South-East Queensland (SEQ) households with rooftop solar systems are currently navigating a challenging market for their exported energy, with recent data revealing a median solar feed-in tariff (FiT) of just 2 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh) from retailers as of early November 2026. While some market offers reach up to 10c/kWh with conditions, the prevailing rates highlight the increasing importance of self-consumption for solar owners in the region.
Unlike regional Queensland, where the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets a regulated minimum FiT (currently 6.006 c/kWh for the 2026-27 financial year), the South-East Queensland electricity market, serviced by the Energex network, is deregulated. This means electricity retailers are free to set their own rates for solar exports, leading to significant variability and generally lower returns for customers.
“In South-East Queensland (the Energex network, which covers Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast), there’s no regulated minimum at all. Retailers set their own rates in a competitive market, so what you’re paid depends entirely on your plan, and the headline rate often comes with a daily export cap that limits how much you actually earn.”
The latest figures, verified as of 2 November 2026, indicate that while a median of 2c/kWh is common, the highest generally available open-ended plans offer around 5c/kWh. Some capped plans from retailers like Alinta Energy and GloBird Energy can offer 10c/kWh for the first 8 kilowatt-hours exported per day, before dropping to a lower rate, typically 2c/kWh or 3c/kWh, for subsequent exports.
This landscape means that for many SEQ solar owners, the financial incentive for exporting excess electricity to the grid is minimal. With the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid averaging around 27.3c/kWh in Queensland, using solar power directly within the home is now roughly 13 times more valuable than exporting it at the median FiT.
Maximising Value in a Low FiT Environment
The declining feed-in tariffs underscore a critical shift in how solar households can best maximise their savings. The focus has moved from simply exporting as much as possible to prioritising self-consumption – using the solar energy generated on-site rather than sending it to the grid. Strategies for achieving this include:
- Time-shifting energy use: Running high-consumption appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps during daylight hours when solar panels are actively generating electricity.
- Investing in home battery storage: A home battery allows households to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during the evening peak, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity when prices are highest. This is becoming increasingly attractive, especially with federal incentives still available, though reducing from January 1, 2027.
- Smart energy management systems: These systems can automate appliance usage based on solar generation and electricity pricing, optimising self-consumption.
For those considering a new solar installation, understanding these current FiT rates is crucial for an accurate financial assessment. The payback period and overall savings are heavily influenced by a household’s ability to self-consume its generated power. For guidance on system sizing and costs, refer to our comprehensive guide: How Much Does a 6.6kW Solar System Cost in Australia in 2026? Your State-by-State Guide to Prices & Rebates.
Retailer Offers: A Snapshot (South-East Queensland, November 2026)
While the market is fluid, here’s a snapshot of some current offers for solar exports in South-East Queensland:
| Retailer | FiT Rate (c/kWh) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Alinta Energy | 10 | For first 8 kWh/day, then 2c/kWh |
| GloBird Energy | 10 | For first 8 kWh/day, then 3c/kWh |
| Origin Energy | 12 | Daily capped, specific plans |
| Origin Energy | 28 | Peak-window (4pm-9pm) with battery (Battery Starter plan) |
| Ergon Energy | 6.006 | Regional QLD regulated rate (for comparison) |
Note: Rates are subject to change and may vary based on specific plans, eligibility criteria, and export limits. Always check with your retailer for the most up-to-date information. Many retailers also offer plans with no feed-in tariff at all, or rates as low as 0-3c/kWh.
Given the diverse offerings, South-East Queensland residents are strongly encouraged to actively compare electricity plans to find one that best suits their solar generation and consumption patterns. Tools and guides are available to assist in this process: Compare Electricity Retailers 2026: Unlock $150+ Annual Savings in Australia.
The trend of lower FiTs also makes the case for home battery storage more compelling. By storing excess solar for later use, households can significantly reduce their grid imports, particularly during expensive peak times. For a detailed analysis on battery economics, see: Is a Home Battery Worth It in 2026? Unlocking $1000s in Savings for Your Existing Solar.
As Australia’s energy transition progresses, the value of solar will increasingly be realised through smart energy management and storage solutions rather than high export payments.