Best solar feed-in tariff SA 2026

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 2026 is more important than ever before.

To make things simple, our up-to-date guide (last updated February 2026) 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 2026.

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

No, unlike some other states in Australia, South Australia does not have a minimum feed-in tariff rate.

In 2026, South Australia’s minimum solar FIT is set directly by the energy providers and is subject to change based on demand and market conditions.

South Australian solar owners are now subject to an indirect solar tax on energy exports during the middle hours of the day.

Distributor, SA Power Networks, is imposing a small tax on solar exports between 10am - 4pm each day. However, there is no charge for the first 9 - 11 kWh of energy exported each day (depending on the household meter). The export charge is passed on to retailers who have lowered their feed-in tariffs rather than imposing a tax to consumers.

SA solar feed-in scheme

Home owners and businesses that installed an eligible solar PV system before 30 September 2011, 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 2026

The table below provides a comprehensive oversight of the best solar feed-in tariff rates offered by different energy retailers in South Australia as of February 2026. Electricity retailers are sorted in order of the highest average feed-in tariff.

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

At the time of updating rates, ENGIE (formerly Simply Energy) offers the best average solar feed-in tariff rate (7.0c / kWh) in South Australia. Alinta Energy is second with an average rate of 6c. EnergyAustralia and CovaU offer the next best average rates at 5.5c.

Popular retailers, Origin Energy and AGL have slightly lower offers. Their maximum feed-in tariff is 8c while the Origin's minimum is 2c and AGL's 0c.

ENGIE surpasses Alinta Energy

ENGIE's SA feed-in tariff rate is slightly better than Alinta Energy's. However, Alinta does offer a higher export limit (10 kWh) at the maximum rate. ENGIE does offer a higher minimum feed-in tariff, though it is not as competitive as Circular Energy's 5.0c minimum rate.

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 4 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh). Key providers include:

• AGL: 4.0c - 8.0c
• Energy Australia: 4.0 - 8.0c
• Origin Energy: 3.0c - 8.0c

Victoria (VIC)

• Minimum FiT: Averages out at 1.1c / kWh
• Range: 0.0 to 11 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• AGL: 1.5c - 8.0c
• Origin Energy: 1.0c - 5.0c
• Energy Australia: 1.5c - 8.0c

Western Australia (WA)

• Peak: 10.0c / kWh (3 pm to 9 pm)
• Off-Peak: 0.0 to 2.0c / kWh

Key providers:

• Synergy
• Horizon Power

Tasmania (TAS)

• Fixed Rate: 8.8c/kWh
• Provider: Aurora Energy

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Range: 4 to 10 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• ActewAGL: 4.0c - 5.0c
• Energy Australia: 4.0c - 8.0c

Northern Territory

• Range: 9.30 to 12.1 cents per kWh

Key providers:

• Rimfire Energy: 12.1c
• Jacana Energy: 9.30c

Our explanatory guide features a comprehensive state-by-state feed-in tariff comparison.

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) - much like the Victorian feed-in tariff is now. The October 2013 solar feed-in tariff changes marked the end of government mandated minimums and a shift towards competitive retailer-determined FiTs.

South Australia’s best solar FiTs are determined by energy retailers and reflect the ongoing competitive nature of solar energy in South Australia. By way of comparison, the best SA rates are very similar to the highest feed-in tariffs available in Queensland.

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. Despite a reduction in feed-in rates, it's still a great time to install solar in cities like Adelaide, with the fast payback on systems and rebates available for both solar panels and batteries.

Taking the time to review and select the right solar feed-in tariff can increase savings on your energy bill and contribute to a more sustainable future.