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Known as the sugar capital of Australia, Mackay in Queensland (QLD) produces over a third of the country’s sugar. Home to beautiful beaches and lush rainforests with interesting wildlife and more, Mackay is truly a paradise. It is a beautiful city filled with Art Deco buildings and palm-tree-lined streets. In this kind of environment, you just know that the Mackay residents take pleasure in the temperate climate, making it one of the best places to get solar in QLD.
Over 21 per cent of homes in Mackay have rooftop solar panels installed. Mackay gets 5.5 hours of ‘peak sun’ per day. If you have yet to switch to solar, then read on below to find out how much energy you can get from the sun and the money you can save (and even make!).
For those considering the transition to solar energy, understanding the potential benefits is crucial. Discover how much energy the sun can provide and the potential savings or earnings with Mackay solar installation. If you’re interested in exploring solar installation in Mackay for your home, consider seeking FREE solar quotes from Energy Matters to make decisions that align with the suburb’s eco-friendly ethos.
Total Installed Solar PV Systems in Mackay*
12,610
Total Installed Capacity in Mackay (kW)*
80,151
*As of August 2022
Average solar production in Mackay, QLD
The following data shows the average daily solar PV production by month in Mackay, 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 Mackay
Solar installers in Mackay will choose solar panels for your home based on your personal preference, energy needs, and budget. Remember that most Mackay solar installers already have a preferred solar panel manufacturer. That’s why we recommend you get several quotes if you are particular about the brand of the solar system for your Mackay property.
Energy Matters recommends you choose Tier 1 solar panel manufacturers for your solar panels. Tier 1 manufacturers are the “financially stable” ones that honour their manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, they produce higher-quality solar panels. You can refer to the Bloomberg New Energy Finance Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer list released yearly.
Also, to help you with your search, Energy Matters has established solid partnerships with trusted and reliable solar panel manufacturers. They are:
Start your solar journey here with us by getting up to 3 FREE, no-obligation quotes. We have a large network of trusted, local installers to provide you with personalised quotes for a solar system to meet your current and future needs.
Solar panel costs in Mackay have reduced significantly over the past decade. When figuring out the number of solar panels, you need to install for your Mackay home, consider your roof and the amount your local electricity network will let you install.
For most homes in QLD, the ideal solar system size is 6.6 kW of PV panels with a 5 kW inverter. You can residential solar installation in Mackay 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 solar battery to your home in Mackay, then you can install a bigger solar system.
We recommend sizing up where possible because there is an increase in electrification, which will impact your future electricity needs. With that, you can save more money now by installing a bigger solar system in Mackay.
Solar rebates and incentives in Mackay
Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC)
Homeowners with solar in Mackay, QLD are entitled to several rebates and incentives, including the STC. If you have solar panels or a solar hot water system, you are eligible for STCs that you can sell on an open market or give to a solar installer in Mackay to get a huge discount on your solar system.
The amount of STCs you get will depend on the supply and demand. Moreover, the number of STCs you get will also depend on your system size and location.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
The FiT provides Mackay homeowners credit for every kWh of energy their solar system exports back into the grid. Your energy retailer applies it and you will see it as a discount off your electricity bill. Some energy retailers offer higher FiTs, which is why you should take the time to compare energy retailers.
Currently, the QLD state government doesn’t offer any solar rebates. However, stay up to date with solar rebates and incentives here.
The right solar system for your Mackay home
When choosing a solar system in Mackay, you want to make sure that you’re getting the right one. To do this, there are a few factors to consider:
- Roof condition: Ensure your roof is in good shape before installing solar panels.
- Roof angle: How your roof is angle is important in the efficiency of your solar panels in Mackay. Ideally, the roof must be tilted at the same angle as the latitude of your home’s location.
- Energy consumption: Knowing the amount of energy you consume every month will help you determine the right solar system size for your property.
- Surrounding shade: Trees on your property or in your neighbour’s yard may compromise the efficiency of your solar system. Make sure the trees that may pose a problem are trimmed back. Additionally, your solar installer in Mackay will help you find the best position for your panels and take into account the shaded areas.
One of the best things about solar installers in Mackay is that they will design a system that maximises your roof space whilst considering your current and future energy needs.
We recommend seeking at least 3 solar quotes to ensure that you are getting the best deal and a solar installer whom you can trust. Energy Matters has done most of the hard work for you! We have a nationwide network of trusted, local installers who are ready to contact you and provide a quote. Get up to 3 FREE quotes via our solar quote service.
Do you need a solar storage battery in Mackay?
A home battery storage system will allow Mackay homeowners to store energy generated by the solar panels that they can use throughout the night or on overcast days.
Whilst a solar storage battery isn’t the most affordable option today, it brings in a lot of benefits, such as:
- Energy independence: The electrical grid is becoming more unstable and there is an increase in electricity rates. Therefore, solar battery storage will help you reduce your reliance on the grid as it can make your home fully self-sufficient.
- Blackout protection: Blackouts in Mackay are rare, but they can happen, and they can be extremely inconvenient. A lot of batteries, like the Tesla Powerwall, can power your house whilst your street doesn’t have power. Your solar panels will continue to charge your battery throughout the day, which you can use throughout the night.
- Cost savings: Participating in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) can see you saving even more money by receiving credits for sharing the power stored by your battery back to the grid.
Fortunately, there are a lot of brands and types of solar batteries you can get in Mackay.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Mackay, QLD
Geting an EV in Mackay is more affordable due to the Queensland Government’s continuous efforts to help Australia reach its net-zero goal. Queenslanders can get up to $3,000 rebate for EVs priced at less than $58,000. Additionally, the QLD Government also plans to have at least 288 EVs in their government fleet this year.
It’s important to note that EVs and hybrids pay lower stamp duty compared to fuel-powered vehicles. In fact, EVs up to $100,000 pay two per cent duty, while those over $100,000 pay four per cent duty.
Aside from these rebates, the state is also boosting the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure. Queensland has pioneered EV chargers in Australia with the Queensland Electric Super Highway, which runs almost the full length of the coast and is the longest intrastate network globally.
Currently, there are 10,000 EVS registered in Queensland, and the government’s $45 million EV strategy ensures that 100 per cent of eligible QLD government passenger vehicles are zero-emission by 2025. The new TransLink-funded bus was added to the fleet, a zero-emission bus from 2025 in South East Queensland, and across regional Queensland from 2025 to 2030.
With these developments, more EV models are being launched. So, if you’re thinking of getting an EV, here are more benefits you can expect:
- Lower costs: EVs are much easier and more affordable to run and maintain than fuel-powered vehicles.
- Help meet the country’s emissions target: As mentioned, Australia is on a mission to reach net-zero by 2050. When you switch to an EV, you play an important role in achieving this goal.
- More economic opportunities: Australia is the biggest exporter of lithium in the world, and EV batteries and primarily made of lithium. Your EV will help maintain the lithium industry.
Are you ready to make your next car an EV? Book a test drive today!
The return on investment of Mackay solar panels
With the upward trend of energy bills, going solar seems like the best way to go in Mackay, QLD. Additionally, with the government’s support, switching to solar makes a lot of sense. However, many homeowners still wonder about the return on investment of solar panels.
For a mid-range home, the return on investment is around two to six years. Still, this will depend on your consumption and usage pattern. Nonetheless, the more you consume solar, the more you save on energy bills.
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 now offer $0 upfront interest-free loans where you can pay off your system in small monthly instalments. You only need to request an obligation-free quote and find out what payment plan options are available.
