Feed-In Tariff Australia — How Solar Export Rates Work
When your panels make more power than your home is using at that moment, the extra flows to the grid. Your retailer pays you for that exported power at a rate called the feed-in tariff, or FiT.
FiTs used to be generous — some early schemes paid 60c per kWh or more. Those days are long gone. These days, typical rates in Australia sit between 5c and 12c per kWh, depending on your retailer and location. Understanding how yours works helps make sense of the overall solar picture.
How Feed-In Tariffs Work
Every time your system generates more than your home draws, the surplus goes to the grid and your meter records it. Your retailer credits you at the FiT rate in your plan.
That credit shows up on your bill, offsetting what you imported. If you export more than you import over a billing period — common for well-sized systems on longer, sunnier days — your bill might show a credit balance. Most retailers apply it against supply charges rather than cutting a cheque.
Feed-In Tariffs in NSW
In NSW, feed-in tariffs aren't regulated. Each retailer sets their own. As of 2026, typical offers range from about 5c to 10c per kWh. Some offer a higher introductory rate for the first 12 months, then drop to a lower ongoing rate.
The NSW Government doesn't set a minimum, so it's worth comparing plans now and then. Even a small rate difference adds up if you export a decent amount of power.
How FiT Affects Your Solar Payback
A higher FiT improves returns on what you export. But even the best rate available today is lower than what you pay for grid power. A high feed-in tariff helps, but it rarely beats using your own solar. That's why self-consumption matters more for your payback than the FiT rate.
Say a household exports 4,000 kWh per year. At 6c per kWh that's $240. At 10c it's $400 — a difference of $160. Now compare self-consuming an extra 1,000 kWh per year. At 30c per kWh that saves $300. Self-consumption wins every time.
Our solar payback calculator factors in your FiT when estimating your payback period.
How to Find Your Feed-In Tariff
Your FiT should be on your electricity bill. Look for a line item called "Solar feed-in tariff" or "FiT" with a rate in cents per kWh. It's usually on the second page near the usage summary.
A common gotcha: some retailers advertise a high FiT but pair it with a higher daily supply charge or usage rate. Always check the full plan, not just the export rate. Can't find it on your bill? Call your retailer — or check your latest plan document online.
Can You Negotiate a Better FiT?
Sometimes. Some retailers will improve your rate if you call and ask — especially if you've been a customer a while or mention you're thinking of switching. The simplest way to get a better FiT though is to compare plans and switch if you find a better deal.
The Future of Feed-In Tariffs
FiTs have been trending down as more homes install solar and the grid sees more midday generation. Some networks are exploring time-varying FiTs that pay more for exports during evening peaks, when solar drops off but demand stays high. Things change — worth staying across it.
See how your FiT affects solar value
Upload a bill and we'll factor in your feed-in tariff to give you a solar estimate based on your actual rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about feed-in tariffs
What is a feed-in tariff?
A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your retailer pays you for excess solar power your system sends to the grid. Measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh).
What is the average feed-in tariff in Australia?
FiTs vary by retailer and location, but most 2026 offers fall between 5c and 12c per kWh. Some retailers offer a higher introductory rate for the first year, then drop to a lower ongoing rate.
What is the feed-in tariff in NSW?
NSW FiTs aren't regulated — each retailer sets their own. Typical offers in 2026 range from about 5c to 10c per kWh, depending on the retailer and plan. Comparing offers can make a real difference.
Is it worth shopping around for a better feed-in tariff?
Can be, especially if you export a lot. A difference of 3c per kWh on 4,000 kWh of annual exports works out to $120 a year. That said, self-consumption still matters more for most households than the FiT rate.
Can my feed-in tariff change?
Yes. Retailers can change FiT rates, typically with notice. Some plans guarantee a fixed rate for a set period, others are variable. Worth checking your plan terms and reviewing your rate periodically.
Related guides
This guide is for informational purposes only. Feed-in tariff rates change over time and vary by retailer. Check your current plan for your specific rate.