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TL;DR: In 2026, a standard 6.6kW solar system costs $5,000 to $8,500 after federal rebates. Prices vary by state, system size, and panel quality: 5kW systems start at around $3,800, while premium 13kW systems run $10,000 to $15,000. Quality matters more than price. Budget systems often cost more in lost output over 25 years.
“How much do solar panels actually cost?” It is the first question every Australian household asks, and honestly, it is harder to get a straight answer than it should be. Prices vary wildly depending on who you ask, what quality you're looking at, and where you live.
I have been helping families navigate this for years now, and I want to give you the real picture. Not a sales pitch, not a number designed to get you to click a button. Just honest pricing data from across Australia in 2026, so you can walk into any quote with confidence. If you are brand new to all of this, our understanding solar guide covers the fundamentals first.
The quick answer: A standard 6.6kW solar system costs $5,000 to $8,500 after rebates in 2026. But there is a lot of nuance behind that range. Let me break it all down.
For detailed, personalised pricing and to get matched with vetted local installers, head to our solar panel cost page after reading this overview. Or if you want to crunch numbers for your specific home, try the solar savings calculator.
Solar Panel Prices by System Size (After STC Rebate)
The size of your solar system is the single biggest factor in what you'll pay. Here are the current price ranges across Australia after the federal STC rebate has been applied. These are fully installed prices including panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, and grid connection paperwork.
| System Size | Price Range (After Rebate) | Best For | Approx. Daily Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | $4,000 – $6,500 | Small families, moderate usage | ~20 kWh |
| 6.6kW | $5,000 – $8,500 | Most households (most popular) | ~26 kWh |
| 8kW | $6,200 – $10,000 | Larger families, high daytime usage | ~32 kWh |
| 10kW | $7,500 – $12,000 | Large families, EVs, pools | ~40 kWh |
| 13kW | $9,500 – $15,000 | Large homes, high usage, future battery | ~52 kWh |
Why is 6.6kW the most popular size? Most single-phase homes are limited to a 5kW inverter, but you can pair it with 6.6kW of panels thanks to the 133% oversizing rule. This gives you more energy during morning and afternoon shoulder hours without needing a larger (and more expensive) inverter. For help choosing the right size, see our solar system sizes guide. If you need something bigger, our 10kW system pricing guide breaks down the economics of larger installations.
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Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
What's Included in a Solar Installation Price?
When you receive a solar quote, the price should cover everything you need to get your system generating power and connected to the grid. Here is what a legitimate fully installed price includes:
- check_circleSolar panels: The specific brand, model, wattage per panel, and total number of panels making up your system capacity
- check_circleInverter: The brand and model (e.g. Fronius Primo 5.0, Sungrow SG5.0RS, or Enphase IQ8+ microinverters), which converts DC power from panels to AC for your home
- check_circleMounting system: Roof rails, clamps, and brackets suited to your roof type (tin, tile, or flat)
- check_circleElectrical wiring: All DC and AC cabling, conduit, isolators, and connections between panels, inverter, and switchboard
- check_circleInstallation labour: The actual work of mounting panels, running cables, and connecting everything safely
- check_circleGrid connection paperwork: The application to your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) to connect your system and enable export
If a quote does not itemise these components, ask for a breakdown. A reputable installer will be happy to explain every line. If they bundle everything into a single number with no detail, that is a red flag. Keep looking.
The STC Rebate Explained Simply
Every price in this article is listed after the federal rebate, because that is what you actually pay out of pocket. But it is worth understanding how this rebate works, because it is shrinking every year and that directly affects your timing.
The “rebate” is technically a tradeable certificate system called Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). When you install solar, your system creates a certain number of STCs based on two things: your system size and your postcode zone (sunnier areas get more certificates). Your installer creates these STCs and sells them on an open market, typically at around $36–$40 per certificate in 2026. The total value is then deducted from your quote as an upfront discount.
Here is the critical detail: the number of STCs your system is eligible for reduces by one-fifteenth of the original amount every 1 January. In practical terms, every year you wait, you receive fewer certificates and therefore a smaller discount, roughly $200–$400 less per year for a 6.6kW system. By the time the scheme ends entirely in 2031, you will be paying the full unsubsidised price.
