Solar
Solar Feed-in Tariffs in SA: What You Need to Know in 2026
South Australia led the rooftop solar revolution, but feed-in tariff rates have changed dramatically. Here is what Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills homeowners need to understand to get the most from their solar investment in 2026.
Current Rates
What Are Solar Feed-in Tariffs Paying in SA Right Now?
If you installed solar in South Australia before 2013, you may remember the premium feed-in tariff of 44 cents per kilowatt-hour. Those days are long gone. In 2026, the retailer-set feed-in tariff in SA typically sits between 5 and 12 cents per kWh, depending on your energy retailer and the plan you are on.
Unlike the old government-mandated premium tariff, today's feed-in rates are set by individual retailers and can vary significantly. Some of the major retailers and their approximate 2026 feed-in rates include:
| Retailer | Approx. Feed-in Rate (c/kWh) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AGL | 5 to 7c | Flat rate, varies by plan |
| Origin Energy | 5 to 10c | Higher rates on some solar-specific plans |
| Energy Locals | Variable (spot rate) | Can spike to 30c+ during high demand |
| Simply Energy | 6 to 8c | SA-focused retailer |
| Amber Electric | Wholesale rate | Best paired with battery storage |
Tip: Feed-in rates change regularly. Always compare plans on the Energy Made Easy website before switching retailers.
The Big Picture
Why Have Feed-in Tariffs Dropped So Much?
South Australia has the highest rooftop solar penetration in the world. Over 40% of SA homes now have solar panels, and on a sunny spring day, rooftop solar alone can generate more electricity than the entire state needs. This oversupply during the middle of the day has driven wholesale electricity prices negative during peak solar hours. That means there is sometimes so much solar energy that it is literally worth less than nothing to the grid.
The original 44c/kWh premium feed-in tariff was designed to kickstart solar adoption back when a small system cost several times what it costs today. It worked, spectacularly. But it was never sustainable at scale. The premium scheme closed to new applicants in 2013, and those still on it will see their entitlements expire by the end of 2028.
For everyone else, the reality is clear: exporting solar at a feed-in rate and buying the same energy back at the retail rate is not a winning strategy, because the retail rate is several times the export rate. The smart money in 2026 is on self-consumption and battery storage.
Smart Strategies
How to Maximise Your Solar Returns in 2026
With feed-in rates low, the goal shifts from exporting as much as possible to using as much of your own solar as you can. Every kilowatt-hour you use from your panels instead of buying from the grid is worth the full retail rate on your bill, rather than the much smaller feed-in rate you would get for exporting it.
Advanced Options
Time-of-Use Export Rates and Virtual Power Plants
Some retailers now offer time-of-use export rates that pay more for solar exported during peak demand periods (typically 3pm-9pm) and less during the solar flood of the middle of the day. If you have a battery, this is worth chasing: charge your battery during the day and export during the evening peak, when the export rate on those plans is materially higher than the middle of the day.
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
SA Power Networks Export Limits: SAPN applies default export limits of 5kW per phase for most residential connections. If you have a larger solar system (10kW+), excess generation above the export limit is curtailed. You lose it. This makes battery storage even more important for larger systems.
Local Advantage
Solar Performance in Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills
One advantage that Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills homeowners have is excellent solar irradiance. The Murray Bridge area averages 4.8 to 5.2 peak sun hours per day annually, which is among the best in the state. Even in winter, you are typically getting 3.5-4 hours of effective generation.
What this means in practical terms:
- A 6.6kW system in Murray Bridge generates roughly 26-30kWh per day annually, enough to cover most household usage
- Adelaide Hills properties at higher elevation get slightly less (4.5-4.8 peak sun hours) but still perform well
- North-facing panels at 25-30 degree tilt angle maximise annual yield in our latitude (-35 degrees)
- East-west split arrays can extend generation across more of the day, improving self-consumption without a battery
- Shading from gum trees is the biggest local issue: a proper site assessment catches problems before installation
If you are considering a new solar installation or adding storage to an existing system, our team can model your expected generation and savings based on your actual roof orientation and shading conditions.
Action Plan
Making the Most of Solar in a Low Feed-in World
The position for SA solar owners in 2026 is straightforward: feed-in tariffs are not coming back up, and the real value of solar is in what you use yourself. Here is a practical checklist:
- Review your current feed-in rate, because plenty of homeowners are still on old plans paying well under the going rate
- Compare retailers on Energy Made Easy and switch if you can get a better export rate
- Install timers on major appliances to shift usage into solar hours
- Get a quote for battery storage. The federal rebate is applied as a discount at installation, not claimed back afterwards
- Consider a solar system upgrade if your panels are 10+ years old and underperforming
- Ask about VPP programs if you already have or are installing a battery
Whether you are looking at a new solar system, want to understand how battery storage and the federal rebate work, or need advice on getting more from the system you already have, our CEC-accredited team can talk it through.
FAQ
Common Questions About SA Solar Feed-in Tariffs
What is the current solar feed-in tariff in South Australia?
There is no single rate. SA feed-in tariffs are set by individual retailers, not the government. In 2026, most retailers offer between 5 and 12 cents per kWh for exported solar. Some wholesale-rate retailers like Amber Electric offer variable rates that can be higher during peak demand periods. Always compare plans to find the best rate for your usage pattern.
Is the 44c premium feed-in tariff still available?
No. The SA premium feed-in tariff scheme (44c/kWh) closed to new applicants in September 2013. Existing participants will retain their premium rate until their entitlement expires. Most will end by 31 December 2028. Once it expires, you move to your retailer's standard feed-in rate.
Is solar still worth it with low feed-in tariffs?
Absolutely. While feed-in rates are low, the value of self-consumed solar is higher than ever because retail electricity prices have increased. Every kWh you use from your panels is worth the retail rate on your bill, which is several times what you would earn by exporting the same kWh. That is where the value of a system sits now, so how quickly it pays back depends mostly on how much of your own generation you actually use.
Should I get a battery to improve my solar returns?
If you are exporting a lot of solar (common for households that are empty during the day), a battery makes strong financial sense. It lets you store cheap daytime solar and use it in the evening when grid electricity is most expensive. The federal battery rebate comes off the installed cost as a discount where the system qualifies, and the battery also keeps the essentials running through a blackout. How quickly it pays back depends on how much you currently export, so it is worth modelling against your own bills.
What are SA Power Networks' solar export limits?
SAPN applies a default export limit of 5kW per phase for most residential connections. If your inverter is sized above 5kW, the excess is curtailed during periods when your export exceeds this limit. You can apply for a higher export limit, but approval depends on your local network capacity. A battery helps you capture curtailed energy instead of losing it.
How many peak sun hours does Murray Bridge get?
Murray Bridge averages approximately 4.8 to 5.2 peak sun hours (PSH) per day across the year. Summer averages around 6.5-7 PSH while winter drops to 3.5-4 PSH. This is excellent by Australian standards and means a 6.6kW system typically produces 26-30kWh per day on average.
Get Expert Solar Advice for Your Home
Our CEC-accredited team designs solar and battery systems tailored to Murray Bridge and Adelaide Hills conditions.