Queensland is Australia’s second-largest solar market, driven by high irradiance across both SE QLD (Zone 2) and north QLD (Zone 1), strong electricity prices, and a QCA minimum feed-in tariff of approximately 8 c/kWh — one of the higher regulated minimums nationally.
Queensland’s Solar Market
Queensland has strong solar fundamentals:
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High irradiance: Brisbane (Zone 2) has significantly higher solar irradiance than Sydney or Melbourne. Far north QLD (Zone 1) has the highest irradiance of any major Australian city area. A 6.6 kW system in Brisbane generates approximately 9,000–10,500 kWh/year vs around 8,500–9,500 kWh in Sydney.
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Higher STC value: Zone 2 (Brisbane) creates approximately 41 STCs for a 6.6 kW system (vs 36 STCs in Zone 3 Sydney) — approximately $200 more STC discount per system.
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QCA minimum feed-in tariff: At approximately 8 c/kWh, Queensland’s minimum feed-in tariff is higher than the equivalent in NSW (where no minimum is set) and is competitive nationally.
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High electricity prices: Queensland residential electricity prices in 2026 are among the higher prices nationally, making solar self-consumption particularly valuable.
STC Zones and Values in Queensland
| Region | STC Zone | Zone Rating | STCs for 6.6 kW | Value at $38/STC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa | Zone 1 | 1.622 | 43 STCs | $1,634 |
| Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton | Zone 2 | 1.536 | 41 STCs | $1,558 |
| Most regional QLD | Zone 2 | 1.536 | 41 STCs | $1,558 |
Deeming period: 4 years (2026).
Queensland consistently provides better STC returns than southern states — an advantage worth emphasising in customer proposals.
Minimum Feed-in Tariff
The QCA sets the minimum feed-in tariff annually. Key features:
- Applies to all QLD electricity retailers serving Energex and Ergon Energy customers
- Approximately 8 c/kWh for 2025–26 (verify the exact current rate at qca.org.au before including in proposals)
- Some retailers offer higher rates — customers should compare through Energy Made Easy
- Applies to exported solar energy within the DNSP’s approved export limit — generation curtailed by export limits does not earn the feed-in tariff
For financial modelling: use 8 c/kWh as a conservative base for proposals in Queensland. Highlight that some retailers pay more, and customers should compare on Energy Made Easy.
Energex Network: SE Queensland
Energex serves approximately 1.5 million customers in Australia’s third-largest city region. Solar penetration in SE QLD is high — many suburban feeders have significant solar already installed. Energex actively manages hosting capacity and has published information on feeder constraints.
Application: Energy Queensland’s online portal. Standard residential assessments within 10 business days.
Export limit: 5 kW single-phase. Above 5 kW: export limiting required plus smart meter.
Ergon Energy Network: Regional Queensland
Ergon Energy’s vast territory is one of Australia’s most geographically diverse networks — from the tropical far north to the central Queensland coalfields and the remote outback.
Constrained feeders: A significant concern for installers. Ergon’s Network Opportunities Map (available on energyqueensland.com.au) shows hosting capacity. Constrained areas include:
- Some Whitsunday coastal towns (high seasonal tourism load, high solar, summer peak demand)
- Some Outback Queensland communities
- Long agricultural feeders in Central and Western Queensland
Agricultural solar opportunity: Queensland’s agricultural sector — cane farming, cattle stations, fruit growing — has significant rooftop solar potential. Ergon’s Connection Facilitation Process supports larger farm solar connections, and PM-KUSUM-equivalent schemes may become relevant as Queensland’s agricultural decarbonisation policy evolves.
Building Approval in Queensland
Most residential solar installations in Queensland are exempt from development approval under the Queensland Planning Act:
- Roof-mounted solar systems on dwellings are generally exempt from DA
- Systems must not protrude more than 0.6 metres above the roof surface
- Heritage-listed properties require heritage assessment
- Strata/body corporate properties require body corporate consent
CEC-accredited installers should confirm the property’s status before installing on heritage-listed buildings or properties with restrictive covenants.
Check the Ergon Network Map Before Regional QLD Designs
For any installation outside Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and other major SE QLD centres, check Ergon Energy’s Network Opportunities Map before finalising the system design. Regional QLD has some of Australia’s most capacity-constrained rural feeders, and an unexpected zero export result after contract signing creates significant commercial problems. The check takes five minutes and can save hours of redesign.
Design Queensland Solar Projects with Accurate STC and FiT Calculations
SurgePV applies Queensland’s Zone 1 and Zone 2 STC ratings and the QCA minimum feed-in tariff to produce accurate solar proposals for both SE QLD and regional Queensland installations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the feed-in tariff in Queensland?
~8 c/kWh minimum, set by the QCA. Some retailers pay more. Check the current QCA determination and compare retailers on Energy Made Easy.
Which DNSP serves my address?
Energex (SE QLD: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba) or Ergon Energy (all other QLD). Check electricity bill or NMI prefix.
What is the export limit?
5 kW (Energex standard). Ergon Energy varies by feeder — check Network Opportunities Map.
Are there state solar rebates in Queensland?
Queensland relies primarily on the federal STC scheme. Check the Queensland Government energy website for any current state programmes. The QCA minimum feed-in tariff (~8 c/kWh) is one of the higher regulated export rates nationally.
What STC zone is Brisbane?
Zone 2 (rating 1.536). Far north QLD (Cairns, Townsville) is Zone 1 (1.622) — the highest possible. Both are better than Sydney/Melbourne (Zone 3).
