Why your feed-in tariff keeps dropping
So much solar is now generating across Queensland in the middle of the day that daytime electricity is worth far less on the wholesale market. The QCA sets the feed-in tariff to reflect that value — so as midday power gets cheaper, your export credit shrinks. This isn’t an Ergon decision or a retailer trick; it’s the market.
What it means for you
- Exporting surplus solar to the grid now earns a fraction of what it did two years ago.
- Meanwhile, the power you buy back in the evening peak still costs 30–45c/kWh.
- That gap — selling at ~6c, buying at ~40c — is exactly where households lose money.
The opportunity
- Every kWh you use from your own roof avoids buying it at full retail price.
- Self-consumed solar is now worth 5–7× more than exported solar.
- A battery stores cheap daytime solar for the expensive evening peak — turning a falling tariff into an advantage.
The same kilowatt-hour, two very different outcomes
Take one kWh of surplus solar generated at midday. Here’s roughly what it’s worth depending on what you do with it.
Export it to the grid
Paid at the Ergon feed-in tariff (from 1 July 2026).
Store it & use it tonight
Avoids buying grid power during the evening peak.
Three ways to get more from your solar in Mackay
Savings will depend on your energy usage, solar system size, and battery capacity. But here’s a rough example based on average households in Mackay:
With a low feed-in tariff, value comes from how much of your own solar you keep. These are the levers that actually move the needle.
Shift your usage to daytime
Run the pool pump, dishwasher, washing machine and air-con between 10am–2pm so you’re using free solar instead of buying it back at night. Costs nothing, and it’s the first thing we’ll show you. Try our calculators
Store your midday surplus and use it through the evening peak. With the falling feed-in tariff and the federal battery rebate live, this is the biggest single lever for most Mackay homes right now.
An oversized export-heavy system made sense at 44c. Today, a system matched to your usage — with battery-ready capacity — protects your return. We’ll design to your bill, not a price point.
Eligibility & connection rules in the Ergon network
The regional feed-in tariff
- All eligible solar customers connecting to the Ergon network receive the regional FiT automatically.
- Inverters up to 30kW capacity qualify for the regional rate.
- A connection application must be lodged with and approved by Ergon before installing or modifying a system.
- Most single-phase homes are limited to 5kW export to the grid; a dynamic connection with a compatible smart inverter may allow more.
The legacy 44c Solar Bonus Scheme
- The premium 44c/kWh tariff closed to new applicants in July 2012 — you can’t sign up for it now.
- If you’re already on it, it continues, but you can lose it by changing your account or exceeding your inverter’s capacity.
- Adding a battery to an existing inverter generally won’t affect 44c eligibility, but the rules are strict — talk to us first.
Solar specialists who know the Mackay grid
Energy Base has installed and serviced solar across Mackay, the Whitsundays and the Coalfields since 2010. We handle Ergon connection applications, battery retrofits and system tune-ups every week — so we know exactly how the regional feed-in tariff plays out on a real Mackay power bill.
Ergon feed-in tariff FAQs
Who sets the feed-in tariff and why does it change every year?
The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) sets the regional feed-in tariff each financial year, and your electricity retailer pays it. It’s based on the wholesale value of the solar power you export — and because so much solar is generated across Queensland at midday, that value (and the rate) has been falling.
Is it still worth getting solar in Mackay if the tariff is low?
Yes. The value of solar now comes from self-consumption — using the power you generate instead of buying it from the grid at 30–45c/kWh. A well-sized system, ideally paired with a battery, typically pays for itself in around 4–6 years even with a low feed-in tariff.
Should I add a battery now that the feed-in tariff has dropped?
For most Mackay homes, yes. A battery stores your cheap daytime solar for the expensive evening peak, so you stop exporting at ~6c and buying back at ~40c. With the federal battery rebate currently available, the upfront cost is lower than it has been. We’ll model your specific savings before you commit.
Can I still get the old 44c feed-in tariff?
No — the 44c/kWh Solar Bonus Scheme closed to new customers in July 2012. If you’re already on it, it continues, but certain changes (like exceeding your inverter capacity or changing your account holder) can end your eligibility. Speak to us before modifying a 44c system.
Want to Know Your Exact Savings?
Let Energy Base show you how much you could save with a solar battery tailored to your home. We’ll assess your current energy use, system size, and goals—and give you a clear picture of your return.