location_on
SA • Zone 3Flexible Exports

Solar Panels in Hillcrest

Compare local prices, rebates and installers in Hillcrest to make a confident decision. 61% of homes here already have solar.

wb_sunny4.7 sun hours/day
savings$1,823/yr savings
schedule3.5 yr payback
group34+ SAA installers
bolt4,278 installations

Save up to $1,823/yr

6.6kW from $5,304 after $1,779 rebate

Join 61% of Hillcrest homes with solar

solar_power61%
Solar Homes
wb_sunny4.7
Sun Hours/Day
bolt6.0kW
Avg System
payments10.6c
Feed-in Tariff (FIT)
electric_meter5kW
Export Limit
straighten34°
Optimal Tilt
battery_charging_full

86 batteries installed in the 5086 postcode area in the last 6 months(+41% growth)

wb_sunnySolar Potential in Hillcrest

Hillcrest receives 4.7 peak sun hours per day on average. Optimal panel angle: 34° facing north. Summer output is ~146% of winter.

6.6kW System
26.4
kWh/day
9,624
kWh/year
10kW System
40
kWh/day
14,582
kWh/year
13kW System
51.9
kWh/day
18,956
kWh/year

Daily/Monthly System Energy Output Estimates

Here's what you can expect to generate with various sized solar power systems in the Hillcrest 5086 area, assuming good quality components, a suitable rooftop and professional, accredited solar installation.

Mean daily production for 6.6kW of solar panels in Hillcrest, SA, 5086

6.6kW
System Size
24.8
Avg kWh/day
9,061
Est. kWh/year
4.7
Peak Sun Hours

Estimates based on 4.7 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 the Hillcrest area throughout the year compared to the Australian national average.

4.7
Avg kWh/m²/day
6.3
Summer Peak (Jan)
2.8
Winter Low (Jun)

Based on Bureau of Meteorology solar exposure data. Actual values may vary based on weather conditions.

Solar in Hillcrest vs National Average

5086 has 61.2 systems per 100 homes, +84% vs the national average (33.3).

5086National Avg
25.5 MW
total capacity
37.2 GWh
clean energy/yr
25.3k t
CO₂ avoided/yr
$14.1M
value at 38c/kWh
5.7k
homes equiv.

Based on 4,278 installations, 4.7 peak sun hours, 6.0kW avg system.

thermostatInsulation impact on solar savings in Hillcrest

How much of your solar generation gets consumed by heating and cooling, based on your home's insulation quality. Data sourced from NatHERS climate zone 16 (Adelaide).

warningPoorly insulated home (2-star)
5,452 kWh/year
Heating: 3,063 kWhCooling: 2,389 kWh
check_circleWell insulated home (6-star NCC minimum)
1,514 kWh/year
Heating: 1,042 kWhCooling: 472 kWh
Poor insulation adds 3,938 kWh/year (10.8 kWh/day) in heating and cooling
$2,369/yr
poorly insulated
arrow_forward
$1,218/yr
well insulated
$1,151/yr
saved with good insulation
Solar self-consumption comparison (6.6kW system)
Poorly insulated41.1%
Well insulated30%

Higher self-consumption means less solar energy exported. In a well-insulated home, more generation is exported at the feed-in tariff rate rather than consumed by heating/cooling.

Based on ABCB NatHERS climate zone 16 load limits for a 150m² home. Actual consumption varies by home design, orientation, and occupant behaviour.

electric_meterGrid Connection in Hillcrest

electrical_services

SA Power Networks

Your electricity network distributor for Hillcrest

5kW
Export Limit
Flexible exports available
10
Days to connect
Typical timeframe
5kW+
Pre-approval threshold
Systems above need approval

paymentsFeed-in Tariffs in Hillcrest

Best Available Rate
10.6c/kWh
from AGL
Rate Range in SA
6.0c
12.0c
Avg electricity rate: 38.0c/kWh

Self-consumption tip: With Feed-in Tariff (FIT) at 10.6c and usage at 38.0c, every kWh you use yourself saves you 27.4c more than exporting. Consider a battery to maximise savings.

See what Hillcrest homeowners are paying

6.6kW systems in 5086 range from $5,304 to $7,650 fully installed, after the $1,779 federal rebate.

verifiedHow to Choose a Solar Installer in Hillcrest

With 34+ installers servicing the 5086 area, here are three things to look for before signing a contract.

workspace_premium

SAA Accreditation

Only use installers accredited by the Standards Association of Australia. This is mandatory for STC rebate eligibility.

compare

Get a Quote

Get a detailed quote from a vetted local installer. Prices in 5086 range from $5,304 to $7,650 for 6.6kW.

solar_power

Tier-1 Equipment

Insist on tier-1 panels and a reputable inverter. This protects your 25-year performance warranty.

gavelLocal Council Requirements

Planning and approval requirements for solar installation in Hillcrest, SA.

check_circle

No Approval Required

Most residential solar installations in SA are exempt under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

  • checkRoof-mounted panels on residential buildings
  • checkSystems under 10kW on single-phase
  • checkNo change to building structure
location_city

Local Government Area

Hillcrest 5086 is in the Tea Tree Gully council area.