This does not mean you need to rush. But it does mean the old advice of “wait for prices to drop” no longer applies. If anything, the net cost you pay is creeping up each year, and the value you earn back through feed-in tariffs has also narrowed. For a full breakdown of the phase-out timeline, read our federal STC rebate guide.
Solar Costs by State: How Prices Vary Across Australia
Where you live makes a real difference to what you'll pay. Three factors drive state-by-state variation: the number of competing installers (more competition = lower prices), state-specific rebates on top of the federal STC scheme, and travel costs for regional installations. Here is how a typical 6.6kW system stacks up.
| State | 6.6kW Price Range | State Incentives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $5,200 – $8,500 | Peak Demand Reduction Scheme | Largest market, higher labour costs in Sydney |
| VIC | $5,300 – $8,500 | Solar Homes Program rebate | Generous state rebates offset lower sun hours |
| QLD | $4,800 – $7,500 | Battery rebates available | Competitive market, high STC zone |
| SA | $5,000 – $7,800 | Home Battery Scheme | Highest electricity prices = fastest payback |
| WA | $4,900 – $7,600 | DEBS buyback scheme | Excellent sun, competitive pricing |
| TAS | $5,500 – $8,500 | Limited | Fewer installers, lower sun hours, higher travel costs |
As a rough rule of thumb, metro installations are typically 10–20% cheaper than regional ones for the same system, simply because there are more installers competing for your business and less travel time involved. For more detail on what state rebates are available to you, see our rebates hub.
Panel Quality Tiers: Budget vs Mid-Range vs Premium
Panel quality is the single biggest reason two 6.6kW quotes can differ by $3,000. Here is what you get at each price tier. The per-watt costs below refer to the panel cost component only, not the total installed system price.
Budget Tier
Lowest upfront cost
Jinko Tiger Neo (entry), Risen, Trina Vertex S (entry). Manufacturer may lack Australian office for warranty claims.
Mid-Range Tier
Best value for most homes
Trina Vertex S+, Longi Hi-MO 7, Canadian Solar HiKu7. Most have Australian support offices.
Premium Tier
Maximum long-term performance
SunPower Maxeon, REC Alpha Pure-R, Q CELLS Q.Peak DUO. Australian office and local warranty support.
The difference in year-one output between budget and premium panels is honestly not huge. Where the gap shows up is in years 10–25. A premium panel producing 92% of its rated output at year 25 will generate meaningfully more power than a budget panel limping along at 80%. Over the system's full life, that adds up to thousands of dollars in extra savings. For most households, mid-range panels represent the best balance of cost and long-term performance. For a ranked comparison of the top brands, see our best solar panels in Australia guide.
Inverter Costs: String vs Microinverters
The inverter is the second-biggest cost variable in your solar system. It converts the DC electricity your panels generate into AC electricity your home can use. There are two main types, and the price difference is significant.
String Inverters
Best for simple roofs
Single unit mounted on wall near switchboard. Works best on simple roofs with one orientation. Popular: Fronius Primo/Gen24, Sungrow SG-RS, GoodWe DNS.
Microinverters
Best for complex roofs
One small inverter per panel, mounted behind each panel. Panel-level monitoring and optimisation. Popular: Enphase IQ8+, Enphase IQ8M, Hoymiles.
Which should you choose? If your roof is straightforward (one or two faces, minimal shading, standard pitch), a quality string inverter like a Fronius or Sungrow is perfectly fine and will save you $1,500–$2,000. If you have a complex roof with multiple orientations, partial shading from trees or neighbouring buildings, or you simply want the peace of mind of a 25-year warranty with panel-level monitoring, microinverters are worth the premium.
See How Much You'd Save
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Over 3.6 million homes already claiming rebates
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The headline price on a solar quote is not always the final price. Here are the extras that can catch you off guard if they are not clearly addressed in the quote upfront.
Switchboard upgrade ($500–$1,500)
If your switchboard is old, does not have enough space for solar breakers, or does not meet current safety standards, it will need upgrading before your system can be connected. Older homes with ceramic fuse boards almost always need this.
