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Compare the best Solar Feed-in Tariffs in Canberra
As a Canberra homeowner, your rooftop solar system isn’t just a way to power your home—it’s also an opportunity to earn credits when your panels export excess electricity to the grid. Known as a feed‑in tariff (FiT), this incentive can significantly boost your solar return. Here’s an expert, reader-focused breakdown of what Canberra residents are being paid in 2025, and how to make those credits work for you—as seen through the eyes of a solar installer with ACT roots.
What Is a Feed‑In Tariff (FiT)?
A feed‑in tariff is a credit or payment you receive from your electricity retailer when your solar panels export surplus energy to the grid. This isn’t the same as rebates or upfront incentives—it’s a recurring income that appears as a bill credit, reducing your electricity costs. Canberra doesn’t have government-mandated FiTs; they’re set voluntarily by retailers.
Top Solar Feed-In Tariffs in Canberra (2025)
Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the best solar feed‑in tariff plans available in Canberra in 2025:
| Retailer & Plan | Rate (¢/kWh) | Export Cap | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin – Solar Boost Plus | 17 ¢/kWh first ~14 kWh/day, then base 9–10 ¢/kWh | Capped (~14 kWh/day) | Highest rate, best for midsize systems |
| ActewAGL – Solar Advantage TOU | 12 ¢/kWh first 8 kWh/day, then 7 ¢ | 8 kWh/day on premium rate | Great for consistent exporters |
| EnergyAustralia – Solar Max | 10 ¢/kWh first 12 kWh/day, then 5 ¢ | 12 kWh/day on premium rate | Good mid-tier option |
| Energy Locals – Online Member | Flat 7 ¢/kWh (no tiers) | No cap | Simple plan with transparency |
| CovaU Energy | Flat 5.5 ¢/kWh | No cap | Lower payout, but steady credit |
| Red Energy & EnergyAustralia | Flat 5 ¢/kWh | No cap | Basic tariffs, check fees |
What the Numbers Mean for You
- Choose based on your export profile. High-tier rates (12–17 ¢) apply to a capped first portion (8–14 kWh/day).
- Check daily export volumes. Average Canberra home exports ~10–12 kWh/day. Plans like Origin’s may cover this fully.
- Balance supply charges. High FiTs often come with higher daily supply costs—so total savings matter. Reddit users report balancing usage and switching plans to optimise benefit
Recommendations for Canberra Homes
- Most Exporting Homes (≤14 kWh/day):
- Origin – Solar Boost Plus at 17 ¢ is exceptional, with high-tier coverage for common household exports.
- Consistent Medium Exporters (8–12 kWh/day):
- ActewAGL Solar Advantage TOU offers a strong 12 ¢ for daily tier with easy upgrades to evening-controlled rates.
- Simple Flat-Rate Benefit:
- Energy Locals at 7 ¢/kWh works well if you prefer stable, straightforward credits without tiers.
- Budget Conscious & Capped Systems:
- CovaU or Red Energy provide modest but consistent credits—check if combined fees make economics viable.
Canberra FiT Rates in 2025: What You Can Expect
2025 brings a range of FiTs depending on your energy provider and plan. Typical offers include:
- Origin Energy: 5–10 ¢/kWh, with premium rebates on Solar Boost or Go Solar plans
- EnergyAustralia: 5–10 ¢/kWh for the first 10–12 kWh/day, then a base 5 ¢/kWh
- ActewAGL: 6–6.5 ¢/kWh across plans
- Energy Locals: 5 ¢/kWh for the first 5 kWh/day, dropping to 2 ¢/kWh after
These figures vary but generally fall within 5–10 ¢/kWh. Premium plans may offer the upper range for limited export volumes.
Why Rates Are Falling—and Why Solar Still Wins
FiTs have dropped significantly from the high rates seen a decade ago (45 ¢/kWh during 2010–2012). Today’s lower rates reflect higher solar penetration and lower wholesale prices. Still, solar remains highly valuable—especially when you shift your household usage to daytime hours or combine solar with battery storage.
Choosing the Best Feed‑In Tariff Plan
Finding the right FiT isn’t just about the cents per kWh—you also need to weigh:
- Retailer usage charges: Higher FiTs may accompany steeper daily supply costs
- Export limits: Premium rates often cap daily export; check how this aligns with your surplus
- Time-of-use structures: Rates may vary by time of day, influencing export credits
Pro Tip: Use tools like Canstar Blue or WATTever to compare local plans using your estimated solar output.
Maximise Your FiT Value in Canberra
- Use solar power when it’s generated—run appliances during the day
- Avoid peak grid rates by storing power in a battery
- Upgrade to a smart meter or energy management system
- Shop around—switch retailers if their FiT drops below your current one
Is It Worth Switching Retailers?
Absolutely. Even a few cents difference can lead to $100–$200 extra savings annually. For households exporting 10 kWh/day, a FiT increase from 5 ¢ to 10 ¢ adds around $180 more per year.
What About “Sun-Taxes” or Export Penalties?
Some regions are beginning to impose export penalties—extra charges for daytime export during peak grid times. Canberra hasn’t yet introduced these, but it’s something to watch. A solar battery can help you avoid potential penalties while maximising self-consumption.
Tips to Maximise Your Feed-In Credits
- Use your solar power during daylight to reduce grid draw, boosting savings even with lower FiTs.
- Consider battery storage to avoid FiT caps and reduce exposure to variable tariffs.
- Shop around annually, since FiTs and supply charges change—staying flexible can save hundreds.
- Review your meter type—smart meters often enable better FiT rates than basic digital meters.
What Prime Solar Energy Recommends
At Prime Solar Energy, we help Canberra homeowners get the most from their solar systems:
- We review your energy usage to estimate export volumes
- We compare retailer FiT plans and identify the most financially effective one
- We help design systems that maximise self-consumption
- We can bundle solar and battery solutions to lock in higher FiT flexibility
That extra analysis and tailoring is part of what makes us trusted as best solar installers in Canberra.
FAQs: Solar Feed‑In Tariffs in Canberra
Q: What’s a good FiT rate for Canberra in 2025?
A: Aim for between 8–10 ¢/kWh for exported solar, though you may get 5 ¢ depending on the plan.
Q: Can I get FiTs on large systems (e.g., 10 kW+)?
A: Yes, but premium rates might cap at 8–12 kWh/day. Exports beyond that may receive the base rate.
Q: Are FiTs guaranteed if I switch plans?
A: No—FiTs are offered at the discretion of retailers. Always confirm current rates before moving.
Q: Do batteries affect FiTs?
A: Batteries can reduce exports—thus reducing FiT credits—but boost self-consumption which is often more rewarding.
Q: Should I worry about an export penalty in Canberra?
A: Not currently, but rooftop solar export regulations are evolving. Batteries provide a safe buffer if export limits are introduced.
Final Word: Is Solar Still Worth It?
Even with lower FiTs, Canberra solar systems remain a brilliant investment—thanks to:
- Strong existing rebates (STCs and ACT schemes)
- High solar yield (sunlight hours)
- Rising grid energy prices, which make self-consumption more valuable
- Potential FiT cap optimisation via solar batteries
A well-designed solar or solar-plus-storage system can offer a 4–7 year payback, followed by a decade or more of cheap electricity.
Your Next Step with Prime Solar Energy
If you’d like help evaluating your export rates, finding the right retailer plan, or designing a battery-boosted solar system, Prime Solar Energy is here to help. Book a free consultation to assess your current setup and align it with Canberra’s evolving solar landscape.
Let’s make your solar system smarter, more efficient—and more profitable.
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