Updated June 16, 2024
If you’re looking at installing solar, the question of cost is undoubtedly on top of your list. Solar panel costs have been steadily declining in Australia. Solar panels have never been cheaper!
Let’s look at the solar panel cost in Australia.
Are all solar panels priced the same?
As with most things in life, solar panels have varying costs which are determined by varying factors. Here’s a breakdown of the factors affecting solar panel costs:
- Brand: The solar panel brand you select will often have the greatest impact on its price. Premium brands usually attract higher prices, but they also have the best technology, the greatest warranties, and fantastic customer support. Brands that prioritise quantity over quality will usually be cheaper – but often at the cost of longevity and efficiency.
- Model: Older models of solar panels will generally be cheaper – regardless of the brand. Newer models are manufactured after considerable investments in research and development. This will usually mean that these panels will attract higher prices.
- Size/Wattage: The greater the wattage, the higher the price. Packing more of a power punch into each cell will result in an increased price per panel – but the benefit of larger panels is usually the reduced need for extra panels on your roof. This means that you can maximise the space on your roof and enjoy a total greater output.
- Availability: If Covid taught us anything, we now know that scarcity equals greater costs. Australia currently has a surplus of solar panels available, meaning cheaper panels.
- Solar installation costs: The cost of labour and materials for installation will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your roof. Factors like roof pitch and accessibility can impact installation difficulty.
Beyond the panels: Additional considerations
The panel cost base and solar panel installation cost are significant factors, but there’s more to consider:
- Panel quality: Higher efficiency panels, while pricier upfront, can generate more electricity per square meter, potentially saving you space and maximising output.
- Inverter type: String inverters are the standard option, but battery storage systems often use advanced inverters, which impacts the overall cost.
- Government solar incentives: Remember to factor in generous government solar rebates that can significantly reduce your upfront costs. The exact rebate amount depends on a scheme called Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
To find the most up-to-date information and applicable rebates, check our pages.
- Home Solar Rebates, Incentives & Subsidies In Australia
- Commercial Solar Rebates, Grants & Incentives
- Solar Battery System Rebates, Subsidies, & Incentives
- Off Grid Solar Power Rebates For Remote Installations
What is the current solar panel cost?
While there’s no set solar panel price, we do have an average price for solar panels installed in Australia (including the inverter).
According to SolarChoice, the current national cost per watt to install solar is $0.92 (June 2024). This means that a 10kW system would cost around $9,200 to install on average (including the deduction of the value of STCs). Of course, prices vary from state to state. You can use our handy calculator to find out how much you might pay for a solar system in your home.
How much will I pay for solar panels?
With all these factors in mind, let’s get down to some ballpark figures. After applying government incentives in 2024, a typical 6kW solar panel system in Australia can range from around $4,000 to $6,000. This is a significant reduction compared to just a few years ago.
Here’s a ballpark range for commonly installed system sizes:
- 5kW system: $4,000 – $6,000
- 6.6kW system: $6,000 – $8,500
- 10kW system: $7,500 – $10,500
What you can expect to pay for solar will be based on the following:
- The size of the system to be installed. The larger the system, the greater the expense. This also includes the addition of solar batteries and EV chargers.
- Installation requirements. A single-storey home is cheaper to install on than a double-storey. The type of roof you have can play a huge role in the cost – terracotta tiles are more expensive to install on than tin. There are many factors that will need to be considered by your installer and they all may impact the overall cost of the system and installation.
- Rebates and incentives. Your state may have generous rebates available or it may have none. These can all play a crucial role in your solar quote.
- The quality of the system chosen. A lower-quality system will often be cheaper than a higher-quality one.
- The installer. Not all solar retailers are the same. Every installer will have preferences for brands which will ultimately impact the price of the system you choose. The reputation of the installer might also play a role in the cost of your system. Larger solar retailers, that have many branches, might be cheaper than your smaller retailers. This might be due to the volume of installs they perform and the stock they have on hand. On the other hand, pop-up installers might bait their customers with absurdly cheap solar systems. These retailers often disappear as quickly as they appear. These retailers leave hundreds to thousands of Australians with poor installations and shonky solar systems.
How do I make sure I get the best deal on solar?
The formula is quite simple: Get at least 3 quotes from local solar installers and understand your current and future power needs.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is stepping blindly into solar. Check your recent electricity bills (at least the last 2 or 3) and have a look at your average daily usage in kWh. This should give you a rough indication of how big of a system you will need. If you find that you use 18kWh a day, then a 5kW system (20-22kWh per day) would likely do the job.
We always recommend oversizing to futureproof your system. Your solar installer should be recommending the same.
We also recommend getting to know solar brands. Familiarise yourself with solar panels, inverters, battery storage, and the brands that are known for quality and longevity.
Energy Matters recommends:
| Solar Panels | Inverters & Batteries |
| LAVO LONGi REC SunPower Yingli Solar | GoodWe Enphase Fronius LAVO Sigenergy Solis Sungrow Tesla |
Ready to install solar on your home?
Energy Matters works with a network of local installers that are based across Australia. We can pair you with up to 3 installers to provide you with FREE quotes for solar, batteries, and much more.
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