Solar payback calculator
A quick estimate from average prices and published electricity rates. Change any number to match your bill.
A starting guess. Higher if someone is home in the day, or you run the pool, dishwasher and hot water in daylight.
AER Default Market Offer 2026-27, Ausgrid
Within IPART’s 2026-27 benchmark of 3.4 to 6.5c
Rough payback
4.3 years
An estimate from averages, not a quote or a promise.
- Typical price, 6.6 kW
- $6,160
- Generation per year
- 9,636 kWh
- Off your bill per year
- $1,118
- Export credits per year
- $313
Price is the Sydney average after the federal solar discount, from the Solar Choice Price Index (September 2026). Generation uses 4 kWh per kW per day, the YourHome figure for Sydney.
Average prices by city, September 2026
After the federal solar discount, including GST, standard-tier equipment. Source: Solar Choice Price Index.
| City | 6 kW | 10 kW | kWh per kW per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $5,710 | $8,710 | 4 |
| Melbourne | $5,790 | $8,900 | 3.6 |
| Brisbane | $6,250 | $9,480 | 4.2 |
| Adelaide | $5,360 | $8,370 | 4.2 |
| Perth | $5,070 | $8,250 | 4.4 |
| Hobart | $7,310 | $11,970 | 3.5 |
| Canberra | $5,720 | $8,320 | 4.3 |
| Darwin | $9,890 | $14,930 | 4.4 |
Common questions
How is solar payback worked out?
Divide the installed price by what the system is worth to you each year: the solar you use at home times your usage rate, plus the solar you export times your feed-in tariff. Supply charges do not change, so they are left out.
Why does using solar at home matter so much?
Every kWh you use yourself avoids buying one at your usage rate, which is usually several times the feed-in tariff. Moving the dishwasher, pool pump or hot water into daylight hours tends to shorten payback more than a bigger system does.
Are these prices what I will pay?
They are city averages from the Solar Choice Price Index for September 2026, after the federal solar discount. Your quote depends on the roof, the panels and inverter, and the installer. Use the calculator to sense-check quotes, not to replace them.