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The Queensland Solar Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is a government-supported initiative that allows eligible homeowners and small businesses to receive credit for the excess electricity generated by their rooftop solar systems and exported back into the electricity grid. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting clean energy adoption, reducing energy bills, and supporting the state’s commitment to renewable energy targets.
As of July 2024, the regulated feed-in tariff for regional Queensland (customers in the Ergon Energy distribution area) has been set at 12.952 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate applies from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 and is determined annually by the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA). In South East Queensland (Energex network), where electricity prices are deregulated, solar feed-in tariff rates are set by individual energy retailers and can vary significantly, typically ranging from around 5 to 13 cents per kWh depending on the provider and the customer’s plan.
To be eligible for a feed-in tariff, your solar PV system must be grid-connected, under 100 kW in capacity, and installed in accordance with relevant electrical safety standards. Most systems in residential homes range between 5 and 10 kW. Customers must also be on a suitable energy plan with an electricity retailer that offers a solar FiT, and the exported energy must be measured using a compatible smart meter.
For example, a household in regional Queensland with a 10 kW solar system that exports an average of 35 kWh per day would earn approximately $4.53 per day in FiT credits based on the current 12.952 c/kWh rate—translating to around $1,650 annually. In South East Queensland, a similar household might earn less depending on their retailer’s export rate, though the savings can still be significant when combined with reduced grid consumption.
FiT credits are typically applied directly to your electricity bill and can offset the cost of imported electricity. Some retailers may offer the option to have unused credits paid out periodically, but this depends on your specific agreement. It’s important to review your energy contract regularly and compare available offers using resources such as the federal government’s Energy Made Easy website.
In addition to solar FiTs, homeowners may also benefit from other incentives such as the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) scheme, which lowers the upfront cost of installing solar. From July 2025, further savings may be available through the new $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which will offer up to 30% off the cost of eligible battery systems based on usable capacity. This program is designed to help households store solar energy for use at night or during outages, further increasing energy independence and reducing reliance on the grid.
Overall, while feed-in tariffs alone no longer provide high returns like the earlier premium schemes, they remain an important factor in the financial payback of a solar system. When combined with smart system design, high self-consumption, battery storage, and retailer comparisons, Queensland residents can still achieve strong long-term savings and support a more sustainable energy future.
