How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in 2026?

Comparison of 6.6kW and 10kW solar systems on Australian homes
2026 Australian Solar Price Guide

Most homeowners can expect to pay about $5,000 to $8,500 for a quality 6.6kW solar system, $8,000 to $11,500 for a 10kW system, or $10,500 to $15,000 for a 13.2kW system in 2026.

The final solar panel installation cost depends on the system size, equipment, roof, switchboard, location and installation requirements.

Last reviewed: 4 September 2026

Solar panels installed on the roof of a modern Australian home
Solar system prices depend on the system size, equipment, roof and electrical work required at the property.

Searches for solar panels cost Australia and cost of solar panels Australia usually refer to a complete grid-connected system, not one panel. Published averages commonly include standard installation, GST and eligible certificate discounts.

Quick summary

6.6kW solar systemExpect to pay about $5,000 to $8,500 fully installed.
10kW solar systemTypical prices are about $8,000 to $11,500.
13.2kW solar systemTypical prices are about $10,500 to $15,000.
Installation variablesRoof access, switchboard work and system design can increase the cost to install solar panels.
Right system sizeUse your electricity bill, roof space and future energy needs rather than choosing on price alone.

Price guide only: The figures in this article are independent Australian market benchmarks, not fixed Aus Energy Solar prices or guaranteed quotes.

Solar system prices by size

For homeowners comparing solar system prices Australia-wide, these ranges provide a practical starting point.

3kW system $3,500 to $5,000

Around 7 to 8 panels. May suit a small, low-use household.

6.6kW system $5,000 to $8,500

Around 14 to 16 panels. May suit many average households.

10kW system $8,000 to $11,500

Around 22 to 24 panels. May suit higher-use homes, pools or EV charging.

13.2kW system $10,500 to $15,000

Around 28 to 31 panels. May suit larger homes with high electricity use.

Panel numbers vary with panel capacity and usable roof space. The Solar Calculator 2026 price guide lists averages near $6,366 for 6.6kW, $9,646 for 10kW and $12,540 for 13kW. The Solar Choice price index lists a standard 6kW system near $6,120.

Get a price based on your property

A national average cannot account for your roof, switchboard or electricity use. Aus Energy Solar can prepare a tailored recommendation based on your property and needs.

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What affects the cost of solar panels Australia-wide?

The cost of solar panels Australia-wide varies because systems with the same capacity can use different equipment and require different installation work.

Electricity use and system size

A larger system can generate more solar energy, but more capacity is not automatically better. The system installed should reflect the household's electricity bill, usage times and future loads such as a pool, electric vehicle or solar batteries.

Equipment and design

Higher-efficiency panels can provide more panel capacity on a limited roof. Inverter type, monitoring, warranties and compatibility with future battery systems also affect the upfront cost. Microinverters or power optimisers may suit complex roofs, but normally cost more.

Roof and electrical work

A steep or multi-storey roof, fragile tiles, several roof faces and long cable runs can increase labour and safety requirements. An older switchboard may need upgrading before connection.

Solar installer assessing a home switchboard before preparing an installation quote
Switchboard condition and required electrical work can change the final solar installation price.

The Australian Government Solar Consumer Guide recommends comparing site-specific quotes that identify equipment, installation work, expected output, warranties and extra electrical work.

What should a solar quote include?

A complete quote should clearly list:

  • Panels, inverter, mounting and cabling.
  • System design, installation and testing.
  • Monitoring and handover.
  • GST and the applicable STC discount.
  • Product and installation warranties.
  • Included and excluded additional work.

Switchboard upgrades, meter changes, structural repairs, scaffolding, regional travel and battery backup equipment may cost extra.

Aus Energy Solar's residential solar packages are designed around the property, energy use and budget rather than system capacity alone.

How much does a 6.6kW solar system cost?

The 6.6kW solar system cost is usually about $5,000 to $8,500 fully installed. A straightforward metropolitan installation may sit near the lower end, while premium equipment or extra electrical work can move the price higher.

A 6.6kW solar system commonly uses about 14 to 16 modern panels. It may suit an average household, although electricity use and roof conditions should be assessed first.

How much does a 10kW solar system cost?

The 10kW solar system cost is commonly about $8,000 to $11,500. This size may suit a larger household, pool, frequent air conditioning, electric vehicle charging or plans to add a battery.

Its value depends on how much solar energy the household can use, store or export. Local network limits should form part of the design.

How much does a 13.2kW solar system cost?

The 13.2kW solar system cost is commonly about $10,500 to $15,000. A system of this size may suit a high-use home with sufficient roof space and compatible electrical supply.

The assessment should consider how much the solar system can generate, daytime electricity use and whether battery systems are planned.

How do Small-scale Technology Certificates reduce the upfront cost?

The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme can reduce the upfront cost of eligible rooftop solar.

Eligible systems create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Most customers assign the certificates to an agent or retailer in return for a discount shown on the quote. The number depends on expected generation, location, installation year and scheme rules.

The Clean Energy Regulator states that eligible components must meet scheme requirements and the system must be designed and installed by appropriately accredited professionals.

State solar rebates may also apply in limited circumstances. Current programme and eligibility details should always be checked before installation.

Is the cheapest solar quote the best value?

The lowest quote is not automatically the best value. A low quote may still be suitable when it includes an appropriate design, approved equipment, clear warranties and qualified installation.

Compare:

  • The exact panel and inverter models.
  • The system size and expected generation.
  • Electrical work and exclusions.
  • Product and workmanship warranties.
  • Monitoring, approval support and aftercare.

The better question is not only how much do solar panels cost. It is whether the proposed system suits the property and provides reliable long-term support.

What is the likely payback period?

The payback period depends on the installed price, electricity tariff, feed-in tariff, solar generation and how much electricity is used while the system generates power.

Using solar energy in the home can provide more value than exporting it because feed-in tariffs are usually lower than retail rates. Use the household's own power bill and usage pattern rather than a guaranteed savings figure.

Adding solar batteries can increase self-consumption but also raises the upfront cost. Read about solar battery storage before comparing solar-only and solar-plus-battery systems.

Can solar be financed?

Finance can reduce the upfront payment, but interest, fees and loan length affect the total cost. Compare the cash price, comparison rate, fees and total repayment. See available solar finance options, subject to approval and current provider terms.

Frequently asked questions

Does the solar panel cost include installation?

Most advertised system prices include standard installation, GST and the STC discount. Non-standard electrical, roof, access or travel requirements may cost extra.

Can solar remove my entire power bill?

Solar may reduce a power bill, but it does not guarantee a zero balance. Fixed supply charges, evening use, weather, tariffs and export limits still affect the amount payable.

Is a 10kW system better than a 6.6kW system?

A 10kW system is not automatically better. It may suit higher electricity use, while a 6.6kW system may provide better value for a smaller household. The recommendation should reflect electricity use and property conditions.

How can I get an accurate price?

Provide a recent electricity bill, postcode, roof details and information about future battery or electric vehicle needs. A property-specific assessment is more reliable than a national average.

Get an accurate solar installation price

Online system prices help establish a budget, but they cannot account for your roof, switchboard, electricity use or local network requirements.

Aus Energy Solar can assess:

  • Your electricity use.
  • Your available roof area.
  • Your switchboard and electrical supply.
  • A suitable solar system size.
  • Solar and battery options.
  • Current rebate pathways.

Contact the team for a property-specific recommendation and itemised quote.

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Sources and review information

This article was last reviewed on 4 September 2026.

Pricing and programme information was checked against:

Solar prices, certificate values, finance terms and government programmes may change. Confirm current details before making a purchase decision.