Australia's solar scene is evolving fast in 2025. With updated state policies and reduced solar feed-in tariffs, many households are asking: Is solar still worth it?
The short answer is yes but for different reasons than before.
Government incentives now focus more on helping you use your solar energy rather than selling it back to the grid. If you’re considering installing solar or already have panels, shifting your mindset from feed-in credits to self-consumption is essential.
Short Summary
• Feed-in tariffs in Australia have dropped in 2025, making direct solar usage more valuable than selling excess power to the grid.
• The real benefit of solar now comes from using your energy during the day and adopting smart energy habits.
• Batteries and off-peak usage can further boost savings, but even without a battery, solar still reduces your energy bills significantly.
We’ll break down the current feed-in tariffs by state in more detail below.
Why solar feed-in tariffs aren’t the real value of having solar
Many people assume the benefit of solar is all about the feed-in tariff. That means the amount your electricity provider pays you for exporting excess solar energy to the grid.
But here's the reality in 2025:
• Feed-in tariffs across most states have dropped significantly (ESC, Ipart)
• You earn far more using solar energy during the day than exporting it.
• Real value = Using your solar power directly + Smart usage habits + Optional battery storage.
Is solar worth it without a feed-in tariff?
Absolutely, yes. While the financial returns from feed-in tariffs are lower than they used to be, solar remains a smart investment.
The most significant advantage of solar panels is that customers can lower their energy bills by using the electricity they generate themselves instead of purchasing it from their retailer (IPART).
Even without a battery, solar still works in your favour, especially if you're home during the day or can shift some usage (like running the dishwasher or washing machine) to daylight hours.
How Do I Get the Most Out of My Solar?
Installing solar panels is only part of the journey. How you use your solar power makes all the difference. In 2025, with more smart home technology available than ever, it’s easier to maximise your solar investment.
Here are five powerful ways to boost your solar savings:
1. Use more power during the daylight hours
Solar panels generate the most electricity during sunny hours, usually between 10am and 4pm. The more of that energy you use directly, the more you save.
Try:
• Running the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer in the late morning or early afternoon.
• Turning on your pool pump or charging your electric vehicle (EV) during peak solar times.
• Using a delay timer on appliances or smart devices to align with solar production.
Think of your solar system as your “free power window”. The key is to shift usage into that window.
2. Add a solar battery
Batteries let you store excess solar power generated during the day so you can use it later, especially in the evening when your household demand is often highest, and electricity rates may rise.
Benefits include:
• Lower reliance on the grid at night
• Greater protection from blackouts (if your battery supports backup power)
• More control over your energy usage
If your evening usage is high, a battery can be a game-changer.
3. Choose a suitable electricity plan
Not all energy plans are equal. Look for one that works with your usage patterns and solar setup:
• Reasonable daily supply charges
• No penalties or low rates for low grid usage
• Flexibility to switch if your system changes (e.g. adding a battery)
In 2025, the value of solar goes far beyond feed-in tariffs. Using your solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy bills remains a smart and sustainable choice.
Whether you're new to solar or already have panels on your roof, every kilowatt of sunshine you use brings real benefits, to your household and the planet.
And while you're here, it’s a great time to check if you're on a good energy deal.
Just pop in your postcode below, and we’ll help you compare plans and see if there’s a better plan.
No Comments Yet