What will I be paid for exports?

Each retailer sets its own rate, and ESCOSA has not set a minimum price since 1 January 2017. It monitors offers instead. Its 2025-26 report found retailer feed-in tariffs from zero to 5.5 cents per kWh at 30 June 2026. A year earlier the top of that range was 6 cents.

Some retailers now pay more for exports at set times when solar is not generating. Those offers can suit a battery owner. Read the terms, because the headline rate may only apply for a few hours.

This changes too often for a list to stay accurate. ESCOSA warns that the feed-in rate alone does not show the full value of a plan. Usage rates, supply charges and your export pattern all count.

Use the government’s Energy Made Easy site to compare offers with your own bill. A high feed-in rate can come with higher usage charges.

The 44c distributor feed-in tariff ends on 30 June 2028. It applies to systems approved between 1 July 2008 and 30 September 2011, and only to the first 45kWh you export each day.

You lose it earlier if you install a storage device. Upgrades or alterations can also affect it. Talk to SA Power Networks before you change anything.

Since 1 July 2023, new solar inverters must meet South Australia’s dynamic export rules. SA Power Networks extended Flexible Exports to the rest of the state’s council areas from 17 July 2025.

• Flexible Exports: up to 10kW per phase, adjusted automatically to network conditions, with an internet-connected inverter
• Fixed exports: 1.5kW per phase, or 0kW in some network areas
• Existing customers keep their arrangements until they upgrade or replace their system

New systems since 28 September 2020 must be able to be remotely disconnected and reconnected, with an agent nominated to act in a power system emergency. SA Power Networks describes curtailment as a last resort when system security is at risk.

Since 1 July 2025, SA Power Networks has charged retailers for some exports. With a smart meter, the first 9kWh a day between 10am and 4pm is free, and more is charged at 1c per kWh. Exports from 4pm to 10am are free. Your retailer decides whether to pass that on.

SA Power Networks estimates about $1.50 a month for a home with a 5kW inverter if the charge is passed on in full.

Solar you use is generally worth far more than solar you sell. The government’s guidance says self-consumption saves you the most, so plan around it.

• Run hot water, pool pumps and dishwashers in the day
• Charge your EV in the middle of the day
• Pre-cool or pre-heat with reverse cycle air conditioning
• Consider a battery if you export a lot
• Check whether the Solar Sharer Offer’s free 12pm to 3pm window suits you

Your bill shows what you pay and what you earn. We go through both at a bill audit and show which change does the most for your home.