Meter reconfiguration ($0–$300)
Your electricity meter needs to be bi-directional to record both imports and exports. Some DNSPs do this for free, others charge a fee. In some cases you may need a new smart meter installed, which can cost up to $300.
Roof repairs ($200–$2,000+)
If your roof has broken tiles, rusted sheeting, or structural issues, these need to be addressed before panels go on. A responsible installer will flag this during the site inspection. Do not skip roof repairs. Water damage from poor roofing under panels is expensive to fix.
Multi-storey access ($300–$1,000)
Two-storey and three-storey homes require additional safety equipment (scaffolding or elevated work platforms) and more labour time. Most installers quote this as an explicit line item if your roof is above single-storey height.
Export limiting ($200–$500)
Some DNSPs require export limiting devices that cap how much solar power you can send back to the grid. This is increasingly common in areas with high solar penetration. The device itself is not expensive, but it is an extra cost that should be disclosed.
Bec's tip: Ask every installer upfront whether their quote includes switchboard work, meter changes, and any roof access charges. A good installer will flag these during the initial site assessment. If they say “we'll sort that out on the day,” that often means an unexpected invoice after installation.
When Cheap Is Expensive: The Real Cost of $3,999 Systems
You have seen the ads. “6.6kW solar fully installed for $3,999!” They show up on Facebook, in letterbox drops, and especially from door-to-door salesmen. And I understand the appeal. Who would not want to save $2,000 compared to the next quote?
But here is what those ads are not telling you. At $3,999 for a 6.6kW system, the maths simply does not work for a sustainable business. After the STC rebate, cost of goods, labour, insurance, and overhead, the installer is operating on a razor-thin margin, or losing money on every job and relying on volume to survive.
These are the businesses most likely to:
Use the cheapest possible components: panels from manufacturers with no Australian presence, meaning your “25-year warranty” is essentially worthless
Rush the installation: cutting corners on wiring, mounting, and waterproofing to minimise labour time
Go bust within 2–3 years: leaving you as a “solar orphan” with no one to call when something goes wrong
Exclude essential items: switchboard upgrades, meter changes, and proper conduit hidden as “extras” that get added after you have signed
The solar industry has seen over 700 installers go bust since 2011, leaving an estimated 650,000 Australians stranded. The pattern is almost always the same: race-to-the-bottom pricing, buying cheap solar leads sold to five competitors at once, unsustainable margins, then closure. The homeowners left behind face out-of-pocket repair costs that often exceed what they “saved” on the original quote.
For a detailed guide on how to protect yourself, read our how to vet a solar installer guide. It covers exactly how to check accreditation, ABN history, and reviews before signing anything.
How to Get the Best Price Without Getting Burnt
Getting a fair price on solar is not about chasing the absolute cheapest quote. It is about understanding what a fair price looks like and choosing the best value. Here is how to do it right.
Get at least three quotes
This is non-negotiable. Three quotes from different installers give you a clear picture of the fair market range in your area. If two quotes are at $6,500 and one is at $4,200, you know something is off with the cheap one. If two are at $7,000 and one is at $12,000, you know the expensive one is overcharging.
Compare like-for-like
Make sure each quote specifies the exact panel brand and model, inverter brand and model, and what is included. A $5,500 quote with budget panels and a basic string inverter is not comparable to a $7,500 quote with premium panels and Enphase microinverters. You need the same components to make a fair comparison.
Ask what is and is not included
Specifically ask: “Does this price include switchboard upgrades, meter reconfiguration, and any roof access charges?” A transparent installer will answer clearly. If they dodge the question or say “we'll assess on the day,” factor in $500–$1,500 of potential extras.
Check the installer, not just the price
Before signing, verify the installer's accreditation, check their ABN age on abr.business.gov.au, and read their Google reviews. A company that has been operating for 5+ years under the same ABN with solid reviews is worth paying a modest premium over a newcomer with no track record. Our vetting guide walks you through this step by step.
