Solar electricity plans in New South Wales
Feed-in tariff rates in NSW currently range from 3 to 10 cents per kWh depending on your retailer. Your distribution network is Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy.
Our take on solar in NSW
NSW has strong solar irradiance, particularly in western and northern regions. Sydney averages around 4.2 peak sun hours per day annually. A typical 6.6kW system generates 22 to 28 kWh per day. The AER's new Solar Sharer Offer (from July 2026) provides three hours of free electricity from 11am to 2pm for smart meter households, changing the optimal tariff calculation for solar homes. Self-consumption remains the most valuable use of solar: every kWh used directly avoids 30 to 40 cents in grid charges, while exporting earns only 3 to 10 cents.
Compare solar plans at your address
See which retailers offer the best feed-in tariff and usage rate combination in NSW.
Compare solar plansTips for solar households in NSW
Self-consumption first. Every kWh you use from your panels avoids buying at 25 to 40 cents from the grid. Exporting earns only 3 to 10 cents. Shift your dishwasher, washing machine, pool pump, and EV charging to daylight hours.
Compare the total estimated annual cost, not just the feed-in rate. A plan with a high feed-in rate but high usage rate can cost more overall than a plan with a moderate feed-in rate and low usage rate.
Battery rebates in NSW. The NSW Home Energy Saver launched 17 June 2026: an interest-free loan of up to $15,000 (household income under $210,000), plus a targeted discount of up to $4,000 for households under $80,000 income or holding a concession card. Both stack on top of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which discounts roughly 30% off the upfront cost of a battery, tapering above 14 kWh of capacity. Households connecting their battery to an approved virtual power plant (VPP) can also collect an upfront payment of $400 to $1,500. Batteries maximise solar value by storing surplus generation for use during expensive peak hours.
For a detailed analysis of feed-in tariff rates across all states, see our solar feed-in tariffs guide.
