The cost of solar panels: Total system prices
Solar panel prices
Solar panel costs are now at a point where it is possible to pay back a good quality system within five years. The exact solar payback calculation depends on where you live, and how much and when you use electricity.
Solar panel prices include the cost of the panels, installation, GST and your rebate.
| System size: | 3kW | 5kW | 6.6kW | 10kW |
| Average prices: | $4,265 | $5,608 | $6,742 | $10,216 |
Solar panel price variables
Solar panel prices and the power they generate vary according to your location. The prices include the government solar panel rebate which is still available for another 11 years. One of the significant variances in solar panels costs is the quality of components you select and whom you engage to perform the installation. Other variables affect the total cost of buying solar panels; these include:
- System size
- Location (for solar rebate)
- Competitiveness of the local market
- Quality of panels you select
- Quality of installation
- Site and orientation issues
After a reputable installer?
Solar panel cost calculator
Estimated cost of your solar panels
Why solar panel quotes vary
When you are comparing solar quotes, you may receive estimates for the same size system that are wildly different. A price for a 6.6kW solar system can vary from $6,000 – $8,500. Use the toggle below to see explanations for the possible price differences:
| Overview: | Good components installed by a reputable company |
| Panels | CEC approved, may be Tier 1 panels |
| Warranties: | Competitive |
| Installation: | Is an entire system warranty provided? |
| Overview: | A cheap system and reliability may become an issue |
| Panels | Make sure they are CEC approved |
| Warranties: | Will your company be around to honour the warranty? |
| Installation: | Are your installers CEC accredited? |
| Overview: | A budget system you hope is reliable |
| Panels | Ensure they are approved modules |
| Warranties: | You are likely not getting the best warranties |
| Installation: | Will your installation company be around in 5 years? |
| Overview: | Good system installed by a top company |
| Panels | CEC approved, likely Tier 1 panels |
| Warranties: | Highly competitive |
| Installation: | Installation by a professional team |
| Overview: | The best quality panels and installation |
| Panels | Long-lasting and highly efficient |
| Warranties: | Industry best |
| Installation: | Performed by a highly reputable company |
Quality of solar panels
The best solar panels will cost you more, and they will also outperform and outlast inferior modules. Selecting between top-quality panels is very much a matter of personal choice, but we highly recommend you do not select cheap solar panels.
Inverters
Inverters are the engine room of your solar system, which means they are often the first component to break down. Better inverters last longer and are more efficient, but they cost more.
Avoid cheap solar panels
We cannot stress enough the importance of avoiding buying dirt-cheap solar panels. You risk not receiving your government solar rebate if the Clean Energy Council (CEC) does not approve your panels and inverter and, if the installer is not accredited by the CEC. If you buy cheap panels, the risk that your system breaks down or underperforms is far greater. You may not have any recourse when it comes fixing a cheap system too, as the solar panel warranties may not cover the issue, or worse still, the company you bought them from may no longer be in business.
Getting accurate costs for your property
We publish the average cost of solar panels; however, there may be variances that impact on the cost of a system at your property. We recommend getting three quotes through our website to get accurate quotes on the cost of installing solar panels. Not only will you receive an accurate price of the cost to install, but you will select from three highly reputable companies that will recommend quality components and provide warranties that ensure your system performs as it should.
Installation costs
The cost of your solar panels includes installation. Your property may throw up issues that increase the cost of your panels. For example, if you have an east-west roof orientation or your roof is subject to shading, you may need to consider microinverters or power optimisers.
Microinverters
Microinverters can increase the total cost of your system by up to 20%. You will likely reap the benefits of the additional cost in efficiency improvements.
Double-storey house
A double-storey house can increase the cost of your solar power system as can any access issues to your property.
Smart monitoring devices
You can decide to purchase a smart monitoring unit with your solar panels to ensure that your system is performing adequately. Smart monitors cost between $250 – $350. These devices often pay for themselves as you are far more aware of your energy consumption and your solar production.
Installation
Paying for a reliable team to install your system is vital. Many solar companies outsource the installation to sub-contractors, which is fine, but you need to make sure you know who is supplying the installation and entire system warranties. If you are comparing companies and one is charging more for installation, consider which business is more likely to be around in five-years if there is a performance issue with your system.
