Introduction
Many retailers now offer time-of-export feed-in tariffs (FiTs) instead of a flat export rate. This means you earn more per kWh when exporting during peak demand periods, but less during off-peak hours. Understanding who benefits most helps you choose the right plan.
What Are Time-of-Export FiTs?
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Peak FiT: Higher rate, usually late afternoon or evening.
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Shoulder FiT: Medium rate, around morning or early evening.
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Off-peak FiT: Lowest rate, typically during midday when solar is abundant.
See examples of retailer offers at Retailer Rates and Compare FiT by State.
Worked Example 1 — Flat vs Time-of-Export
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System: 6.6 kW, 25 kWh/day generation
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Exports: 15 kWh/day
Flat FiT: 8c × 15 = $1.20/day
Time-of-Export:
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5 kWh peak × 20c = $1.00
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5 kWh shoulder × 10c = $0.50
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5 kWh off-peak × 5c = $0.25
Total = $1.75/day
Result: Time-of-export adds $200+ extra per year.
Worked Example 2 — Daytime Exporter
If most exports happen midday (off-peak):
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12 kWh × 5c = $0.60
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3 kWh × 20c = $0.60
Total = $1.20/day — same as flat FiT.
In this case, no real advantage.
Worked Example 3 — Evening Export with Battery
If a household stores solar in a battery and exports at peak:
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10 kWh × 20c = $2.00/day
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5 kWh × 10c = $0.50/day
Total = $2.50/day — double the flat FiT return.
Model these scenarios with the FiT Savings Calculator and Solar ROI Fit.
FAQs
Q1. Who benefits most from time-of-export FiTs?
Households with west-facing panels, batteries, or high evening exports.
Q2. Are they always better than flat FiTs?
Not always. If most exports occur midday, flat rates may perform the same or better.
Q3. How can I check my export timing?
Use smart meter data or inverter logs. See Guide: export estimation.
Q4. Do rates change often?
Yes. Monitor offers with the Rate Change Tracker.
Conclusion
Time-of-export FiTs can reward the right households but aren’t always the best option. If you export heavily in the evening, you’ll likely benefit. For daytime exporters, a flat FiT may work just as well. Use the Postcode Estimator and Retailer Rates to compare plans before switching.