Solar feed‑in tariffs (FiTs) are payments you receive when your home solar system exports excess electricity back into the grid. In the Northern Territory (NT), these rates are set by local electricity providers and help you earn money or bill credits on top of reducing your energy costs.
NT feed‑in tariffs apply to solar systems connected to the grid and generally for systems sized up to 30 kW.
Current Feed‑In Tariff Rates in the NT
Feed‑in tariffs in the NT have changed over the years and today include different options depending on the provider and time of export:
📍 Standard Anytime Feed‑In Tariff
· Around 9.3 ¢ per kWh for electricity exported to the grid outside peak hours.
🌅 New “Super FiT” (from 1 July 2025)
· A higher rate of approximately 18.66 ¢ per kWh applies only during peak export hours (3 pm – 9 pm).
The peak Super FiT aims to encourage homeowners to export solar energy during high‑demand times, which can help balance the grid.
Who Offers Feed‑In Tariffs in NT
In the Northern Territory, there are primarily two retailers that offer solar feed‑in tariffs:
· Jacana Energy – the main government‑owned retailer serving most residential customers in Darwin and surrounding areas, offering both standard and peak FiT rates.
· Rimfire Energy – a non‑government provider with its own standard feed‑in tariff, often slightly higher than Jacana’s base rate (around 11 ¢ per kWh, depending on plan).
Comparing tariff offers can help you choose the plan that best maximises your solar returns.
How NT Feed‑In Tariffs Affect Your Solar Savings
Since NT feed‑in tariffs are not as high as some older premium schemes of the past, many householders choose to use as much solar power at home as possible before exporting it. This strategy increases overall savings because:
✔ You consume more of your own clean energy instead of buying from the grid. ✔ Higher Super FiT rates during peak hours add value when exporting electricity. ✔ Batteries paired with solar can store excess energy for use when FiTs are low.
Even with modest rates, solar systems in the NT still pay off over time due to strong sunshine levels and lower grid electricity purchases — making solar a worthwhile investment.
A Bit of NT Feed‑In Tariff History
The NT once offered a very generous “premium” feed‑in tariff of up to 26 ¢ per kWh, which helped drive early solar adoption. However, this tariff closed to new installations in April 2020 as installation costs fell and national electricity market reforms took effect.
Today’s FiT reflects the value of electricity exported to the grid rather than a high incentive.
Tips to Maximise Your Solar Value in NT
Use solar power during daylight hours — self‑consumption saves more than small feed‑in rates. Consider adding a battery — store unused solar energy for evening use or peak FiT export. Compare tariff plans — check if Rimfire Energy’s offer suits your export patterns better than Jacana’s. Monitor your export patterns — peak FiT is most valuable in late afternoon to early evening.
By combining smart usage with the right tariff plan, you can maximise your solar investment in the NT.
Conclusion – Solar Feed‑In Tariffs in the NT
Solar feed‑in tariffs in the Northern Territory are a valuable part of your solar earnings, even if they’re lower than older premium schemes. With a standard rate of around 9.3 ¢/kWh and a new peak Super FiT of about 18.66 ¢/kWh during high‑demand times, Territorians can still benefit financially from exporting excess solar energy. Pairing solar with increased self‑consumption or battery storage helps maximise savings and supports long‑term value from your solar system.