If you own solar panels in New South Wales, understanding how feed-in tariffs (FiTs) work is key to getting the best value from your system. Unlike some states with regulated minimum rates, NSW operates a retailer-based system where payments for exported solar electricity vary significantly depending on your energy plan.
⚡ What Is a Feed-In Tariff?
A solar feed-in tariff is the payment you receive from your electricity retailer for excess solar electricity that your system exports to the grid. When your solar panels generate more energy than you use, this surplus can be credited back to you — typically as a cents-per-kWh credit on your electricity bill.
➡️ It’s important to remember that feed-in tariffs in NSW are not guaranteed by law — retailers set their own rates, and they do not have to match government benchmarks.
📊 NSW Feed-In Tariff Benchmarks (2025–26)
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) publishes recommended feed-in tariff ranges each year to help consumers understand reasonable values, but these aren’t mandatory:
🔹 Flat-rate benchmark: ~4.8 – 7.3 c/kWh for exported solar energy in 2025–26.
This range reflects forecast wholesale electricity prices at typical solar export times.
IPART also provides time-of-day benchmarks that can show higher values during peak grid demand hours, but most plans in NSW today are simple flat rates.
🏷️ What Retailers Actually Pay (2026 Market)
Because there’s no regulated minimum in NSW, feed-in tariffs vary widely depending on the energy retailer and plan you choose. Typical rates seen on the market include:
✔ Common Flat-Rate FiTs
- Standard retail rates: ~4.8 – 7 c/kWh for exported energy
- Boosted or promotional rates: Some retailers offer up to 8 – 10 c/kWh under specific conditions (e.g., first X kWh exported per day)
✔ Time-of-Export Rates
A few plans offer time-dependent FiTs, where:
- Peak evening exports can be valued 8 – 15 c/kWh
- Midday exports often pay less (e.g., 2 – 4 c/kWh)
📌 Time-of-export tariffs reward energy delivered during times when the grid most needs it — often best suited to systems with battery storage.
🧠 So What’s a “Good” Feed-In Tariff in NSW?
Because retailers have flexibility:
✔ Typical basic retail FiTs now fall around 4 – 6 c/kWh in NSW
✔ Better deals with promotional or capped rates may go 8 – 10 c/kWh
✔ Time-dependent or VPP-linked tariffs can go higher, but terms vary widely
An average FiT on the market in early 2026 sits near 4 c/kWh, with the highest widely available flat rates about 5 c/kWh in some retailer plans.
📌 Export Payments vs Self-Consumption
While feed-in tariffs help you get paid for exported solar, they are typically much lower than the cost of grid electricity (often 25-40 c/kWh or more). This means:
✔ Using solar energy yourself (self-consumption) usually saves more than exporting it.
✔ Pairing solar with a battery lets you store excess energy and use it during high-cost periods, boosting overall savings more than relying solely on FiTs.
📅 Plan Structures That Affect Feed-In Value
In NSW, FiT value depends on your plan type:
📍 Flat Feed-In Tariffs
- One rate for every kWh exported
- Simple and predictable
📍 Tiered Feed-In Tariffs
Some plans pay a higher rate for the first block of exported energy (e.g., first 8–10 kWh per day), then a lower default rate thereafter.
📍 Time-Of-Export / Time-Of-Use Tariffs
- Different FiTs based on when you export energy
- Can reward exports during evening peak periods
- Often paired with smart meters or battery systems
🔄 Tips for NSW Solar Owners
✔ Compare retail FiT offers: Not all tariffs are the same — check plan details and conditions.
✔ Assess usage vs export: Save more by using your own solar rather than exporting at low rates.
✔ Consider battery storage: Batteries boost solar use at peak rates and can unlock time-based export bonuses.
✔ Check eligibility: Some feed-in bonuses come with conditions like system size limits or export caps.
📞 How Arise Solar Helps You Maximise Feed-In Value
At Arise Solar, we support NSW homeowners to:
✔ Compare current feed-in tariff offers across retailers
✔ Design solar + battery systems that prioritise self-consumption
✔ Match your energy plan to your generation and export profile
✔ Install systems with Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA)-accredited professionals
Contact us today to explore the best feed-in options and solar system design for your NSW home!