Your installer will handle all necessary paperwork and approvals as part of the installation process.

engineering

Your SAA Installer Will Handle

  • checkGrid connection application to your DNSP
  • checkElectrical safety certificates
  • checkSTC rebate paperwork
  • checkMeter upgrade coordination
chevron_rightData sources:CER, ABS, BOM, Global Solar Atlas

4.7 kWh/m²/day avg solar exposure · 4,278 installations in 5086 · 61% penetration · BOM station 6.9 km from Hillcrest

Ready for free solar quotes?

$1,779
Federal rebate for 6.6kW

34+ installers in 5086. 100% free.

savingsRebates in SA

Federal STC Rebate

$1,779 (6.6kW)
  • checkAll residential properties

Home Battery Scheme

Up to $2,000
  • checkSA residents
  • checkEnergy concession holders get extra
View all SA rebatesarrow_forward

System Prices in Hillcrest

6.6kW Solar$5,304 - $7,650
10kW Solar$8,160 - $12,240
13kW Solar$10,710 - $15,300

*Prices after federal STC rebate. Excludes state rebates.

Add a Battery

10kWh: $9,180 - $13,260(before $2,000 rebate)

Your Solar ROI

Annual Savings$1,823
Payback Period3.5 years
10-Year Savings$18,230

Based on 6.6kW system, 30% self-consumption, current tariffs

business

Business Owner?

Commercial solar systems in Hillcrest can cut electricity bills by 30-60%. Larger rooftops mean faster payback.

Commercial solar in SAarrow_forward

Solar Trends in Hillcrest

trending_upYoY Growth
-16%
177 installs last year
solar_powerAvg System Size
6.0
kW installed locally
battery_charging_fullBatteries Installed
342
+41% growth rate
starPopular Inverter
SolarEdge
Most installed locally

Solar FAQ for Hillcrest

How much does solar cost in Hillcrest 5086?

A typical 6.6kW solar system in the 5086 area costs $5,304 - $7,650 after the federal STC rebate. Prices vary based on panel quality, inverter choice, and installation complexity.

What's the payback period for solar in Hillcrest?

With 4.7 sun hours per day and current electricity prices, most households in Hillcrest see payback within 3.5 years. This assumes 30% self-consumption - adding a battery can improve this significantly.

What rebates are available in SA?

SA residents can access the federal STC rebate (approximately $1,779 for a 6.6kW system) plus state rebates up to $varies.

What feed-in tariff can I get in Hillcrest?

Feed-in tariffs in the 5086 area range from 6.0c to 12.0c per kWh. The best currently available is 10.6c/kWh from AGL.

Can I export solar power in Hillcrest 5086?

Yes, SA Power Networks allows exports up to 5kW per phase in this area. Flexible exports are available, which may allow higher exports during low-demand periods.

How do I find a good solar installer in Hillcrest 5086?

Look for SAA-accredited installers with experience in the 5086 area who specify tier-1 panels and inverters. Check Google reviews and ask for references. Avoid high-pressure door-to-door sales and anyone requesting large upfront deposits. Our matching tool pairs you with a vetted local installer servicing Hillcrest who meets our quality standards.

Is commercial solar available in Hillcrest?

Yes, businesses in Hillcrest can install commercial solar systems from 10kW to 100kW+. Commercial systems typically pay back faster than residential due to higher daytime usage. SA businesses may also access additional incentives including LGCs for larger systems.

Local data reviewed by

Headshot of Andy McMaster, Solar Installer Partner Relations at Why Solar

Written by

Andy McMaster

Solar Installer Partner Relations

Connects homeowners with trusted, vetted solar installers across Australia. Andy works directly with installation companies to ensure quality standards and helps homeowners navigate the quoting process.

Learn more about Andy McMaster

Ready to Go Solar in Hillcrest?

Join the 61% of homes in Hillcrest already saving with solar. Compare quotes from 34+ local SAA-accredited installers.

Are you a solar installer servicing Hillcrest?

Buy pre-qualified Adelaide solar leadsarrow_forward
Up to $5,350 in rebates • 16 days until battery rates change