Feed-In Tariffs and Using Your Own Solar

When your panels make more than you're using, the extra goes to the grid and you get a feed-in tariff (FiT). Usually that's worth much less than what you pay to buy power.

1. The gap

If you pay around 30 cents per kWh to import and get around 5 cents to export, every kWh you use yourself is worth about six times more than one you export. Check your own bill for your figures.

2. Self-consumption

Self-consumption is the share of your solar you use yourself. Higher is better for your savings.

3. Easy ways to use more

• Run the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the middle of the day.
• Set hot water and pool pumps on timers during solar hours.
• Pre-cool or pre-heat the house in the afternoon.
• Charge an EV during the day.
• Use power tools in the workshop when the sun is up.

4. Batteries

A battery stores midday solar for the evening. Whether it pays off depends on its price, your evening use and your tariffs.

5. Quick summary

• Self-use is usually worth much more than export.
• Shift loads into solar hours.
• Try the Self-Consumption Savings Calculator.

In Australia, any work on 240V AC wiring, including connecting an inverter, battery or solar system to a switchboard or fixed wiring, must be done by a licensed electrician.

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