Selling electricity back to the grid in Australia isn’t just a feel-good move for the environment — it can actually put money in your pocket. But how much money, exactly? That depends on where you live, your energy provider, and how smart your setup is. Let’s break it down — no fluff, just what you need to know.

How much money can Australians make selling electricity back to the grid?

Here’s the short answer: most households in Australia with solar panels earn between 6 to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) they export to the grid. That means if you’re exporting 10kWh a day (a modest solar system), you’re making about 60 cents to $2 a day, or around $200–$700 per year.

That’s not going to fund your retirement — but it can shave hundreds off your annual electricity bill. Some households earn even more, especially with larger systems or if they’re part of advanced trading setups.

What’s the deal with feed-in tariffs — and why do they vary so much?

Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are what your energy retailer pays you for each kWh of electricity you export. The rate is not national — it’s set by states and retailers, which is why there’s such a wide range.

Here’s a snapshot:

Retailers offering FiTs above 12 cents/kWh often have conditions — like requiring time-of-export or dynamic tariffs. And here’s the psychological catch: many customers focus on the highest rate, but lower FiT plans may actually save you more overall, if the usage rates are cheaper.

Can you game the system with solar and batteries?

Kind of — but it’s less of a game and more of a strategy.

If you have a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or BYD unit), you can store solar energy and sell it back during peak hours when prices are higher — sometimes up to 40–50 cents/kWh on time-based plans or under virtual power plant (VPP) programs.

Here’s how some Aussie households are optimising their returns:

• Time-based exports: Selling power during 4–9pm peak windows at elevated rates.

• Virtual Power Plants: Joining VPP programs like those from AGL or Amber Electric that combine home batteries into a distributed power network.

• Wholesale trading: Accessing wholesale spot prices that can occasionally hit over $1/kWh, though it carries risk if prices swing the other way.

One bloke in Adelaide with a 10kW solar + 13kWh battery setup reported pulling in $1,200+ annually, thanks to a combination of savvy exports and shifting his own consumption.

What influences how much money you’ll make?

Several behavioural and technical factors influence your payback:

• System size: Bigger solar arrays = more excess to sell.

• Self-consumption: Ironically, the more solar you don’t use, the more you can export.

• Tariff type: Flat vs time-of-use vs dynamic can change the game.

• Retailer strategy: Some plans hide high daily charges behind big FiTs — do the maths.

And then there’s the anchoring bias — we tend to fixate on FiT rates, assuming higher is better, but the real savings come from the overall energy plan structure.

Is energy trading the next big thing?

Yes — and it’s already here.

Advanced retailers like Amber Electric and Powerclub offer access to real-time wholesale prices. If you’re willing to ride the market’s ups and downs (and maybe nerd out a bit on your app), you can earn significantly more.

This is where working with an energy broker can seriously pay off. Brokers understand the mechanics of energy trading, tariffs, and retailer gamesmanship — helping you make smarter decisions about plans, batteries, and exports.

These aren’t your pushy commission types either. A good broker acts more like your solar-savvy mate, warning you when your retailer’s quietly slashed your FiT or added hidden fees.

Are there any risks or trade-offs?

Absolutely. A few to watch:

• Low FiTs = longer payback periods for your solar system

• Battery degradation over time can reduce export capability

• Market volatility can backfire if you’re trading on wholesale prices without safeguards

• Retailer lock-ins and exit fees can trap you in a bad deal

And here’s a behavioural science twist: loss aversion plays a big role here. People are more upset by “losing” potential export earnings than they are happy with bill savings — even if the latter is greater. So it’s vital to zoom out and consider the full picture.

Is it worth it in 2025?

In most cases, yes — but not as a get-rich-quick scheme. Think of selling electricity back to the grid as a long game:

• It softens your electricity bills

• Helps you get a better ROI from your solar setup

• Puts you on the front foot of energy tech (and possibly, home value boosts)

And frankly, there’s something satisfying about watching your meter run backwards while the neighbours are blasting their aircon.

FAQ

Can I sell electricity to other households, not just the grid?
Technically yes, through peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms like Power Ledger — but uptake is still low and regulatory hurdles exist.

Do batteries make it more profitable to sell power?
Yes, especially if you can export during peak price windows. But they also cost $8–15k upfront, so weigh the ROI carefully.

Which is better — high FiT or low usage rates?
It depends. Often, lower usage rates + moderate FiT plans offer better net savings than high-FiT plans with expensive rates.

Final thought

Selling electricity back to the grid won’t make you rich — but it can absolutely make you smarter. With solar, batteries, and a savvy retailer setup, you’re not just a consumer anymore — you’re part of the energy market. And with tools like a good energy broker in your corner, you can do more than break even — you can play to win.