retailer | Maximum FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| ENGIE | 7.0c (average) | - |
| Alinta Energy | 6.0c (average) | - |
| EnergyAustralia | 5.5c (average) | - |
| CovaU | 5.5c (average) | - |
Western Australia (WA)
For customers in Perth and the south-west (Synergy network), the feed-in tariff is delivered through the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). This scheme uses a time-of-use structure to incentivise exporting power when the grid needs it most.
- Peak (3pm to 9pm): 10c/kWh
- Off-peak (9pm to 3pm): 2c/kWh
This structure strongly encourages households to install a battery to store midday solar energy for export during the lucrative evening peak. For those in regional WA on the Horizon Power network, rates can be significantly higher.
Tasmania (TAS)
The Tasmanian Economic Regulator sets the minimum feed-in tariff annually. For the 2025-26 financial year, the rate is 8.782c/kWh. While Aurora Energy is the primary retailer, other providers have entered the market, so it is worth comparing full plan details.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT market largely follows the trends seen in NSW, with no set minimum FiT. Retailers offer competitive market rates, often with capped ‘solar booster’ style plans that provide a higher rate for an initial daily export amount. Rates typically range from 4c to 10c/kWh.
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT offers some of Australia’s highest feed-in tariffs. Government-owned retailer Jacana Energy offers a standard FiT of 9.33c/kWh. More significantly, they also offer a ‘Super FiT’ of 18.66c/kWh for energy exported during the peak evening period of 3pm to 9pm, providing a strong incentive for battery storage.
Maximising Your Solar Savings: Beyond the Feed-in Tariff
While finding a good feed-in tariff is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing an electricity plan. A high FiT can sometimes be paired with higher daily supply and usage charges, negating the benefits.
- Prioritise Self-Consumption: The most valuable kilowatt-hour is the one you don’t have to buy. Shift your energy usage to the middle of the day to use your solar power directly. Running appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps during peak sunshine hours can drastically reduce your bills.
- Consider a Home Battery: With FiTs declining and time-of-use tariffs becoming more common, home batteries are increasingly viable. They allow you to store cheap daytime solar energy for use during expensive evening peaks. This strategy is particularly effective in states like WA and the NT with time-varying export rates. Explore your options in our guide to Australia’s New Tiered Home Battery Rebates (Post-May 2026): Your State-by-State Eligibility Guide.
- Choose the Right Installer: A quality installation is key to a high-performing system. Ensure you select a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer. For more details, read our guide on How to Choose a Solar Installer in Australia 2026: Accreditation, Warranties & Avoiding Scams.
The Federal Rebate (STCs)
It’s important to remember that the upfront cost of a solar system is significantly reduced by the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This scheme provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to new solar owners, which are sold to offset the installation cost. In 2026, this rebate can reduce the cost of a typical 6.6kW system by around $2,000 to $2,500. The value of STCs fluctuates but is capped at $40.
Bottom Line
In 2026, the best solar feed-in tariffs are typically conditional, offered as part of a tiered structure or a time-of-use plan. While retailers like ENGIE, Alinta Energy, and Flow Power offer some of the highest headline rates, the best plan for you depends entirely on your energy usage patterns and export habits.
The smartest financial strategy for solar owners is to maximise self-consumption. By using your own solar power, you save at the much higher retail electricity rate. A feed-in tariff should be viewed as a secondary benefit. Always compare the entire electricity plan—including usage rates and daily supply charges—not just the FiT, to find the best overall value for your household.