Monocrystalline
Efficiency
20 to 23%
Best for: Most residential installations
Pros
- Highest efficiency
- Best for limited roof space
- Longer lifespan
- Better heat tolerance
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
Solar Panels Australia
Tier-1 panels from the manufacturers Australian installers fit most. Every brand here is SAA approved, backs its panels for 25 years or more, and builds them for Australian heat.
Prices and rebates updated for 2026.
Solar panels in 2026, in four numbers
- The most popular size
- 6.6 kW
- 12 to 15 panels, about 26 kWh a day
- 6.6 kW after the STC rebate
- $3,486 to $6,518
- $5,500 to $8,000 installed, before the rebate
- STC rebate on 6.6 kW
- $1,482 to $2,014
- Zone 4 (Melbourne) to Zone 1 (Alice Springs)
- Panel warranties
- 25 to 40 yrs
- Product and performance, tier-1 brands
Types of solar panels
Modern solar panels come in three main varieties. Here is what you need to know about each one.
N-Type (TOPCon/HJT)
Efficiency
22 to 25%
Best for: Maximum performance seekers
Pros
- Latest technology
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lower degradation
- Better temperature coefficient
Cons
- Premium pricing
Polycrystalline
Efficiency
15 to 17%
Best for: Budget installations with ample roof space
Pros
- Lower cost
- Good value
Cons
- Lower efficiency
- Larger footprint needed
- Less common now
Top solar panel brands
The six tier-1 manufacturers Australian installers fit most. All are SAA approved, with proven track records and long product and performance warranties.
LONGi
China- Efficiency
- Up to 22.8%
- Warranty
- 25 years product, 30 years performance
World's largest solar manufacturer. Excellent value and reliability.
Jinko Solar
China- Efficiency
- Up to 23.5%
- Warranty
- 25 years product, 30 years performance
Tiger Neo N-type panels. Strong track record and global presence.
Trina Solar
China- Efficiency
- Up to 22.5%
- Warranty
- 25 years product, 30 years performance
Vertex series with excellent performance. Reliable tier-1 manufacturer.
Canadian Solar
Canada/China- Efficiency
- Up to 22.8%
- Warranty
- 25 years product, 30 years performance
HiKu and TOPBiHiKu series. Solid reputation and bankability.
REC
Norway- Efficiency
- Up to 22.3%
- Warranty
- 25 years product & performance
Alpha Pure series. Premium European brand with excellent quality control.
SunPower/Maxeon
USA- Efficiency
- Up to 24.1%
- Warranty
- 40 years product & performance
Industry-leading efficiency and warranty. Premium pricing.
Specs side by side: compare solar panels, or read the brand reviews.
Popular system sizes
The right system size depends on your energy use, your roof and your plans. Here is what the common sizes produce and cost.
5 kW
10 to 12 panels, 20 kWh a daySmall household, 1 to 2 people
- Installed
- $4,500 to $6,500
- After STCs
- $2,980 to $5,398
6.6 kW
12 to 15 panels, 26 kWh a dayAverage household, 3 to 4 people
- Installed
- $5,500 to $8,000
- After STCs
- $3,486 to $6,518
10 kW
18 to 22 panels, 40 kWh a dayLarge household or EV owner
- Installed
- $8,000 to $12,000
- After STCs
- $4,922 to $9,758
13 kW
24 to 30 panels, 52 kWh a dayLarge home, pool, multiple EVs
- Installed
- $10,000 to $15,000
- After STCs
- $6,010 to $12,074
*Installed prices are indicative for good quality equipment and vary by location and installation complexity. The after-STC price takes off the federal STC rebate, which depends on your zone. The full breakdown by size, city and state is in our solar panel cost guide.
What to look for in solar panels
Efficiency rating
Higher efficiency means more power from less roof space. Look for 20%+ efficiency for modern panels.
Temperature coefficient
Panels lose efficiency in heat. Lower coefficients (e.g., -0.3%/°C) perform better in Australian summers.
Product warranty
Covers manufacturing defects. Premium panels offer 25-year product warranties (not just performance).
Degradation rate
Panels slowly lose output over time. Quality panels degrade less than 0.5% per year.
Manufacturer bankability
Choose established manufacturers likely to honour warranties in 20+ years. Tier-1 status matters.
SAA approval
Required for rebates. Ensures the panel meets Australian safety and quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
How long do solar panels last?
Quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years or more. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% of original output after 25 years. The inverter typically needs replacing at 10 to 15 years.
How many panels do I need?
A typical Australian home uses 15 to 25 kWh per day. A 6.6 kW system (12 to 15 panels) covers most households. Your installer should size the system from your bills, and a solar expert can check that sizing with you before you sign.
Do panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, but at reduced output. Panels generate 10 to 25% of their rated output on overcast days. Annual production accounts for weather variations.
What maintenance do panels need?
Very little. Rain usually keeps panels clean. An annual visual check and occasional cleaning (if dirty) is enough. We recommend a professional inspection every 2 to 3 years.
Can I add more panels later?
Often yes, depending on your inverter capacity and roof space. Ask your installer to design the system with future expansion in mind.
Find out which panels suit your roof
See your rebate first. One Why Solar Approved installer, one free written quote, and fifteen minutes with a solar expert before you sign. The expert checks the panels, the inverter and the price on that quote with you.