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Beaches, surf, the Great Barrier Reef, hiking, fine dining, entertainment…Cairns, QLD seems to have it all!
If you’re in Cairns and you’re planning to switch to solar, then you’re in one of Australia’s best zones! Cairns gets an average of 5.3 hours of full sun every day, which is why it’s one of Australia’s sunnier cities. Therefore, it’s one of the best places to install solar PV.
Today, around 21 per cent of households in Cairns have rooftop solar panels, and the average size of a solar energy system is between 6 kW and 10 kW. The average daily system output in Cairns is 25.13 kWh. Minimum daily (monthly average) system output is 19.5 kWh. Maximum daily (monthly average) solar output is 31 kWh
Total Installed Solar PV Systems in Cairns
11,281
Total Installed Capacity in Cairns (kW)*
84,220
*As of June 2024
Average solar production in Cairns, QLD
The following data shows the average daily solar PV production by month in Cairns, QLD by a solar PV system. The data is based on a 6kW solar PV system in kilowatt-hours (kWh) rounded to the nearest whole number.
Compare Solar Panels in Cairns
The solar panels your solar installer selects will be chosen based on your personal preference, energy needs, and budget. Most solar installers will use their preferred solar panel manufacturer, which is why getting multiple quotes is important if the brand of solar panel is an important factor for you.
Energy Matters recommends that you select Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers for your solar panels. Tier 1 manufacturers produce solar panels of a higher quality and they will be more likely to honour their manufacturer’s warranty compared to lower-tiered manufacturers. Every year, Bloomberg New Energy Finance releases their Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer list.
Energy Matters recommends some of the world’s highest-quality manufacturers. Please check out our recommended products page to find out more about the solar panels, inverters, solar batteries, and EV chargers available for Australian homes and businesses.
Whether you know which panels you want to install on your home or business, or you’d rather discuss your options, we recommend that you begin your solar journey by getting up to 3 FREE, no-obligation quotes. Our network of trusted, local installers will provide personalised quotes for a system that will meet your current and future needs.
The good news is that solar panel prices have reduced significantly over the last 10 years. When determining the number of solar panels you need to install for your Cairns property, you should consider your roof and the amount your local electricity network will allow you to install.
For most homes in QLD, the solar system size is 6.6 kW of panels with a 5 kW inverter. You can install up to 33 per cent more panels than the inverter is rated at.
Additionally, if you use a lot of electricity, or you are thinking of adding an electric vehicle or battery to the property in the coming years, consider installing a bigger solar system.
As previously stated, your solar installer will factor in your current and future needs. We also recommend sizing up, where possible. Your future electricity needs will undoubtedly increase with electrification and a move to Electric Vehicles. Adding solar panels, or completely upgrading your solar PV system in the future, are expenses you wish to avoid. For this reason, sizing up is recommended.
Solar Rebates and Incentives in Cairns
With more sunshine than many other places in Australia, you can get up-front discounts thanks to the federal government. In Cairns, QLD, homeowners can expect a discount on the cost of solar system via the Federal Government’s STC program.
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs
The discount comes from the Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). When a homeowner installs a solar power system, they will be entitled to get a specific number of STCs based on the size and location of solar installation.
Every STC has monetary value, and these certificates’ total value will equate to your deduction. In turn, the more solar panels you have, the bigger the deduction will be.
Your solar installer in Cairns will handle the application for the STCs on your behalf and apply the STC’s value as a discount at the point of sale.
For example, if you have a 6.6 kW system size, you will get approximately $3,600 of STCs.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Feed-in Tariff (FiT) is another solar incentive available to homeowners connected to the grid The FiT is the amount you get paid by your energy retailer in Cairns for the excess energy your solar panels export back into the grid.
During the day, it’s common for a solar panel system to generate more power than what is being used in the home. So, if your system is connected to the grid, the energy that you don’t use will be sent back to the grid, and your energy retailer will pay you a fixed amount per kWh of energy. You can find the most current FiTs available here.
The Right Solar System in Cairns
To find the right solar system for your Cairns property, you need to consider several factors:
- The amount of power you use during the day
- The roof orientation
- Shading
- Roof space
For example, if you have a 5kW solar system in Cairns, your average daily output will be around 21 kWh, with an expected return on investment in three to five years.
Solar Installation in Cairns, QLD
Before you have solar panels installed on your property, you will need to find out if you need the approval of the council. Generally, you will only need to get council approval to install solar if you will install a solar system over 5kW. Your solar installer will conduct the appropriate checks and apply for any council approvals on your behalf.
Additionally, if you live in a rental property or apartment building, you will need approval from your landlord before installing a solar system.
Get rooftop solar panels in Rockhampton. Energy Matters has a nationwide network of trusted local solar installers in Bundaberg that you can access today that can provide you with up to 3 Free Solar Quotes. Complete our quick quiz and switch to solar in Mackay today.
Can’t Afford to Switch Right Now?
If you don’t have the finances for solar right now, don’t let that stop you. Solar is an excellent investment. Many of our trusted solar installers in Brisbane now offer $0 upfront interest-free loans where you can pay off your system in small monthly installments. You only need to request an obligation-free quote and find out what payment plan options are available.
