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A feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate your energy retailer pays you for solar electricity your panels generate but don't use — the excess is exported to the grid. It shows on your bill as a credit, usually listed as "Solar feed-in" or "Solar credits". Rates are measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh) and vary significantly between retailers.

For a typical 6.6 kW system, the gap between the worst and best available feed-in rate in most states is $300–600 per year. In Queensland, the spread between retailers ranges from 6.5¢ to 10¢/kWh — on a 6.6 kW system that's a difference of around $380/year in earnings. Switching is free and takes about 10 minutes online.

Switching retailers in Australia is straightforward and low-risk. Your electricity supply never interrupts — the physical wires don't change. The switch is purely administrative. By law your new retailer must give you notice before your first bill, and you can cancel without penalty during a 10-business-day cooling-off period.

Most rate changes happen on 1 July each year when regulators set updated benchmarks. Queensland's regulated minimum is set annually by the QCA. Victoria removed its mandatory minimum in July 2025. We update our data every July and email subscribers when rates change in their state.

Without a battery, excess solar during the day gets exported at your feed-in rate (often 3–6¢/kWh). At night you buy electricity back at 25–40¢/kWh. A battery stores that excess and powers your home at night, eliminating most of that expensive grid purchase. The saving is the gap between what you'd pay to buy electricity and what you'd have earned exporting it — typically 20–35¢/kWh per unit stored.

In 2026, most Australian homeowners see a payback period of 5–11 years depending on state, electricity rates, battery cost, and usage patterns. Queensland and NSW customers with high usage rates tend to see the shortest payback. A payback under 10 years means you're in profit before the typical 10-year warranty expires, which is a useful benchmark.

Rebates vary by state: Victoria offers up to $2,950 via the Solar Homes Program. Queensland has offered up to $3,000 via the Battery Booster program. Western Australia has the Renewable Home Battery Rebate (up to $3,750 for eligible households). NSW and ACT offer interest-free loan schemes. All states also receive a federal STC rebate applied automatically by the installer. Always confirm current availability with your state government or accredited installer.

A VPP connects your battery to a network managed by an energy retailer (AGL, Origin, Amber, Tesla). During peak grid demand, the retailer can draw a small amount from your battery — in exchange you earn additional income, typically $200–600/year. Your own power supply is always protected. Joining a VPP can meaningfully shorten your payback period.

Actually, a higher feed-in tariff slightly increases battery payback (because you're giving up more income by storing rather than exporting). The economics of a battery are best when your usage rate is high relative to your feed-in rate — a big gap means big savings. Use both tools on SolarOptimiser to see your complete picture before making any decisions.