How Much Does Solar Cost in Australia in 2026?
The cost of a rooftop solar system in Australia in 2026 depends on system size, installer, location, roof type and which rebates you qualify for. There is no single correct answer — but there are ranges, patterns and warning signs that help you tell a fair quote from an inflated one.
This guide covers typical costs, what drives the variation, what is included and excluded in most quotes, and how to compare proposals accurately.
- A typical 6.6kW system costs between $5,000 and $10,000 installed after the federal STC rebate.
- Larger systems and battery add-ons increase costs significantly.
- State-level rebates and feed-in tariffs vary and affect the payback calculation.
- The cheapest quote is not always the best value — check what is included.
Why solar prices vary so much
Two quotes for the same system size can differ by thousands of dollars. The main reasons:
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Installer quality and certifications | Affects labour cost and warranty support |
| Panel brand and tier | Tier 1 panels from established manufacturers cost more upfront |
| Inverter brand and type | String vs microinverter vs hybrid (battery-ready) all differ in price |
| Roof type and difficulty | Tile, metal, flat or two-storey roofs affect labour time |
| Location | Regional installs may carry travel or logistics costs |
| State rebates | Reduce net cost differently depending on state scheme |
| STC zone | Federal rebate varies by postcode based on solar hours |
Typical installed costs in 2026 (after federal STC rebate)
These are indicative ranges only. Your actual quote will vary based on the factors above. Always get at least three quotes from Clean Energy Council accredited installers.
| System size | Typical range (after STC) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW | $3,000 – $5,500 | Small household, low usage, limited roof space |
| 5kW | $4,000 – $7,500 | Average 2–3 person household |
| 6.6kW | $5,000 – $10,000 | Most common residential size in Australia |
| 10kW | $8,000 – $14,000 | Large household or high daytime usage |
| 13kW+ | $12,000+ | Large home, EV charging or business use |
What the federal STC rebate is
The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme is a federal government program that reduces the upfront cost of solar installations for eligible households and small businesses.
Installers typically deduct the STC value at the point of sale, so you see a net price rather than claiming a rebate separately.
The STC value is not fixed. It depends on:
- System size in kilowatts
- Your STC zone (postcode-based estimate of solar hours)
- The current market price of STCs, which fluctuates
The STC scheme is legislated to phase down through to 2030 as installations reduce each year's certificate creation multiplier. This means the rebate will be smaller for systems installed in later years, all else being equal.
What is included in a typical solar quote
A complete installation quote should include:
- Solar panels (brand, model, wattage and quantity)
- Inverter (brand, model and warranty term)
- Mounting hardware and racking
- DC and AC wiring and conduit
- Installation labour
- Grid connection application fee (varies by network and state)
- Monitoring app or portal setup
- STC discount already applied
What is often excluded — and may cost extra
- Switchboard upgrades (if your current board cannot safely support solar)
- New meter installation or meter reconfiguration (charged by the distributor in some states)
- Additional trenching or wiring for difficult roof layouts
- Scaffolding for high or complex roofs
- Roof repairs required before installation
Ask your installer to confirm whether any of these apply to your property before accepting a quote.
State rebates and additional schemes in 2026
In addition to the federal STC rebate, several states have their own programs that can further reduce solar costs or improve returns.
These change regularly. Check the current status of each scheme directly with your state energy agency before making a decision based on them.
NSW – Empowering Homes interest-free loan for solar-battery systems for eligible households. Eligibility and availability vary.
VIC – Solar Homes Program offers rebates and interest-free loans for eligible households. Subject to annual caps and waitlists.
SA – Has previously offered schemes; check current availability with the SA government.
QLD – Various regional and state programs have existed; confirm current offers with the QLD government.
WA / TAS / ACT / NT – Check each state or territory energy website for current offers.
Feed-in tariffs: what you earn for exporting solar
When your solar system generates more power than your home uses, the surplus is exported to the grid. Your electricity retailer pays a feed-in tariff (FiT) for each kilowatt-hour exported.
FiT rates in 2026 vary by:
- State and network distributor
- Electricity retailer
- Time of export (some retailers offer time-varying export rates)
The gap between what you pay to import and what you earn to export directly affects your payback period. A high usage home that self-consumes most of its solar will care less about the FiT. A home with low daytime usage that exports heavily will care more.
How to calculate payback period
A rough payback estimate:
1. Find your total installed cost after all applicable rebates
2. Estimate your annual bill savings from solar — this is your self-consumption value plus your export earnings
3. Divide cost by annual savings
For example: a $7,000 system saving $1,400 per year has an estimated payback of 5 years.
The accuracy of this estimate depends heavily on your actual usage patterns, tariff rates, and how much solar your roof generates at your location.
Red flags in solar quotes
- No Clean Energy Council accreditation listed for installer or designer
- Unusually low pricing with vague component specifications
- Panel or inverter brands not found on the Clean Energy Council approved product list
- Savings estimates that assume full self-consumption without asking about your usage pattern
- Pressure to sign on the day or lose the price
Getting useful quotes
To get quotes you can actually compare:
1. Use the same system size across all quotes (e.g. 6.6kW)
2. Request the make and model of panels and inverter in writing
3. Ask what warranties cover panels, inverter and workmanship, and who backs them in Australia
4. Ask what is excluded
5. Check the installer holds a current Clean Energy Council accreditation
Three quotes minimum is the standard recommendation. More is worth the time for a $7,000–$10,000+ purchase.
Solar costs in Australia in 2026 typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 for a 6.6kW system after federal rebate. State schemes can reduce this further. The cheapest quote is rarely the full story — check what is included, who installs it, and how the savings estimate was calculated.