Solar Panel Cost in Australia 2026

What a typical solar system costs, how the STC rebate works, and how to compare quotes.

Typical Solar Costs

6.6kW system (standard residential):

Gross cost (installed): $8,500–10,000
Federal STC rebate: -$3,500–4,000
Net cost to homeowner: $4,500–6,000

10kW system (larger home):

Gross cost: $12,000–14,000
Federal STC rebate: -$5,000–6,000
Net cost: $6,500–8,500

3.3kW system (smaller/budget):

Gross cost: $5,000–6,500
Federal STC rebate: -$1,800–2,200
Net cost: $3,200–4,300

These are all-in costs (panels, inverter, mounting, installation, grid connection).

What Varies the Cost

Panel quality: Tier-1 panels (SunPower, LG, Panasonic) cost 10–20% more than generic panels. Warranty and longevity justify the cost for most homeowners.

Inverter type:

String inverter ($1–2k): One inverter for whole system. Cheapest but less flexible.
Micro-inverters ($3–5k): One per panel. More expensive but handles partial shading better.

Installation complexity: Simple roof with good access = lower cost. Difficult roof (steep, multiple slopes, re-routing wiring) = higher cost.

Geographic location: Rural areas might incur travel costs. Dense suburbs with high installer competition = cheaper.

Energy company: Big installers (SolarCurve, iStore) often have economies of scale (cheaper). Independent installers can be competitive.

Timing: Lead times vary. Busy summer (installers are backlogged) might mean delays or slightly higher prices. Off-season (winter) installers compete harder on price.

The STC Rebate Explained

Small Technology Certificate (STC):

For every 1 kWh of solar capacity you install, you earn STCs
These certificates are sold to electricity retailers (mandated by law)
Retailers use certificates to meet renewable energy targets
Each certificate is worth ~$37–40 (2026 price)

Example: 6.6kW system = 66 certificates. At $38 each = $2,500 rebate. (Installers absorb this, reducing your quote.)

Deeming period: The rebate value is spread over a "deeming period" (currently 5 years in 2026). Longer deeming = bigger rebate. If deeming drops to 3 years (possible future policy change), rebate value drops.

Lock in now: STC rebate might decline over time as renewable energy targets tighten. Installing in 2026 locks in current high rebate values.

Cost Breakdown (Typical $6k Net System)

Panels (22 × 300W panels): $3,000–3,500 (assumes ~$5–6 per watt)

Inverter (6.6kW string inverter): $1,000–1,500

Mounting and hardware: $500–700

Wiring, conduit, switches, isolators: $600–800

Installation labour: $800–1,200

Design, engineering, permitting: $400–600

Grid connection (installer applies): $200–400

Contingency/margin: $500–1,000

Gross total: $7,500–9,700 STC rebate (absorbed): -$3,500–4,000 Net to customer: $4,000–5,700

How Installer Pricing Works

Most installers publish gross price, then deduct STC at quote. Example:

"6.6kW system: $9,500 gross. STC rebate: $3,800. Your cost: $5,700."

Some quote net only: "6.6kW system: $5,700" (STC already factored in).

Always ask: "Is this the final price I pay, or is there anything else?" Legitimate add-on costs might include:

Electrical upgrades (if switchboard is old or inadequate)
Roof repairs (if roof leaks or is damaged during install)
Tree trimming (if shade is a problem)
Cable runs (if main panel is far from optimal rooftop area)

Budget $500–1,500 for these surprises.

State-Specific Rebates (On Top of STC)

Victoria: $1,400 Solar Homes rebate (homeowner-specific). NSW: Empowering Homes loan (interest-free up to $14k, can cover solar). Queensland: None for homeowners, but Supercharged Solar for Renters ($3,500 for landlords). South Australia: None (but VPP payments offset battery costs). ACT: Sustainable Household Scheme ($15k interest-free loan). Tasmania, WA: No specific state rebates (federal STC only).

These stack on top of the STC rebate.

Comparing Quotes

Get 3–5 quotes. Installers typically quote differently:

One quote might be:

$9,500 gross, STC $3,800, net $5,700
Includes: Premium Tier-1 panels, 15-year inverter warranty, micro-inverters

Another might be:

$7,800 gross, STC $3,500, net $4,300
Includes: Generic panels, 10-year inverter warranty, string inverter

Which is better? The premium system costs 33% more but has better warranty. If you plan to stay 25 years, the premium is worth it (better longevity). If you might move, the budget option is fine (everything still works for 10+ years).

Watch Out For These

"Get solar for free!" Scams exist. Real solar isn't free. Legitimate leasing exists (you pay monthly, not upfront), but rates are often worse than ownership.

Cheap panels with hidden costs. "Only $3k for 6.6kW!" probably means budget panels, weak warranty, and hidden add-ons that emerge after the quote.

Loan products. Some installers offer financing (0% interest for 2 years, then 12%+). Read the fine print. Often better to take an interest-free government loan (Victoria, NSW, ACT) instead.

Warranty coverage. Some warranties are worthless (cover material defect but not labour). Ensure warranty covers "parts and labour."

Financing Options

Cash: Best option. No interest, you own it, government rebates are immediate.

Government loan (interest-free): NSW Empowering Homes, Victoria Solar Homes, ACT Sustainable Household Scheme. These are genuinely good deals. 0% interest, repay via electricity bill.

Retailer financing: 0% for 24 months, then interest kicks in. Works if you know you'll pay in full within the interest-free period.

Home loan: Refinance your mortgage to add solar. Lowest interest rates, but tied to your home for 30 years.

Don't use: Personal loans (too expensive, high interest rates).

Regional Price Variation

Sydney/Melbourne metro: More installers, competition is fierce. Prices: $4.5–5.5k for 6.6kW net.

Brisbane metro: Similar competition. Prices: $4.5–5.5k.

Regional areas: Fewer installers. Prices: $5–6.5k (travel costs add $500–1,000).

Remote areas: Few installers. Prices: $6–8k. Consider ordering panels online and hiring an electrician instead.

Timeline From Quote to Live

Quote: 1 day

Design & permitting: 1–2 weeks

Grid connection approval: 1–4 weeks (installer applies with network operator)

Installation: 1–2 days onsite

Final inspection & activation: 1–2 weeks

Total: 6–10 weeks (3 months typical).

Some installers are busy and take 3–4 months to schedule. Book early.

Price Trends

Panels: Flat to slight decline. $0.15/watt (2026) vs $0.12/watt (5 years ago). Unlikely to drop dramatically.

Inverters: Stable. ~$150–200/kW.

Installation labour: Rising slightly (wages going up). Expect costs to increase 3–5%/year.

STC rebate: Risk of decline. If government tightens renewable targets, STC value might drop. Lock in now.

The Honest Pricing Statement

You get what you pay for, but extremes at both ends are bad:

Too cheap ($3.5k for 6.6kW): Probably using cheap materials, weak warranty. Might work, but higher failure risk.
Expensive ($7k+ after rebates): Fine if you're paying for premium panels or service, but compare first.
Sweet spot ($4.5–5.5k after rebates): Good mix of quality, warranty, and value.