Your feed-in tariff just dropped to 3c. Here’s what that actually costs you a year.
Still sending unused solar back to the grid at 3c per kWh? It might be time to rethink your strategy. Envirosmart Electrical helps Sydney homeowners and business owners protect their energy savings — even when feed-in tariffs hit rock bottom.
- Expert advice from local, fully licenced electricians
- Honest site assessment — no hard sell, no jargon
- Upgrade options: batteries, smart controls, energy efficiency
What Does a 3c Feed-In Tariff Really Mean for Your Bottom Line?
If you installed solar panels a few years ago, you were probably getting 8–12c for every unused kWh exported to the grid. Now, most Sydney households and businesses are being offered just 3 cents per kWh — sometimes less. But what does that actually cost you in real terms?
Annual Example: Typical Sydney Home
Let’s say your solar exports 3,000 kWh per year. If you get 3c/kWh, that’s $90 for the entire year. At 11c/kWh (the old rate), you’d receive $330. The difference? $240 less in your pocket, every 12 months.
Why Energy Companies Want Your Cheap Solar
That exported energy is resold by the power company at retail prices — often 25–35c per kWh. The gap between your low feed-in and what you pay for power only gets wider as tariffs shrink.
How to Beat Low Feed-In Tariffs in Sydney
When the grid pays next to nothing for your excess, exporting more is just helping your energy retailer — not you. Here’s how to turn the tables:
1. Store Your Solar with a Battery
A battery lets you use your cheap, green energy at night (when you’d otherwise pay full retail price). Even a modest battery can capture 5–10 years’ worth of feed-in losses.
Our top picks: Sigenergy batteries for performance and reliability, followed by GoodWe, then other approved brands.
2. Shift Usage Into Sunlight Hours
Run appliances, pool pumps, and electric hot water during the day. Smart timers and scheduling apps make it easy.
3. Upgrade for Maximum Self-Consumption
Modern inverters, energy meters, and targeted electrical upgrades improve how much solar you actually use — and how little you send back to the grid.
4. Get a Honest, No-Pressure Assessment
Envirosmart Electrical offers a free, practical phone consult for Sydney homes and businesses. Get real-world figures before you buy anything.
Is a Battery Worth It If Your Feed-In Tariff is 3c?
The math is simple. At 3c, a 6.5kWh battery can potentially save you up to $500–$900 per year in avoided grid purchases and missed feed-in compared to relying only on the retailer. That’s a much better return than feeding the grid. Typical solar batteries last 10+ years — and future-proof you as power prices rise or the rules change again.
Not sure what size or type? Envirosmart’s experts run through the numbers with zero sales pressure. Every install is tailored for your home, not just the rebate or commission.
Common Mistakes People Make About Feed-In Tariffs
- Assuming the utility will always act in your interest.
Feed-in offers are dropping fast. Don’t just “set and forget” your solar exports. - Believing batteries are unaffordable or not worth it.
With today’s tariffs, payback is faster than ever — especially with tailored solutions and proper brands. - Ignoring energy efficiency upgrades.
A simple switchboard or hot water timer change can recapture more value than a high feed-in ever offered. - Letting inertia win.
Every year you wait on upgrades is dollars lost — and the grid profits, not you.
Areas We Serve Across Sydney
Envirosmart Electrical is proudly Australian-owned and exclusively services Sydney. We help homeowners and businesses across:
- Parramatta
- Castle Hill
- Blacktown
- Penrith
- Sutherland Shire
- Liverpool
- Hornsby
- Chatswood
- Eastern Suburbs
- Ryde
- Baulkham Hills
- Strathfield
- St George
- Bankstown
- Carlingford
- Manly/Northern Beaches
- Auburn
- Wollongong (by appointment)
- Richmond/Windsor
- Maroubra
Why Choose Envirosmart Electrical? Trust. Skill. Transparency.
We’re fully licenced Sydney electricians. All work is carried out by experienced, accredited tradespeople — not sales reps. View our NSW contractor licence profile here.
What Happens On Your Free Consult Call?
- Review your current solar usage and bill data.
- Discuss concerns around feed-in, grid reliance, or energy costs.
- Map customised options (battery, upgrades, timers).
- Answer technical questions with honesty (no sales pitch).
- Quote if you want it — or time for a site assessment if needed.
How to Choose the Right Battery & Solar Provider
- Fully licenced, not just a solar agent
- Local physical presence — long-term support
- Strong preference for proven battery brands (we recommend Sigenergy & GoodWe first)
- Clear written warranty & after-sales process
- Site-specific analysis, not just a standard “package”
- Handles energy efficiency upgrades (timers, controls, hot water etc)
- Can provide verified customer reviews & references
- No pressure to “sign today” — honest, open consults
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my feed-in tariff drop to 3c?
Energy retailers are cutting feed-in rates as solar supply rises and grid demand changes. It’s about boosting their profit margin, not protecting your interests.
Is it still worth having solar with a 3c feed-in?
Yes — but the value is in self-consumption and storing energy for later use, rather than exporting it for a tiny return.
How much battery storage do I need?
Most homes benefit from 6–13kWh of storage. The right size depends on your daytime usage and export patterns. Our team analyses your bill and usage to tailor a solution.
Are there rebates for batteries in Sydney?
Yes, there are some state-based or network battery incentives, and STCs still apply to solar upgrades. We’ll check what’s available at the time of quoting.
Which battery brands are best?
For reliability and performance, we recommend Sigenergy first, then GoodWe. We install all approved major brands.
Can I upgrade my current solar system?
Yes! Most Sydney systems can be upgraded with smart meters, timers, and compatible battery solutions. We’ll check your setup during the consult.
How long does the consultation take?
Most initial calls take 15–20 minutes. We focus on practical questions and next steps, not handing you off to a “closer”.
Do you service commercial and small business sites?
Absolutely. We help many Sydney small businesses and tenancies reduce export wastage and run more efficiently via upgrades and tailored battery sizing.
What other electrical upgrades improve my return?
Hot water timers, smart switchboards, demand meters, and load-shifting controls can all increase your solar self-usage — and pay for themselves quickly.
Ready to Stop Losing Money to Low Feed-In Tariffs?
Don’t wait another billing cycle — get honest advice now. Speak to a licensed Envirosmart Electrical expert and see exactly how much your 3c tariff is costing you (and how to win those dollars back).
Call 0431 725 458 — No Sales Pressure
Or request a callback here — usually same business day.
Learn more about our approach and company values via our Sydney solar solutions homepage.