Find Solar Installers Across Australia
Use this TradeRefer solar hub to compare 6.6kW and 10kW system costs across Australian cities, understand the STC government rebate, and connect with CEC-accredited solar installers for your home or business.
Solar Installation Cost Guide Australia
Solar costs shown below are after the federal STC rebate, which reduces prices by $2,500–$4,500 for typical residential systems. Rebate amounts vary by postcode (STC zone) and current STC market price.
6.6kW System (most popular)
$4.5k–$9k
after STC rebate, installed
10kW System
$7.5k–$14k
after STC rebate, installed
Typical Payback
3–6 yrs
system life 25–30 years
| City | 6.6kW System | 10kW System | + Battery | Solar Hot Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $5,000–$9,000 | $8,000–$14,000 | $11,000–$16,000 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Melbourne | $4,500–$8,500 | $7,500–$13,000 | $10,500–$16,000 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Brisbane | $4,500–$8,000 | $7,500–$13,000 | $10,000–$15,500 | $2,200–$5,000 |
| Perth | $4,500–$8,000 | $7,500–$13,000 | $10,000–$15,500 | $2,200–$5,000 |
| Adelaide | $4,500–$8,000 | $7,500–$12,500 | $10,000–$15,000 | $2,200–$5,000 |
| Canberra | $5,000–$9,000 | $8,000–$14,000 | $11,000–$16,000 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Hobart | $5,000–$9,500 | $8,500–$14,500 | $11,000–$16,500 | $2,500–$5,500 |
| Darwin | $5,500–$10,000 | $9,000–$15,000 | $12,000–$17,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
Common Solar Job Costs
Solar Services We Cover
TradeRefer's solar hub covers solar panel installation, battery storage, solar hot water, EV charger integration, and system health checks Australia-wide.
Before You Hire a Solar Installer
Use these checks to ensure your system qualifies for the STC rebate, is correctly sized, and uses quality hardware.
Only use CEC-accredited installers
The STC government rebate (which reduces system cost by $2,500–$4,500) is only available if your system is installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer. Always verify accreditation at the CEC website before proceeding. Unaccredited installers cannot legally issue STCs.
Compare at least 3 quotes including panel and inverter brands
Solar quotes vary significantly by panel tier, inverter brand, and warranty terms. A valid quote must specify the panel model, inverter model, system size in kW, and expected annual output (kWh). Avoid quotes that use 'premium' or 'Tier 1' without naming specific brands — these are red flags.
Understand your feed-in tariff before sizing
Feed-in tariffs (what your retailer pays for excess solar exported to the grid) have dropped to 5–12 cents/kWh in most Australian states. Maximising self-consumption of solar during the day — not export — is now the key to ROI. This affects whether to add a battery and what system size makes sense for your usage profile.
Check roof orientation and shading before signing
North-facing roofs in Australia maximise solar output. East/west splits can still perform well. A good installer will conduct a shading analysis before quoting. Shade from trees, chimneys, or neighbouring structures significantly reduces performance — ensure any installer accounts for this in their production estimates.
Find Solar Installers by City
Browse the major Australian cities where TradeRefer has solar businesses listed, then drill into suburb-level pages from there.
Get 3 Free Solar Quotes
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Solar Licensing Requirements by State
Solar installation requires an electrician's licence in all Australian states. CEC accreditation is additionally required for STC rebate eligibility.
VIC
In Victoria, solar PV system installation must be performed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer. Grid-connected systems also require an ESV-licensed electrician registered with Energy Safe Victoria.
NSW
In NSW, solar installers must be CEC accredited. Grid connection requires a licensed electrician with the relevant authorisation from Ausgrid, Endeavour, or Essential Energy.
QLD
In Queensland, solar installers must hold CEC accreditation and a QBCC Electrical Contractor Licence for grid-connected systems.
WA
In WA, solar installation requires CEC accreditation. Grid-connected systems require a licensed electrician and Western Power approval.
SA
In SA, solar installers must be CEC accredited. SA Power Networks requires notification for all grid-connected systems.
TAS
In Tasmania, solar installers must be CEC accredited. TasNetworks approval is required for grid-connected systems.
ACT
In the ACT, solar installers must be CEC accredited. Grid-connected systems require ActewAGL approval.
NT
In the NT, solar installers must hold CEC accreditation. Grid-connected systems require Power and Water Corporation approval.
Checked solar businesses
TradeRefer helps homeowners find ABN-checked, CEC-accredited solar installers — the only way to ensure your system qualifies for the STC rebate and that the installation meets Australian electrical standards.
Compare costs before you call
Use this hub to understand typical 6.6kW and 10kW system costs across Australian cities so you can benchmark any quote against your postcode's STC rebate level before committing to an installer.
Australia-wide local discovery
Navigate from this national solar installation guide into city and suburb-level pages to find CEC-accredited solar installers in the specific area where your property is located.
Solar Installation: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does solar panel installation cost in Australia?
A 6.6kW system (the most popular size) costs $5,000–$9,000 after the STC government rebate. Prices vary by state, brand, and installer. A 10kW system costs $8,000–$14,000. Always compare quotes from at least 3 Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers and check what the rebate amount is for your postcode.
What size solar system do I need for my home?
Most Australian homes use 15–25kWh per day. A 6.6kW system produces 24–30kWh/day on average. For households with high daytime usage (retirees, home offices, EVs), a 10kW system maximises self-consumption. Add a battery to capture surplus energy for evening use. An energy audit helps determine the right size.
Is solar power worth it in Australia?
Yes, for most Australian homeowners. Payback periods are typically 3–6 years, with systems lasting 25–30 years. Feed-in tariffs (what your retailer pays for surplus energy exported) have dropped to 5–12 cents/kWh in most states, so maximising self-consumption is key. A north-facing roof with minimal shading gives the best returns.
What is the solar rebate in Australia?
The federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme provides an upfront rebate reducing system costs by $2,500–$4,500 for typical residential systems. The rebate amount depends on your location (zone), system size, and current STC market price. The rebate reduces slightly each year until 2031. State-specific rebates (VIC Solar Homes Program, etc.) provide additional savings in some states.
Should I add a battery to my solar system?
Batteries (typically $10,000–$16,000 installed for 10–13kWh) extend your energy independence and are most valuable if your retailer offers low feed-in tariffs, you have high evening usage, or you experience frequent power outages. Payback on batteries alone is currently 8–12 years. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) can improve returns.
What is a good solar panel brand in Australia?
Tier 1 panel manufacturers recommended by installers include SunPower, REC, Jinko Solar, JA Solar, and Canadian Solar. Inverter brands include SolarEdge, Fronius, SMA, and Goodwe. Avoid no-name panels and inverters — brand warranty support in Australia is crucial. Always check the CEC-approved products list.
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