Queensland Solar Feed-in Tariffs: What You Actually Earn for Exporting
4 min read · Solar & Battery · Published 2026-05-12
Feed-in tariffs in Queensland have fallen sharply. Understanding what you earn for exported solar, and when, shapes whether a battery or a usage-shift strategy makes more sense.
When your solar panels produce more than your home uses, the surplus goes to the grid and your retailer credits you a feed-in tariff (FiT). Queensland retailers set their own voluntary FiT rates, and those rates have declined over recent years as the grid absorbs more solar. Understanding what you actually earn, and when, is essential for sizing a system and deciding whether a battery makes sense.
We design solar and battery systems from your actual usage data through our solar and battery service.
How Queensland feed-in tariffs work
Queensland has no mandatory minimum feed-in tariff. Retailers offer voluntary rates that vary by retailer and tariff plan. Rates are credited against your bill per kilowatt-hour exported. Some retailers offer flat rates for all export; others offer time-varying rates that pay more for export at peak demand times (typically evenings) than at midday when grid solar is abundant.
Why export rates matter for system design
A low flat export rate changes the arithmetic of system sizing. Exporting large amounts of cheap midday solar and buying expensive evening power back is less efficient than using that solar directly or storing it in a battery. If your export rate is low, the focus should shift to maximising self-consumption: running high-draw appliances during the day and sizing a battery from your actual evening demand.
Tip: Run your dishwasher, washing machine and pool pump during the day if you are home. Time-shifting these loads costs nothing and can offset the need for a larger battery.
Time-varying rates
Some tariff plans pay more for export in the evening peak. If your inverter can shift export timing, or if a battery discharges into the grid at peak prices, time-varying FiT rates can improve the economics. Ask your retailer what rates are available and compare them against a simple flat export plan before assuming one is better.
Key takeaways
- Queensland has no mandatory minimum FiT; rates vary by retailer.
- Low export rates favour self-consumption and battery storage over maximum panel capacity.
- Time-varying export rates can improve economics if your system can shift export timing.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the current feed-in tariff in Queensland?
- Rates vary by retailer and change periodically. Check your retailer's current solar offer or compare retailers on the Queensland Government's energy comparison tool.
- Will I always be paid for what I export?
- Most retailers credit exports. However, some networks in high-solar areas are starting to limit export during congested periods. Your solar approval will specify any export limits.
- How quickly can FitElec attend?
- We are open 24 hours for urgent electrical work and book standard jobs within days. Call Jayson on 0425 663 172 for a current schedule.
- Where does FitElec work?
- FitElec is based at Palm Beach and services the whole Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Coomera and everywhere in between.
Related services
Questions? Call FitElec on 0425 663 172 — Gold Coast's licensed electricians.