Solar feed-in tariffs explained

Average customer rating: 4.3/5
Written by Tiana Lee-Collins
Reviewed by Meredith O'Brien
Updated 8 April 2024

Expert tips on choosing the right solar feed-in tariff for you

Our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien, has some top tips on solar feed-in tariffs and how to efficiently use solar so you can get the most out of your solar system.

Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy

Consider investing in a solar battery

solar battery allows you to store excess energy you’ve generated to use later when the sun’s not out. That way, you’re less reliant on using energy from the grid and the costs associated from it.

Monitor the balance between energy usage and your solar feed-in tariff

If you have solar power but don’t have a battery, think about monitoring how much electricity you use at night. If your usage at night costs more than your solar feed-in tariff, you may want to consider investing in a battery.

Check the energy efficiency of your appliances

Along with your solar feed-in tariff, you may lower your energy bills by using energy-efficient appliances. These appliances may cost more upfront but have lower energy usage, helping you get the most out of your solar and reduce your dependency on the grid.

All about solar feed-in tariffs

What is a solar feed-in tariff?

How do solar feed-in tariffs work?

What’s the best solar feed-in tariff?

What are the benefits of solar feed-in tariffs?

Solar feed-in tariff rates by state

Each state and territory have different solar feed-in tariff rates and rules relating to these tariffs. Therefore, the credit you receive will be offset against your electricity bill and can vary based on where you live and whether competition is available. The solar feed-in tariff also changes yearly depending on wholesale electricity prices and other influences.

Note: The solar feed-in tariff prices referenced are based on figures from the 2023-24 financial year and may be subject to change.

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

ACT

South Australia

Northern Territory

Western Australia

Tasmania

Important to know

Can I apply for a solar feed-in tariff before installing a solar PV?

Where can I view which feed-in tariff I’m on?

Are tariffs and solar rebates the same?

Will I always save money by using solar power?

What is the ‘Sun Tax’?

Will I still get a solar feed-in tariff with the ‘Sun Tax’?

Meet our Head of Energy, Meredith O’Brien

Meredith O'Brien
Head of Energy

As the Head of Energy at Compare the Market, Meredith O’Brien believes in educating Australian customers about the everchanging gas and electricity market so they can adjust their energy usage habits and get the most out of their energy plans.

Meredith has six years within the energy industry, following 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently studying a Master of Business Administration. Meredith is a dedicated customer advocate who is passionate about empowering Australians to find the right products to suit their needs by removing the confusion from comparing.

1 Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW. All day solar feed-in tariffs. Accessed August 2023.

2 Essential Services Commission. Minimum feed-in tariff review 2023-24. Accessed August 2023.

3 Queensland Government. Market feed-in tariffs in South East Queensland. Accessed August 2023.

4 Queensland Government. Solar feed-in tariff for regional Queensland. Accessed August 2023.

5 Queensland Competition Authority. Regional Queensland feed-in tariff 2023-24. Accessed August 2023.

6 ACT Government: Everyday climate choices. Solar feed-in tariff. Accessed August 2023.

7 Government of South Australia. Solar feed-in payments. Accessed August 2023.

8 Jacana Energy. Solar update: Changes to the Premium Solar feed-in tariff. Accessed August 2023.

9 The Government of Western Australia. Energy Buyback Schemes. Accessed August 2023.

10 Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator. Feed-in Tariffs. Accessed August 2023.