Best solar feed in tariff SA 2024

With soaring electricity prices and an average of 7 hours of sunlight each day, finding the best solar feed-in tariffs in South Australia for 2024 is more important than ever before.

To make things simple, our up-to-date guide (last updated August 2024) of the best solar feed-in tariffs in South Australia provides a comprehensive run down of min and max feed-in tariffs offered by energy providers in SA for 2024.

Does South Australia have a minimum solar feed-in tariff?

No, South Australia does not have a minimum feed-in tariff rate.

In 2024, South Australia’s minimum solar FIT is set directly by the energy providers and is subject to change based on demand and market conditions.

For those fortunate enough to install an eligible solar PV system before 30 September 2011, they are still eligible for the distributor feed-in tariff (also known as the solar feed-in scheme) of 44 cents per kWh through to 30 June 2028.

Best solar feed-in tariff rates SA for 2024

The table below provides a comprehensive oversight of the best solar feed in tariff rates offered by different energy retailers in South Australia.

Which retailer offers South Australia’s best solar feed-in tariff rate?

At the time of writing in July 2024, Energy Australia offers the best solar feed in tariff rate in South Australia with a Max Solar FIT of 12c/kWh (capped to the first 15kWh per day) and a Min Solar FIT of 8.5c/kWh. Origin Energy comes in a close second place with a Max Solar FIT of 10c/kWh (capped to the first 14kWh per day) and a Min Solar FIT of 6c/kWh.

Other factors to consider when comparing solar feed-in tariff rates

When it comes to weighing up the best solar feed-in tariff rates in South Australia, Min and Max Solar FiT’s are the first thing that most people will look at.

Outside of comparing Min and Max Solar FiT’s between the different energy providers, it’s also important to consider some other factors (listed below) that play a role in determining how much you spend and how much you save with solar feed-in tariffs in SA.

1. Minimum and max FiT rates

Energy providers will typically set a maximum rate for feed-in tariffs which is applicable for the initial kWh fed into the grid each day. Max FiT rates and limits can vary significantly between providers, so it’s important to consider your daily feed-in projection and weigh them up against the minimum and maximum offered by certain providers. If you’re likely to exceed the max FiT rate limit, then it is important to look at energy retailers that offer a higher average FiT to suit your unique requirements.

2. Electricity rates

Solar savings are just part of the equation. It’s important to consider energy rates and weigh them against your electricity consumption accordingly. Plans with higher FiTs may carry higher usage or supply charges, which could offset any benefits or savings offered by the feed-in-tariff. Compare electricity rates and analyse them against your current energy consumption patterns to find a plan that suits your requirements.

3. Retailer reputation

Choosing the best solar feed-in tariff SA has to offer isn’t just about rates – it’s also about reputation. Choose an energy retailer with a good track record for customer service, transparent contract terms, and energy plans that suit your unique energy requirements.

4. Your solar setup

Consider the configuration of your solar system, including the size of the panels, the capacity of your inverter, and how much electricity you expect to export to the grid. Certain retailers limit FiTs according to system size and may even disqualify you from older, higher FiT rates when you upgrade, so it’s important to consider your system carefully.

Feed-in tariffs state-by-state comparison

New South Wales (NSW)

Range: NSW solar feed in tariff rates range from 5 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh)

Key Providers:

• AGL: 5.0c - 15.0c
• Energy Australia: 7.6c
• Origin Energy: 7.0c - 20.0c

Victoria (VIC)

• Minimum FiT: 4.9c/kWh (set by the Victorian Government)
• Range: 4.9 to 20 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• AGL: 4.9c - 10.0c
• Origin Energy: 4.9c - 20.0c
• Energy Australia: 5.4c - 12.0c

Western Australia (WA)

• Peak: 10.0c/kWh (3 pm to 9 pm)
• Off-Peak: 2.25 to 3.0c/kWh

Key providers:

• Synergy
• Horizon Power

Tasmania (TAS)

• Fixed Rate: 10.869c/kWh
• Provider: Aurora Energy

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Range: 6 to 15 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• ActewAGL: 10.0c - 15.0c
• Energy Australia: 7.6c - 12.0c

Northern Territory

• Range: 8.3 to 11 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• Rimfire Energy: 11.0c
• Jacana Energy: 8.3c

History of solar feed in tariffs in South Australia

South Australia introduced its first solar feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme back in July 2008 where early adopters could claim 44 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for solar energy exported back to the grid. The aggressive incentive was intended to encourage solar adoption amongst businesses and residents.

South Australia’s 44c/kWh FiT closed to new applicants on the 30th of September 2011 and a new, lower rate of 16c/kWh was offered for new applicants that registered between October 2011 and September 2013. Residents and businesses that registered for the initial SA solar feed-in tariff scheme before 30 September 2011 that do not upgrade or alter their system are still eligible for the 44 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tariff through to 30 June 2028.

In October 2013, the revised rate of 16c/kWh was once again reduced to a transitional rate of 6.8c/kWh which was mandated by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA). The October 2013 solar feed-in tariff changes marked the end of government mandated minimums and a shift towards competitive retailer-determined FiTs.

At the time of writing in July 2024, South Australia’s best solar FiTs are determined by energy retailers and reflect the ongoing competitive nature of solar energy in South Australia.

Final thoughts

Securing the best solar feed-in tariffs in South Australia is a great way to save money on your electricity bills. With solar FiT’s continuing to change in-line with market competition, it’s important to review your energy production and consumption habits to find the plan to suit your needs. Taking the time to review and select the right solar feed-in tariff can lead to significant savings on your energy bill and contribute to a more sustainable future.