Navigating Australia’s solar feed-in tariff (FiT) landscape in 2026 can be complex, but understanding your options is crucial to maximising your solar investment. The direct answer to boosting your FiT earnings is to actively compare electricity retailers in your state and choose a plan that offers the best balance of high FiT rates and competitive usage/supply charges, while also strategically optimising your household’s energy consumption to prioritise self-use or battery storage over exporting cheap surplus power.
Feed-in tariffs are the credits you receive on your electricity bill for any excess solar energy your rooftop system exports back to the grid. While FiT rates have generally trended downwards due to increased solar penetration and lower wholesale electricity prices during peak solar generation hours, significant variations exist between retailers and states. In Q1 2026, the National Electricity Market (NEM) saw average wholesale spot prices at $73/MWh, a 12% year-on-year drop, though South Australia experienced a 33% increase to $88/MWh due to volatility.
Understanding the 2026 FiT Landscape
The value of your exported solar power is influenced by several factors, including:
- Wholesale Electricity Prices: Retailers base their FiT offers partly on the wholesale price of electricity. When there’s an abundance of solar in the middle of the day, wholesale prices can drop, impacting FiTs.
- Default Market Offer (DMO) and Victorian Default Offer (VDO): These are ‘safety net’ prices set by regulators (AER for NSW, SE QLD, SA; ESC for VIC) that cap what retailers can charge customers on standing offers. While not directly FiTs, they influence the overall market and competitive pricing. The DMO for 2025-26 saw price increases of up to $228 in NSW, $77 in QLD, and $71 in SA.
- Retailer Strategy: Some retailers offer higher FiTs to attract solar customers, often balancing this with slightly higher usage or daily supply charges. It’s essential to look at the total plan cost.
- Network Tariffs: Your distribution network can also influence the types of plans and tariffs available.
“In Q1 2026, NEM-wide average wholesale spot prices averaged $73/MWh, down 12% year-on-year, but South Australia told a different story. It was the only NEM region to record a year-on-year price increase, averaging $88/MWh — up 33%.”
State-by-State Retailer Comparison (May 2026)
FiT rates vary significantly across states and even within different distribution zones. Here’s a snapshot of the current situation and leading offers in competitive markets:
Victoria (VIC)
From 1 July 2025, Victoria no longer has a government-mandated minimum feed-in tariff, with retailers free to set their own rates above zero cents per kWh. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) sets the Victorian Default Offer (VDO), which increased by an average of 1% for domestic customers from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Self-consumption is significantly more valuable than exporting in Victoria, with the average electricity price around 26c/kWh, meaning self-consuming saves 18c/kWh more than exporting.
| Retailer | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ENGIE | 11c | Highest standard plan rate, typically on first 8-10 kWh/day. |
| EnergyAustralia | 8c | |
| AGL | 8c | |
| Alinta Energy | 7c | |
| Origin Energy | 5c | |
| Flow Power | Up to 45c | Wholesale spot price plan, rates can be highly volatile (and negative). |
Note: Rates are indicative as of May 2026 and subject to change. Always verify with the retailer.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW does not have a regulated minimum FiT, allowing retailers to set competitive rates. The DMO for NSW increased by 8.6% to 9.1% from July 2025.
- Retailer Offers: While specific May 2026 comparative data for NSW is dynamic, retailers like AGL, Origin Energy, and EnergyAustralia typically offer plans with FiTs ranging from 5c to 12c/kWh, often with tiered structures (e.g., a higher rate for the first 10-15 kWh exported daily, then a lower rate). Some smaller, agile retailers may offer higher initial rates as a promotional incentive.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia has no regulated minimum FiT, and retailers set their own rates, which can be as low as 0c/kWh. SA electricity prices are among the highest in Australia, averaging 36c/kWh. The DMO for SA increased by 3.2% from July 2025.
| Retailer | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Energy | 22c | Best rate on specific plans. |
| ENGIE | 10c | Max rate capped to first 8 kWh/day; 10 kW system max. |
| Alinta Energy | 9c | Max rate capped to first 10 kWh/day; 5 kW inverter max. |
| EnergyAustralia | 8c | Solar Max plan capped to first 10 kWh/day. |
Note: Rates are indicative as of May 2026 and subject to change. Always verify with the retailer.
