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TL;DR: A 10kW solar system costs $7,500 to $12,000 after the federal STC rebate in 2026. It produces around 40 kWh per day, enough for a large family, pool, ducted AC, or EV charging. The incremental cost over 6.6kW is $2,500 to $4,500, which pays for itself fast if your usage is high enough.
For the average household using 15 to 25 kWh a day, 6.6kW is plenty. But not everyone is average. If your quarterly bill is consistently over $700, you are probably using 30 to 50 kWh a day, and a 6.6kW system will not cover it all.
The typical 10kW customer has one or more of these: a pool pump running daily, ducted air conditioning, an electric vehicle being charged at home, electric hot water, or simply a large family (5+ people). If you are also planning to add a battery, a larger panel array charges it faster and maximises the energy you store.
One practical consideration: a 10kW inverter requires three-phase power in most states. If you only have single-phase, you can still install 10kW of panels using either a 5kW inverter with 133% oversizing (which clips the output), or two 5kW inverters side by side. Your installer can advise on the best setup for your property.
10kW solar system price by state
| State | Price Range | Daily Output | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $8,000 – $12,000 | ~38 kWh | 3.5–5 yr |
| VIC | $7,600 – $11,400 | ~34 kWh | 4–5.5 yr |
| QLD | $7,360 – $11,040 | ~44 kWh | 3–4 yr |
| SA | $8,160 – $12,240 | ~42 kWh | 2.5–3.5 yr |
| WA | $8,400 – $12,600 | ~44 kWh | 3.5–5 yr |
| TAS | $8,640 – $12,960 | ~30 kWh | 5–7 yr |
| NT | $9,200 – $13,800 | ~48 kWh | 4–5 yr |
| ACT | $8,000 – $12,000 | ~36 kWh | 4.5–6 yr |
The standout here is South Australia again. Despite paying more for the system than most states, SA homeowners see the fastest payback because they are offsetting 42c/kWh electricity instead of 28 to 32c. A 10kW system saving $4,000 to $5,000 a year in SA is not unusual for a high-usage household.
See what a 10kW system costs near you: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Newcastle.
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Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Is the upgrade from 6.6kW to 10kW worth it?
This is the decision most people are actually weighing up. The extra 3.4kW costs roughly $2,500 to $4,500 depending on your state and equipment choices. Here is how the numbers stack up.
| 6.6kW | 10kW | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | ~$6,000 | ~$9,500 | +$3,500 |
| Daily output | ~26 kWh | ~40 kWh | +14 kWh/day |
| Panels | 15 | 23 | +8 panels |
| Roof space | ~30m² | ~46m² | +16m² |
| Annual savings (high use) | ~$1,800 | ~$2,800 | +$1,000/yr |
If you use most of the extra energy (either directly or via a battery), the $3,500 premium pays for itself in about 3.5 years. That is a strong return. But if your daily usage is under 25 kWh and you do not plan to add a battery, much of the extra production gets exported at 5 to 8c/kWh instead of offsetting 30 to 42c usage. In that case, 6.6kW is the better value.
Use the panel calculator to see exactly how many panels your usage needs, or the payback calculator to model the ROI for each system size.
What drives the cost of a 10kW system
The same factors that affect 6.6kW pricing apply here, but with a few 10kW-specific considerations.
Inverter choice matters more at 10kW. A single 10kW string inverter (Fronius Gen24, Sungrow SG10RS) costs $2,000 to $3,000. Going with microinverters at this size means 23 individual units at $150 to $180 each, totalling $3,450 to $4,140. The microinverter premium is larger in dollar terms than on a 6.6kW system, so make sure the benefits (shade tolerance, panel-level monitoring) justify the extra spend for your specific roof.
Three-phase upgrade. If you need three-phase power for a single 10kW inverter and your property only has single-phase, the upgrade can cost $1,000 to $3,000 depending on your DNSP and how far your meter is from the street transformer. Some homeowners avoid this by running two 5kW single-phase inverters instead.
Export limits. In some areas with high solar saturation, your DNSP may impose a 5kW export limit. This does not affect how much solar you use yourself, but it caps what you can send back to the grid. If you are in an export-limited area and do not have a battery, a 10kW system will clip more often than a 6.6kW. Check your local export limits before deciding.
For a full breakdown of panel quality tiers, inverter types, and hidden costs to watch for, see our complete solar cost guide.
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Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10kW solar system cost in Australia in 2026?expand_more
Between $7,500 and $12,000 fully installed after the federal STC rebate. Queensland is typically cheapest ($7,360-$11,040), while NT is most expensive ($9,200-$13,800). Panel quality and inverter choice drive most of the variation.
Do I need three-phase power for a 10kW solar system?expand_more
A single 10kW inverter requires three-phase power. But you can install 10kW of panels on single-phase using two 5kW inverters or a 5kW inverter with oversized panels. Your installer will recommend the best configuration for your property.
Who actually needs a 10kW solar system?expand_more
Homes using 30-50 kWh per day: large families, homes with pools, ducted AC, electric hot water, or EV charging. Also a smart choice if you plan to add a battery, as the larger array charges it faster.
Is 10kW solar worth it compared to 6.6kW?expand_more
If your daily usage exceeds 25 kWh or you plan to add a battery or EV, the extra $2,500-$4,500 cost pays for itself in about 3.5 years through higher savings. For lower-usage homes, 6.6kW is usually better value.
The next step
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, feel free to get in touch:
Email: hello@whysolar.com.au
Tel: +61 455 221 921
If you're considering solar panels or batteries for your home, Bec and the team can help you get quotes from trusted, pre-vetted local installers:
Written by
Bec RamirezAussie Mum & Energy Expert
Helping families navigate the switch to solar with practical, real-world advice. Bec focuses on the financial side — rebates, bill savings, and financing options — so everyday Australians can see real value from going solar.
Learn more about Bec Ramirez