Updated on 18 February 2026
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 different costs, determined by various 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 command higher prices, but they also offer the best technology, the strongest warranties, and fantastic customer support. Brands that prioritise quantity over quality are usually cheaper, but often at the cost of longevity and efficiency.
- Model: Older solar panel models are generally cheaper, regardless of brand. Newer models are manufactured after considerable investments in research and development. This usually means these panels will attract higher prices.
- Size/Wattage: The greater the wattage, the higher the price. Packing more power into each cell will increase the price per panel, but the benefit of larger panels is usually the reduced need for extra panels on your roof. This means you can maximise the space on your roof and achieve a higher total output.
- Availability: If Covid taught us anything, it’s that scarcity leads to higher 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 such as roof pitch and accessibility can affect 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 impact 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 typical cost of solar electricity per panel in 2026 ranges from $80 to $300+, depending on the type and wattage. Premium high-efficiency modules can cost more than $250–$300 per panel, whereas low-cost solar panels often cost less than $150.
Currently, the average cost of a standard residential solar system in Australia ranges from $3,500 to $10,000, depending on capacity.
This price usually includes the solar modules, a high-quality inverter, and professional installation. While upfront costs exist, the long-term ROI is significantly higher than in previous decades due to increased panel efficiency.
How much will I pay for solar panels?
The exact amount you will pay for solar panels depends on your specific energy needs and roof orientation. On average, most Australian households opt for a 6.6kW system, which typically costs between $4,500 and $8,000.
Larger 10kW systems, which are becoming common for homes with electric vehicles, can range from $8,000 to $12,000. These prices are estimates after applying federal STC incentives, which function as a point-of-sale discount.
| System Size | Estimated Price Range (post-rebate) | Ideal For |
| 3kW solar system | $3,000 – $4,500 | Small apartments or 1-2 person households |
| 5kW solar system | $4,000 – $6,000 | Medium homes with moderate daytime use |
| 6.6kW solar system | $4,500 – $8,000 | The “Standard” Australian family home |
| 10kW solar system | $8,000 – $12,000 | Large families, EVs, or heavy AC usage |
| 15kW+ solar system | $12,000+ | Small businesses or large estates |
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 adding solar batteries and EV chargers.
- Installation requirements. A single-storey home is cheaper to install than a double-storey home. The type of roof you have can play a huge role in the cost – terracotta tiles are more expensive to install than tin. There are many factors your installer will need to consider, and they may all affect the overall cost of the system and installation.
- Rebates and incentives. Your state may offer generous rebates, or 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 has preferences for brands, which ultimately affect the price of the system you choose. The installer’s reputation might also affect the cost of your system. Larger solar retailers, with many branches, might be cheaper than smaller ones. 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?
Getting the best deal on solar in 2026 requires research and comparison. Follow these steps:
- Compare at least three quotes from CEC-accredited installers.
- Check product warranties (25-year panel warranty is standard).
- Verify Clean Energy Council approval for both panels and the installer.
- Avoid extremely cheap systems that compromise quality.
- Review online ratings and case studies.
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 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 brands known for quality and longevity.
Check our page for our recommended solar products.
The impact of battery storage on solar costs
In 2026, many homeowners are opting for “Solar + Storage” packages. Adding a battery typically adds $7,000 to $12,000 to your total system cost.
However, a battery allows you to use solar energy at night, further insulating you from rising grid prices. This leads to a faster “payback period” for the entire system in many Australian states.
If you want to find out how big your solar system with battery storage is, Energy Matters can help you make an informed decision and identify the perfect option for your needs with our Solar Power and Battery Storage Calculator.
The solar calculator will generate performance information and potential savings. We can send this information to 3 trusted local installers in your area to receive obligation-free solar quotes.
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 FREE quotes for solar, batteries, and more.
Begin saving with solar and complete our quick quiz.
