Introduction
Retailers are increasingly offering time-of-export FiTs, where your exported solar earns different rates depending on the time of day. But who actually benefits from these plans? Let’s break it down with worked examples and tools to help you decide.
For a general overview, see What is FiT? and Compare FiT by State.
Key Definitions
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Flat FiT: One rate for every exported kWh.
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Time-of-export FiT: Different rates by time blocks (e.g., peak, shoulder, off-peak).
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Peak window: Usually late afternoon or evening, when demand is highest.
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Shoulder/Off-peak: Midday or overnight, usually lower rates.
Check your local offers at Retailer Rates.
Worked Example 1 — Standard Household
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Plan A: Flat FiT = 8c/kWh
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Plan B: Time-of-export FiT = 5c off-peak, 12c peak
Household exports 80% of solar between 10 am–3 pm (off-peak). -
Plan A: 10 kWh × 8c = $0.80/day
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Plan B: (8 × 5c) + (2 × 12c) = $0.64/day
Flat FiT works better for typical households exporting midday.
Worked Example 2 — Battery Owners
With a battery, exports can be shifted to evening peak.
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Export 5 kWh at 6–9 pm @ 12c/kWh = $0.60
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Compare to flat 8c × 5 kWh = $0.40
Battery users benefit more from time-of-export plans.
Worked Example 3 — Seasonal Impact
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Summer: exports spread across midday (mostly off-peak)
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Winter: exports smaller, but in shoulder/peak windows
Households with higher winter exports in late afternoon may see better outcomes with time-of-export.
Model seasonal differences with the Postcode Estimator.
Who Benefits Most from Time-of-Export FiTs?
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Battery households shifting exports to peak.
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Low daytime usage homes that export later in the day.
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Regions with high evening rates and generous peak FiTs.
Everyone else may find a flat FiT simpler and more reliable.
FAQs
Q1. Are time-of-export FiTs always better?
No, most households export during the day when off-peak rates apply.
Q2. Can I change plans later?
Yes, but always check terms at Retailer Rates.
Q3. Do all states offer time-of-export FiTs?
No, availability depends on your location. Compare with Compare FiT by State.
Q4. How do I check if it’s worth it for me?
Run scenarios in the FiT Savings Calculator or test long-term results in Solar ROI Fit.
Conclusion
Time-of-export FiTs can be powerful—but only for the right households. If you don’t have a battery or late-day exports, a flat FiT may deliver better value. Use the calculators and tools linked above to test your numbers before switching.