Bec's tip
The sweet spot, based on what community members on r/AusSolar and Whirlpool consistently report, is a mid-range quote from an installer who has been operating for at least 5 years, uses panels and inverters from manufacturers with Australian offices, and has a solid trail of Google reviews. That combination delivers the best long-term value, not the cheapest upfront cost, but the lowest total cost of ownership over 25 years. Our guide to reading solar quotes shows you exactly what to compare line by line.
The Bottom Line on Solar Costs in 2026
Here is the summary: a good quality 6.6kW solar system in Australia in 2026 costs between $5,000 and $8,500 after the federal STC rebate. Prices are edging up slightly due to manufacturing cost increases and the shrinking rebate, so the common advice of “wait for it to get cheaper” no longer holds.
The best thing you can do is get at least three quotes from established, accredited installers, compare them line by line, and choose based on value rather than just price. A system that costs $1,500 more upfront but comes with better components and a reliable installer will almost certainly deliver better returns over its 25+ year life.
Want to know if solar is even the right move for your situation? Our companion article on whether solar is worth it in 2026 covers the payback and savings side of the equation. And if you are worried about common misconceptions, our solar myths debunked article clears those up.
Ready to get specific? Use our solar calculator to see what size system suits your home, or head to our detailed cost page to get personalised pricing and connect with vetted installers in your area. Already have solar and want to expand? Our guide on adding panels to an existing system covers inverter compatibility, export limits, and what to expect price-wise. And if the upfront cost is a concern, we cover payment plans and financing in our article on solar affordability during the cost-of-living crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 6.6kW solar system cost in Australia in 2026?expand_more
A 6.6kW solar system costs between $5,000 and $8,500 fully installed after the federal STC rebate in 2026. The price depends on panel quality (budget vs premium), inverter type (string vs microinverters), roof complexity, and your location. Metropolitan areas with more installer competition tend to have lower prices. For personalised pricing, visit our cost page.
What is included in the price of a solar installation?expand_more
A fully installed solar price should include: solar panels, inverter (string or micro), roof mounting system, all electrical wiring and conduit, switchboard work, meter reconfiguration to bi-directional, grid connection application and paperwork, and installation labour. The STC rebate should be shown as a line-item discount. Any extras like switchboard upgrades or export limiting devices should be listed separately.
How much is the STC rebate worth in 2026?expand_more
In 2026, each STC trades at approximately $36–$40. The number of certificates you receive depends on your system size and postcode zone. For a 6.6kW system, the total rebate works out to roughly $2,800–$3,400 as an upfront discount on your quote. The rebate reduces each year and phases out entirely in 2031. Learn more in our federal rebate guide.
Why do solar prices vary so much between quotes?expand_more
Solar prices vary due to four main factors: panel quality (budget panels at ~$0.25–$0.35/W vs premium at ~$0.50–$0.70/W), inverter type (a string inverter costs $1,000–$2,000 while microinverters cost $2,500–$4,000), roof complexity (single-storey tin roof vs multi-storey tile adds $500–$2,000), and location (metro areas are 10–20% cheaper than regional due to competition and travel costs). Always compare like-for-like when assessing quotes.
Is it worth paying more for premium solar panels?expand_more
For most homeowners, mid-range panels offer the best value. Premium panels (SunPower, REC Alpha, Q CELLS) cost more upfront but deliver higher efficiency (21–22% vs 19–20%), slower degradation (0.25% vs 0.55% per year), and longer warranties (25 years vs 10–12 years product). Over 25 years, a premium system can generate 10–15% more total energy, which often justifies the extra $1,500–$2,500. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, the investment typically pays for itself.
Sourcesexpand_more
- linkEnergy.gov.au - Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), STC pricing data, deeming period calculations, and rebate phase-out schedule
- linkClean Energy Regulator (CER) - STC registry data, certificate spot pricing, and postcode zone ratings
- linkAustralian PV Institute (APVI) - Solar installation volumes, system pricing benchmarks, and state-by-state market reports
- linkReddit r/AusSolar - Community-reported system costs, installer reviews, and real-world pricing data from Australian homeowners
- linkWhirlpool Forums - Solar pricing discussion threads, installer comparisons, component reviews, and system performance data
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