How much does solar cost in Australia in 2026?

In six of the eight capital cities, an average 6 kW solar system cost between $5,070 and $6,250 fully installed, and a 10 kW system between $8,250 and $9,480, according to the Solar Choice Price Index for 1 September 2026. Hobart and Darwin were higher. These averages already include the federal solar discount and GST, and your own quote may be higher or lower depending on your roof, the equipment and the installer.

Average solar prices by city

The Solar Choice Price Index is published monthly by Solar Choice, a solar quote comparison business, using prices supplied by installers in its network. These are its figures for standard systems as at 1 September 2026:

A few things to keep in mind when you read this table:

• They are averages. Real quotes vary with your roof, the panels and inverter, and the installer. Use the table to spot a quote that is well outside the usual range, not to predict your exact price.
• They are standard offers. Solar Choice says its premium offers, with higher-end equipment, come in 20 to 30% higher than the standard prices.
• Bigger systems cost less per watt. Solar Choice puts the national average at $0.88 to $0.95 per watt installed. In Sydney, the 6 kW average works out at about $0.95 per watt and the 10 kW average at about $0.87.

The STC discount is already in the price

Every price in the table has the federal solar discount taken off. That discount comes from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which gives eligible systems certificates called small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Your installer usually claims and sells them for you, and takes their value off your bill. Our guide to the solar rebate and STCs explains how the numbers are worked out.

How much the discount is worth depends on system size, your postcode's zone and the year of installation. As a rough guide for systems installed in 2026, at $37 to $40 per certificate:

• 6 kW in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth or Canberra (all Zone 3): about 41 STCs, worth about $1,520 to $1,640
• 10 kW in the same cities: about 69 STCs, worth about $2,550 to $2,760
• 6 kW in Melbourne or Hobart (Zone 4): about 35 STCs, worth about $1,300 to $1,400

Your quote's final price should already have this taken off. The discount applies to every eligible system, so if a salesperson presents it as a special deal or a limited-time offer, treat that as a warning sign.

The discount also gets smaller each year. A system installed in 2027 is credited with four years of generation instead of five, so the same system earns about a fifth fewer certificates. That alone is not a reason to rush, because prices also move with competition and equipment costs.

What a standard price usually includes

A quote for a standard installation should normally cover:

• the panels and the mounting system (racking) that fixes them to your roof
• the inverter, which converts the panels' power for use in your home
• cabling, isolator switches and other electrical parts
• installation labour and connection to your switchboard
• paperwork such as the network connection application, electrical safety certificate and STC claim
• monitoring, if the inverter offers it

Check that the quote names the brand and model of the panels and inverter, and states the system size in kW. Also ask whether your meter needs to be changed or reprogrammed to record exports, who arranges that, and whether there is a fee.

What adds to the cost

Your roof

• Roof material. Tile roofs, especially terracotta, can take longer to work on than metal roofs, and cracked tiles need replacing.
• Flat roofs. Panels may need tilt frames to face the sun properly.
• Height and pitch. Two-storey homes and steep roofs need extra safety equipment, such as scaffolding or edge protection, which adds labour and hire costs.
• Several roof faces. Splitting panels across faces adds design and cabling work.

Your switchboard and wiring

Older switchboards may need an upgrade before solar can be connected safely, for example if they still use old ceramic fuses, have no room for new circuit breakers, or contain asbestos. This is a common source of surprise costs, so ask the installer to inspect the switchboard before quoting a fixed price. Long cable runs between the panels, inverter and switchboard, or network requirements for export control, can also add cost.

Your choice of equipment

• Premium panels with higher efficiency or longer warranties cost more. Higher efficiency matters most when roof space is tight.
• Microinverters or optimisers put electronics at each panel rather than relying on a single central (string) inverter. They can help where there is shade or panels on several roof faces, and allow panel-by-panel monitoring, but generally cost more.
• Hybrid inverters, which can run a battery, may cost more now but can save work if you add a battery later. See what size battery you need.

Why the cheapest quote can cost you more

A lower price is not always the better deal. Things that can make a cheap system expensive over its life:

• Weak warranty support. A warranty only helps if the manufacturer and installer are still around to honour it. Ask who you call if something fails.
• Unclear scope. A low headline price can grow once extras such as a switchboard upgrade, tile work or second-storey access are added. Ask for a fixed price after a site inspection.
• Poor design. Panels in shade, on a poor roof face or with an unsuitable inverter may produce less than you expected.
• Rushed installation. Poor workmanship can cause roof leaks or safety problems. Ask who will do the work and check they are accredited.
• Pressure tactics. A price that is only good for today is a red flag. Our guide to sales tactics to walk away from covers the common ones.

Compare at least a few quotes line by line. Our guides on how to compare solar quotes and questions to ask a solar installer show you what to look for.

State rebates may lower the price further

Some states and territories offer help on top of the STC discount, usually with eligibility tests such as income limits or concession cards. Victoria, Queensland and the ACT currently have programs for solar panels. Rules and funding change, so check our rebates hub and your state's page before you sign.

Price is only half the picture

What solar is worth to you depends on how much of its output you use yourself, your electricity plan and your feed-in tariff. Try the solar payback calculator with the figures from a real quote, and read our guide to solar feed-in tariffs. If you are still deciding on size, start with what size solar system you need.

The short version

• On 1 September 2026, an average 6 kW system cost $5,070 to $6,250 in six capitals (Solar Choice Price Index), with Hobart and Darwin higher.
• These prices already include the STC discount and GST.
• Roof type, extra storeys, switchboard work and premium equipment add cost.
• The cheapest quote can end up costing more if the scope, design or support is weak.
• Get a fixed price after a site check and compare quotes line by line. You can request quotes here.