Queensland (QLD)
In South East Queensland (Energex network), FiTs are set by retailers. In regional Queensland (Ergon network), the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets the FiT. For 2025-26, the Ergon area FiT is 8.66c/kWh, a decrease from the previous year. The QCA has estimated a draft solar FiT of 6.153 c/kWh for regional Queensland for 2026-27, a 29% reduction. The DMO for SE QLD increased by 3.7% from July 2025.
| Retailer (SE QLD) | Max FiT (c/kWh) | Key Conditions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alinta Energy | 10c | For first 10 kWh/day, then 4c/kWh. |
| AGL | 10c | For first 10 kWh/day, then 3c/kWh. |
| ENGIE | 8c | For first 8 kWh/day, then 1c/kWh. |
| EnergyAustralia | 8c | For first 10 kWh/day, then 4c/kWh. |
| GloBird Energy | 10c |
Note: Rates are indicative as of May 2026 and subject to change. Always verify with the retailer.
Western Australia (WA)
WA operates outside the NEM. Most residential solar customers in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) are on Synergy’s Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), which replaced the older REBS. Synergy’s DEBS offers a buyback rate of approximately 10c/kWh during 3pm–9pm and 2.25c/kWh during off-peak hours. Since Synergy is the dominant retailer, focus is on choosing the right Synergy plan rather than switching between multiple retailers.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania’s energy market has seen more retailers enter, but Aurora Energy remains a primary provider. The independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator sets the minimum FiT. For 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026, the minimum FiT rate is 8.782c/kWh. CovaU offers a slightly higher rate of 8.94c/kWh.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Northern Territory (NT)
- ACT: Similar to NSW, ACT retailers offer competitive FiTs, typically within the 5-10c/kWh range, often with time-of-use or tiered structures. Consider retailers like ActewAGL or Red Energy. The ACT also offers incentives like interest-free loans for batteries.
- NT: Jacana Energy, the government-owned retailer, offers a standard FiT of 9.33c/kWh. A new Super FiT rate of 18.66c/kWh applies from 3pm to 9pm daily for eligible customers, effective 1 July 2025. Rimfire Energy offers 11.0c/kWh.
Strategies to Maximise Your Solar FiT Earnings
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Prioritise Self-Consumption: With FiTs generally lower than retail electricity prices (e.g., 8c/kWh FiT vs. 28c/kWh import rate), every kWh you use directly from your solar panels saves you significantly more than exporting it. Run high-demand appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps during daylight hours when your solar system is generating. This can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
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Invest in a Home Battery: A battery allows you to store excess solar generated during the day and use it during the evening peak, reducing reliance on expensive grid power. In some states, batteries can also participate in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), potentially earning additional credits. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers significant rebates, with savings of approximately $243 per kWh for the first 14kWh of usable battery storage from May 1, 2026.
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Choose the Right Retailer and Plan: Don’t just chase the highest FiT. A plan with a high FiT but also high daily supply charges or high usage rates for grid electricity might cost you more overall. Use comparison services to evaluate the total estimated annual cost based on your specific consumption and export patterns. Look for plans with transparent terms, no hidden fees, and clear conditions on their FiT rates (e.g., whether they are tiered or promotional).
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Consider Time-Varying FiTs: Some retailers offer higher FiTs during peak evening hours (e.g., 3pm-9pm). If you have west-facing panels or a battery that can discharge during these times, a time-varying FiT could be more lucrative than a flat rate.
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Optimise System Size: While a larger system generates more, diminishing returns on exports mean that oversizing without storage can lead to more power being exported at low rates. Aim for a system size that closely matches your daytime consumption or is paired with adequate battery storage.
Bottom Line
In 2026, maximising your solar feed-in tariff earnings in Australia is less about securing an exceptionally high export rate and more about a holistic energy strategy. While some competitive FiTs of up to 22c/kWh (SA) or 11c/kWh (VIC) exist for specific plans, these often come with conditions or are balanced by other charges. The most effective approach is to prioritise self-consumption, invest in home battery storage if financially viable (leveraging federal rebates of up to ~$243/kWh for smaller batteries), and diligently compare all aspects of electricity plans – not just the FiT – to find the best overall value for your household’s unique energy profile. Regularly reviewing your plan ensures you’re not leaving money on the table as market conditions and retailer offers evolve.