The SA 44c distributor feed-in tariff: who still gets it, who shouldn't add a battery

Background

From 2008 to 2011, the SA Government offered a 44c per exported kWh distributor feed-in tariff to incentivise rooftop solar adoption. The scheme closed to new applicants on 30 September 2011 but legacy customers still receive it. It expires on 30 June 2028, regardless of when your system was installed.

Who still gets the 44c tariff

If your solar system was originally grid-connected between:

• 1 July 2008 and 31 August 2010: 44c per exported kWh, no daily cap.
• 1 September 2010 and 30 September 2011: 44c per exported kWh, capped at the first 45 kWh exported per day.

Systems connected from 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2013 had a 16c distributor tariff that already ended on 30 September 2016.

If you don't know your connection date, contact SA Power Networks on 1300 665 913 or seg@sapowernetworks.com.au.

What cancels the 44c tariff

Per the SA Government's own published rules (sa.gov.au):

• Installing battery storage cancels it.
• Installing any renewable generator cancels it.
• Demolishing and rebuilding cancels it.
• Replacing panels or inverter may cancel it depending on scope - check with SAPN BEFORE you do anything.

Once cancelled, you fall back to whatever retailer feed-in tariff your electricity retailer offers - typically 2-8c per kWh.

The maths: should you add a battery if you're on 44c?

Worked example: A 3kW system installed in 2010, currently exporting an average of 12 kWh per day.

Current state:

• Daily 44c distributor tariff revenue: 12 x $0.44 = $5.28/day = $1,927/year.
• Plus self-consumption savings (small system, mostly exports anyway).

If you add a 10 kWh battery for $10,000 post-rebate:

• 44c tariff revenue: $0 (cancelled).
• Self-consumption rate jumps from ~25% to ~75%.
• Daily grid bill savings: ~$3.60 from extra self-consumption.
• Annual saving: ~$1,314.
• Net change from adding battery: -$613/year.
• Battery payback if you forced it through: never positive while 44c remains.

After 30 June 2028 the 44c tariff ends regardless, so this analysis flips.

What we recommend

• If you are on 44c distributor tariff with a small system (under 5kW) exporting most of your generation: do not add a battery before 30 June 2028.
• If you are on 44c with a larger system (over 5kW) hitting the 45 kWh daily cap: the maths is closer - get the installer to run the numbers.
• After 30 June 2028: the 44c tariff ends, and adding a battery becomes attractive regardless.

When you get quotes through us, mention that you are on the 44c tariff so the installer can run both scenarios.