Solar Feed-In Tariffs in Australia (2026): State-by-State Guide

What Is a Solar Feed-In Tariff?

A solar feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your energy retailer pays you for excess electricity your rooftop solar system exports to the grid. When your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the surplus flows into the network and you receive a credit on your bill at the feed-in tariff rate.

Feed-in tariffs in Australia are set by individual retailers (not the government, except in some states with mandated minimums). This means the rate varies significantly between retailers and states.

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Solar Feed-In Tariff Rates by State (2026)

State	Mandated minimum (c/kWh)	Typical retailer range (c/kWh)	Best available
NSW	None	5–10c	10–14c (premium plans)
VIC	4.9c	6–13c	Up to 15c (VDO)
QLD	None	6–10c	10–12c
SA	None	6–10c	Up to 14c
WA	2.25c (Synergy)	2.25–7c	7c
TAS	9.836c (Aurora)	9.836c	9.836c
ACT	None	6–10c	Up to 12c

Rates are indicative for 2026. Always confirm the current rate with your retailer before signing up.

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Which Retailers Offer the Best Solar Feed-In Tariffs?

Based on current market data, the retailers offering the most competitive solar feed-in tariff rates include:

• GloBird Energy (VIC): Up to 13c/kWh — consistently among the best in Victoria
• Tango Energy (VIC): 8–12c/kWh — strong FiT with competitive usage rates
• OVO Energy (NSW, VIC, QLD): 8–12c/kWh — tech-forward with good solar plans
• Simply Energy (NSW, VIC, SA): 6–10c/kWh — competitive in SA and VIC
• Red Energy (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT): 6–8c/kWh — reliable and trusted

Compare solar plans by state →

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How to Maximise Your Solar Feed-In Earnings

1. Choose the right plan

Not all solar plans are created equal. Compare both the feed-in tariff rate and the usage rate — a plan with a high FiT but also a high usage rate may not save you as much as a plan with a slightly lower FiT and a lower usage rate.

2. Increase self-consumption

The most valuable use of your solar electricity is to use it yourself rather than export it. The typical retail rate you avoid paying is 27–35c/kWh — much higher than the 6–13c/kWh FiT you receive for exports.

To increase self-consumption:

• Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer during daylight hours
• Pre-heat or pre-cool your home using solar power before peak periods
• Consider a home battery to store excess solar for evening use

3. Review your FiT annually

Solar feed-in tariff rates change. Retailers review their solar plan offerings regularly, and better deals may become available. Review your solar plan at least once a year.

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State-by-State Solar Guide

New South Wales

NSW does not have a government-mandated FiT minimum, so rates are entirely set by retailers. The competitive retail market means some NSW retailers offer strong FiT rates. Always compare.

Compare solar plans in NSW →

Victoria

Victoria has the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) which sets a minimum FiT rate. Some Victorian retailers — particularly GloBird Energy and Tango Energy — offer rates well above the minimum.

Compare solar plans in Victoria →

Queensland

QLD has no mandated FiT minimum, but the competitive market means retailers often offer attractive rates. Households on the Energex network (south-east QLD) have the most choice.

Compare solar plans in QLD →

South Australia

SA has high electricity rates but also some of the best solar conditions in the world. A competitive FiT in SA can make a significant difference to your bill.

Compare solar plans in SA →

Western Australia

WA's electricity market is less competitive due to the dominance of Synergy. The government-set FiT minimum is 2.25c/kWh, though some alternative retailers offer more.

Compare solar plans in WA →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a higher solar feed-in tariff always mean a better deal?

Not necessarily. You should consider the complete plan — usage rate, supply charge, and FiT together. A plan with a slightly lower FiT but a significantly lower usage rate may save you more overall, especially if your household has high electricity consumption.

Can I negotiate a better solar feed-in tariff rate?

In most cases, retailers have set plans. You can shop around and switch to a retailer with a better FiT rate. Some retailers have premium solar plans with higher FiT rates in exchange for a higher usage rate or supply charge.

What happens to my solar FiT if I switch electricity retailers?

When you switch retailers, you will be placed on the new retailer's solar plan with their published FiT rate. Your solar system continues operating normally — switching does not affect the hardware or performance of your system.

Is the solar FiT the same all day?

Some retailers offer flat FiT rates, while others offer different rates at different times of day (time-varying FiT). If you can export more solar during peak periods, a time-varying FiT can be very valuable.