What is a feed-in tariff and why has mine dropped?

Feed-in tariffs are set by retailers in most of the country, with some jurisdictions setting a minimum or a benchmark. They have fallen substantially because the middle of the day is now the period of greatest surplus in the grid, and surplus energy is worth less.

What that changes

When export paid well, system design favoured maximising total generation. When it does not, the economics favour using your own generation. Every unit you consume yourself avoids paying the retail rate, which is several times what export earns. That is the whole argument behind batteries, timers on hot water and appliances, and the growing case for east and west facing panels rather than everything facing north.

Practical moves that beat chasing a tariff

• Shift the dishwasher, washing machine and pool pump to the middle of the day.
• Heat water during daylight rather than overnight, which turns a hot water tank into a form of storage.
• Pre-cool or pre-heat the house while the sun is up, particularly before a hot evening.
• Compare retail plans as a whole, since a headline feed-in rate is often paired with a higher usage charge or daily supply charge.