Solar Panel Prices in Australia in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
A 6.6 kW system — still the most common residential size in Australia — typically costs around $6,400 fully installed after the federal STC rebate in 2026, or roughly 90c per watt. But quotes for that same size range from about $5,500 to $8,500+. Here's what systems really cost by size, what moves the price, and what a battery adds on top.
Typical installed prices by system size
The table below shows industry-average installed prices after the STC point-of-sale discount, plus the range most households actually see quoted:
| System size | Typical price (after STC rebate) | Common quoted range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~$4,000 | $3,500–$4,500 |
| 5 kW | ~$5,300 | $4,500–$6,000 |
| 6.6 kW | ~$6,400 | $5,500–$8,500 |
| 8 kW | ~$7,700 | $6,800–$9,000 |
| 10 kW | ~$9,600 | $8,000–$11,000 |
| 13 kW | ~$12,500 | $10,500–$14,500 |
Typical prices are industry averages (May 2026), including installation, GST, inverter, racking and the STC discount. Premium panels and inverters add roughly 20–30% on top. If you're not sure what size you need, our sizing guide walks through it from your bill.
What makes one quote dearer than another
Two quotes for the "same" 6.6 kW system can differ by thousands. The usual reasons:
- Panel and inverter tier. Budget tier-1 panels versus premium brands (SunPower, REC and similar) is the single biggest price lever — premium gear typically costs 20–30% more, with stronger warranties to match.
- Standard vs hybrid inverter. A hybrid (battery-ready) inverter costs more upfront but saves you a costly retrofit if you add a battery later.
- Roof complexity. Tile roofs cost more to work on than tin or Colorbond; double-storey homes, steep pitches and shading complications all add labour.
- Location. Metro installers compete hard on price; regional quotes run higher.
- Electrical extras. Switchboard upgrades, export-limiting hardware or three-phase work can add $500–$2,000 — these should be itemised, not buried.
How much of the price is the STC rebate?
A meaningful chunk. A 6.6 kW system in Sydney or Melbourne earns around 45 Small-scale Technology Certificates, worth roughly $1,700 off at typical certificate prices — applied automatically as a point-of-sale discount on your quote. Without it, that $6,400 system would cost closer to $8,100. The rebate shrinks a little every year until the scheme ends in 2030, so the same system costs slightly more to buy next year. We explain the full mechanics in our STC rebate guide.
What does adding a battery cost?
Battery prices are separate from the panel figures above. Typical 2026 installed prices after the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discount:
- 10 kWh battery: ~$11,000 installed → around $8,550 after the ~$2,450 federal rebate.
- 13.5 kWh (Tesla Powerwall 3 class): ~$14,900 installed → around $11,500 after the rebate.
- Combined 6.6 kW solar + 10 kWh battery: roughly $11,000–$14,500 after both rebates are applied.
Whether the battery earns its keep depends on your evening usage and tariff — our honest battery assessment runs the state-by-state payback maths.
How to make sure you're paying a fair price
- Get three quotes. The spread between the cheapest and dearest quote for identical gear is routinely 20%+ — competition is your best discount.
- Check accreditation. The installer should be Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited, with CEC-approved panels and inverter.
- Demand an itemised STC line. The STC discount should appear as its own line on the quote, not vanish into a single "system price".
- Compare dollars per watt. Divide the after-rebate price by system watts: around $0.85–$1.00/W is typical for standard gear in 2026; well above $1.10/W deserves an explanation.
The bottom line
Solar remains the cheapest home energy investment in Australia: a typical 6.6 kW system at ~$6,400 after rebates usually pays for itself in 4–5 years through bill savings. Prices have been flat-to-falling for years — the thing that is moving is the rebate, which gets a little smaller every January. If you're going to buy, buying sooner captures more of it.
Get your price, not the average
These are national averages. Get three local installers quoting on your roof — with the STC discount itemised — and see what your number actually is.
Last updated: September 2026.