Tasmania Aurora Energy Solar Feed-in Tariff Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Tasmanian Economic Regulator (TER) sets the minimum solar feed-in tariff (FiT) rates annually for Aurora Energy customers.
• Your solar system's size determines your eligibility for the standard FiT, with limits of 10kW for single-phase and 30kW for three-phase connections.
• Upgrading your solar system beyond these size limits can change your FiT rate, requiring you to contact Aurora Energy.
• Advanced meters, installed by your energy retailer, record your solar exports in 5-minute intervals, enabling detailed tracking via apps like Aurora+.

What is the Aurora Energy Solar Feed-in Tariff in Tasmania?

In Tasmania, the solar feed-in tariff (FiT) is the rate you receive for excess electricity your solar system exports to the grid. For the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, the standard FiT rate for eligible residential and business customers with Aurora Energy is 9.276 cents per kilowatt-hour. This rate applies to systems that meet specific size criteria.

How are Feed-in Tariff rates set in Tasmania?

The minimum solar feed-in tariff rates in Tasmania are determined by the independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator (TER). The TER reviews and sets these rates each year, with new rates typically becoming effective on 1 July. This ensures a regulated minimum rate for solar exports across the state.

Eligibility for Standard Feed-in Tariffs

Your eligibility for Aurora Energy's standard solar feed-in tariff depends on your customer type (residential or business) and the size of your solar system. Systems that exceed these limits are classified as "Non-Qualifying" and require direct negotiation with Aurora Energy for a rate.

If you are planning to upgrade your solar system, be aware that increasing its size beyond 10kW for single-phase connections or 30kW for three-phase connections may change the feed-in tariff rate you receive. Aurora Energy recommends contacting them before proceeding with any upgrades to discuss potential impacts on your FiT. Customers with installations larger than 10kW will also need approval from TasNetworks to connect to the distribution network and must negotiate their feed-in tariff or power purchase arrangements directly with their energy retailer.

Advanced Meters and Your Solar System

Advanced meters play a crucial role in how your solar exports are measured and managed in Tasmania. Aurora Energy has been coordinating the installation of advanced meters for residential and small business customers since December 2017, with all existing meters in Tasmania expected to gradually change to an advanced meter by 2026.

These electronic meters are capable of two-way communication, allowing for remote scheduled meter reading and remote disconnection/reconnection. They record usage data in 5-minute intervals, providing granular detail on your electricity consumption and solar exports. Your energy retailer, such as Aurora Energy, is responsible for the installation and reading of advanced meters. TasNetworks, as the network operator, handles meter reading for existing basic meters, new connections, and network alterations.

The Aurora+ app, powered by specific residential tariffs, provides access to this detailed usage data. It allows you to see how much power you are using and when, track and manage your usage and costs, and make payments.

Connecting Your Solar System to the TasNetworks Grid

Connecting a solar system to the Tasmanian electricity grid requires approval from TasNetworks, the state's network service provider. TasNetworks ensures that all connections meet safety and network stability requirements.

For micro embedded generation systems, TasNetworks does not charge a fee for modifying an existing connection. Specifically:

• B6 Modify existing connection for single phase micro embedded generation: No fee for solar connections no greater than 10kW.
• B7 Modify existing connection for multi phase micro embedded generation: No fee for solar connections no greater than 30kW.

These fee exemptions apply to the connection modification itself, not necessarily to other associated costs or services.

Important Safety Information for Solar Owners

Understanding the safety aspects of your solar system is crucial.

• Solar System Safety during Outage: For your safety, your solar system will automatically cut out during a power outage on the grid. This prevents your system from feeding electricity into a downed grid, which could endanger line workers. It is important to check that your solar system turns back on after planned or unplanned power outages, as not all solar inverters will switch back on automatically.
• Advanced Meter Health Concerns: Advanced meters are manufactured and installed according to Australian Standards. They comply with the electromagnetic exposure limits developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, addressing common health concerns.

What the published sources do not tell you

While the available information provides a clear overview of Aurora Energy's solar feed-in tariffs and related metering, some specific details are not publicly available:

• WorkSafe Tasmania Inspections: The provided sources do not contain specific information regarding WorkSafe Tasmania inspections in relation to solar installations or feed-in tariffs.
• Negotiation Process for Larger Systems: For systems exceeding the standard eligibility limits, the exact process for negotiating feed-in tariffs or power purchase arrangements with Aurora Energy is not detailed beyond advising customers to "contact us."
• Non-Qualifying FiT Rates: Specific rates for "Non-Qualifying FiT (X6I)" are not published; customers are directed to contact Aurora Energy directly for this information.
• Historical FiT Rates: The provided sources focus on current and future feed-in tariff rates up to 30 June 2027, without detailing historical rates.
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