Solar Panels in Cairns 4870
43% of homes in Cairns already have solar. Join 13,035 local households saving on electricity.
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261 batteries installed in Cairns in the last 6 months(+15% growth)
wb_sunnySolar Potential in Cairns
Daily Solar Generation
Cairns receives 5.3 peak sun hours per day on average. This translates to excellent solar generation potential.
Annual Production
Daily/Monthly System Energy Output Estimates
Here's what you can expect to generate with various sized solar power systems in the Cairns area, assuming good quality components, a suitable rooftop and professional, accredited solar installation.
Mean daily production for 6.6kW of solar panels in Cairns, QLD, 4870
Estimates based on 5.3 peak sun hours and 80% system efficiency. Actual output varies with panel orientation, shading, and weather.
Monthly Solar Irradiation
Average daily solar energy (kWh/m²/day) reaching Cairns throughout the year compared to the Australian national average.
Based on Bureau of Meteorology solar exposure data. Actual values may vary based on weather conditions.
Solar in Cairns vs National Average
How Cairns 4870 compares to the rest of Australia for solar adoption.
Combined capacity of all 13,035 solar systems in the 4870 postcode area.
Calculations based on 5.3 peak sun hours, 8.1kW average system size, and 0.68 kg CO₂/kWh grid emissions factor.
electric_meterGrid Connection in Cairns
Energex
Your electricity network distributor for Cairns
paymentsFeed-in Tariffs in Cairns
Self-consumption tip: With Feed-in Tariff (FIT) at 7.0c and usage at 26.0c, every kWh you use yourself saves you 19.0c more than exporting. Consider a battery to maximise savings.
gavelLocal Council Requirements
Planning and approval requirements for solar installation in Cairns, QLD.
No Approval Required
Most residential solar installations in QLD are exempt under the Queensland Planning Regulation 2017.
- checkRoof-mounted panels on residential buildings
- checkSystems under 10kW on single-phase
- checkNo change to building structure
Local Government Area
Cairns 4870 is in the Cairns council area.
Your installer will handle all necessary paperwork and approvals as part of the installation process.
Your CEC Installer Will Handle
- checkGrid connection application to your DNSP
- checkElectrical safety certificates
- checkSTC rebate paperwork
- checkMeter upgrade coordination
cloudWeather & Solar Data Sources
Solar irradiation data for Cairns is sourced from official meteorological records.
Bureau of Meteorology
Nearest station: Cairns Airport
Coordinates: 16°52'25" S 145°44'45" E
~5.0 km from Cairns centre
View BOM dataopen_in_newGlobal Solar Atlas
Satellite-derived solar resource data
Location: 16.9186°S, 145.7405°E
View satellite dataopen_in_newSolar irradiation values are long-term averages. Actual conditions vary with weather, season, and microclimate factors. Data sources: Bureau of Meteorology (Australia), Global Solar Atlas (World Bank/ESMAP).
savingsRebates in QLD
Federal STC Rebate
Up to $3,200 (6.6kW)- checkAll residential properties
Battery Booster
Up to $4,000- checkQueensland residents
- checkNew battery installation
System Prices in Cairns
*Prices after federal STC rebate. Excludes state rebates.
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Your Solar ROI
Based on 6.6kW system, 30% self-consumption, current tariffs
Solar Trends in Cairns
Solar FAQ for Cairns
How much does solar cost in Cairns?
A typical 6.6kW solar system in Cairns costs $4,784 - $6,900 after the federal STC rebate. Prices vary based on panel quality, inverter choice, and installation complexity.
What's the payback period for solar in Cairns?
With 5.3 sun hours per day and current electricity prices, most Cairns households see payback within 3.5 years. This assumes 30% self-consumption - adding a battery can improve this significantly.
What rebates are available in QLD?
QLD residents can access the federal STC rebate (approximately $2,088 for a 6.6kW system) plus state rebates up to $4,000.
What feed-in tariff can I get in Cairns?
Feed-in tariffs in Cairns range from 5.0c to 11.0c per kWh. The best currently available is 7.0c/kWh from Origin.
Can I export solar power in Cairns?
Yes, Energex allows exports up to 5kW per phase in Cairns. Flexible exports are available, which may allow higher exports during low-demand periods.
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