Solar Panels in Australia: Costs, Rebates & Free Quotes (2026)
Rooftop solar turns your roof into a small power station: panels convert sunlight into DC electricity, an inverter converts it to the AC your home uses, and anything you don't use is exported to the grid for a feed-in credit. In sunny Australia a well-sited system is one of the most reliable investments a homeowner can make, and in Victoria a 6.6kW system typically pays for itself in three to five years before continuing to cut bills for two decades.
The economics have shifted: feed-in tariffs have fallen, so the real value now comes from using your own solar during the day rather than exporting it cheaply. That's why so many Victorian households pair solar with a heat pump and, increasingly, a home battery — to soak up midday generation and lean on it through the evening peak.
- Servicing 240+ VIC suburbs
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What does solar panels cost?
Typical installed pricing runs $4,000–$12,000 before rebates, depending mainly on system size and installation.
| Type / size | Typical price (installed) |
|---|---|
| 6.6kWMost popular; ~16–18 panels | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| 10kWLarger homes / all-electric | $7,000 – $9,500 |
| 13.2kWBig roofs, battery/EV ready | $9,500 – $13,000 |
Rebates available in Victoria
Eligible Victorian households can stack up to ~$3,500+ upfront (system-size dependent) off the price. Amounts and eligibility change — figures last checked 2026-06-01.
up to $1,400 rebate (plus an optional interest-free loan)
Solar Homes Program — Solar PV rebate
Solar Victoria
~$2,000–$3,000 off a 6.6kW system (varies with size and STC price)
Federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
Clean Energy Regulator
minimum ~3.3c per kWh exported (retailer plans vary)
Solar feed-in tariff
Essential Services Commission
How it works
Panels are wired into strings and feed a single inverter (or, with microinverters and optimisers, panel-level electronics) that converts DC to AC and feeds your switchboard. Your home uses solar first, tops up from the grid when needed, and exports any surplus for a feed-in credit. Sizing is about matching generation to when you use power: north-facing panels maximise midday output, while east–west splits spread generation across the morning and afternoon to better match a typical household. Good installers will model your usage and roof before recommending a system size and inverter.
Why households switch
- Pays for itself in 3–5 years. A typical 6.6kW system in Victoria saves $1,000–$1,600 a year on power bills, so the upfront cost is usually recovered well within the panels' 25-year performance warranty.
- Solar Homes rebate + STCs. Solar Victoria's Solar Homes Program rebate and federal STCs both reduce the upfront price for eligible owner-occupiers and rental properties, taking thousands off the installed cost.
- Protection from rising prices. Every kilowatt-hour you generate and use yourself is one you don't buy at retail rates — so the more grid prices rise, the more your system saves you.
- Adds value and cuts emissions. Solar is an increasingly expected feature for buyers and renters, and a 6.6kW system offsets several tonnes of CO2 a year compared with grid power.
Popular solar panels brands
We help you compare quotes across the brands installers actually fit in Australia.
Aiko
China
High-efficiency ABC-cell panels; strong real-world performance and shading tolerance.
REC
Norway / Singapore
Premium panels with excellent warranties and low degradation; a long-time tier-1 favourite.
Trina Solar
China
Major tier-1 manufacturer offering reliable mid-range panels at competitive pricing.
Jinko Solar
China
One of the world's largest panel makers; dependable value option.
LONGi
China
Tier-1 leader in mono PERC and newer cell technologies; strong price-to-performance.
Q Cells
South Korea / Germany
Well-regarded panels with solid warranties and broad availability in Australia.
SunPower / Maxeon
USA / Singapore
Premium high-efficiency panels with class-leading warranties; top of the price range.
Fronius
Austria
Premium string inverters with excellent monitoring and service support.
Get solar panels quotes in your area
We service homes right across Victoria. Pick your area to see local costs and rebates.
Solar panels FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in Victoria?
A quality 6.6kW system typically costs $4,000–$6,500 after the federal STC discount, with larger 10–13kW systems running higher. The Solar Homes Program rebate can reduce the price further for eligible households.
Is solar worth it in Victoria?
For most homes, yes. A 6.6kW system commonly saves $1,000–$1,600 a year and pays for itself in three to five years, then keeps saving for the 25-year life of the panels.
What size solar system do I need?
It depends on your usage and roof. 6.6kW suits many homes; go larger (10kW or more) if you're all-electric, plan to add a battery or EV, or use a lot of power during the day.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes. If a battery is likely down the track, ask for a hybrid or battery-ready inverter now so you don't have to pay to replace it later.
What rebates apply to solar in Victoria?
Eligible households can combine the Solar Homes Program rebate with federal STCs, and earn a feed-in tariff for exported power. Check current amounts and eligibility before you buy.
Ready to compare solar panels quotes?
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