How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Australia

Solar Panel Cost in Australia

Currently, the solar panel cost in Australia usually includes the installation cost. This will help you figure out how much it costs to put solar power. You might get extra benefits after filing for the solar panel rebates.

If an installation company gives you a price of $6,000 for a 6.6kWh system, you won't have to pay anything extra for the installation itself. People should be wary of businesses that say they will charge extra for this.

Another essential thing to remember is to ensure you only work with a licensed installer. If you do, the rebate will apply. Now, the actual cost may be different based on what state you live in.

For instance, some places may charge more than others. This is because of how rebates work; each state gives the centre a different amount of rebates.

In some places, the number of PV panels needed to produce a certain amount of energy differs. Therefore, if you live where the average amount of power each panel generates is smaller, you might need to buy more panels.

Per Watt: Before determining how much the panels cost per watt, you need to know how big the system is and what discounts each state offers. The kWh device is about $1.04 per watt. It goes down to $0.92 if the system size is raised to 10kWh.

Per kWh: Considering the world's solar power business, Australia has one of the lowest panel costs per kWh. Prices have dropped so much that the average person can afford them. This is because of government discounts, programmes, and the country's solar industry growth.

For example, if someone wants an excellent solar panel setup, the price per kWh can be anywhere from $900 to $1000.

Solar Panel Cost by System Size 

A 6kW Solar PV System would cost between $5,500 and $8,500 in most Australian states, and a 10kW system would cost between $8,000 and $13,000.

The starting price for an excellent 5kW solar setup in Sydney is about $5,500. You can expect to pay around $7,000 if you want panel-level performance.

You can get high-efficiency panels with all the bells and whistles for $9,000. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that at least 627 GW of solar (PV) systems are in place worldwide. From now until 2020, solar power will make up almost 3% of all the energy made worldwide.

Australia got 23.5% of its clean energy from small-scale solar systems (up to 100 kW), making up 6.5% of its total power in 2022.

Solar Panel Cost by States 

People who live in some states tend to use their air conditioners more often than people who live in other states. So, extensive solar panel systems are installed in states with lots of sunshine and warm weather.

It would cost more in warm states and less in cold states. It might cost less for a warm state if the system size is bigger and more for a cold state if the system size is smaller. Such is the case if the system size is different.

In Australia, solar panels usually cost around $5,250 after giving money back to the government. There are different prices in each state. Victoria has the highest prices, while Western Australia and New South Wales have some of the lowest.

Factors Affect Solar Panel Cost 

It's easy to give rough estimates of how much solar panels cost, but the actual cost of your panels and solar ecosystem depends on many different things. These are the essential factors that will influence the solar panel cost.

Factor 1: Solar Panel Capacity

The rated strength of solar panels is the most obvious thing to think about when picking them out. Regarding rated power, most panels are between 100 and 400 watts. This is how much energy each panel can collect in perfect conditions.

It goes without saying that the higher the power, the more sunlight it gets. The collected sunshine means that more energy can be used at home.

A 100-watt panel will cost around $200 to $500, while a 400-watt panel will cost around $600 to $1,500. 

Factor 2: Solar Panel Types

There can be a major price difference between panels with the same capacity and different PV types. This is usually because of how they are built and how fast they convert energy, which is what we'll talk about now.

Solar panels are made up of cells that can be thin film, monocrystalline, or polycrystalline. 

Monocrystalline Solar Panels: These are made from single-crystal silicon and are known for their high efficiency and sleek black appearance. Due to their pure silicon structure, monocrystalline panels typically have the highest efficiency rates, ranging from 20% to 25%.

They perform well in low-light conditions, which makes them suitable for commercial and residential applications where space is at a premium.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels: Made from multiple silicon crystals melted together, these panels are recognisable by their bluish hue and somewhat speckled look. While they have a slightly lower efficiency rate than monocrystalline panels - typically around 13% to 16% - polycrystalline panels are less expensive and offer a balanced option for those seeking a compromise between cost and performance.

Thin-film Solar Panels: Thin-film solar panels are usually designed by depositing one or several layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate.

Types of thin-film solar panels include cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon, and copper indium gallium selenide. Thin-film panels have the lowest efficiency, usually between 10% and 13%, but they are lightweight and flexible and perform better in high-temperature and shading conditions. Their flexibility makes them suitable for non-traditional applications where traditional panels might not be viable.

Factor 3: Solar Panel Types

The rated power is the first thing you'll check when you buy solar panels. The second should be the grade of how well the conversion worked.

What is solar efficiency, which is also called the conversion rate? It is the amount of sunlight that solar panels turn into power. The best and worst scores for efficiency can be very different.

The least expensive solar cells have the worst conversion rates.

You may be getting a great deal with those meagre prices. But you are severely lowering the amount of energy you can gather and the total advantages of going solar in the first place. For this reason, we always suggest going for the most economical.

In Australia, solar cells usually have conversion rates that range from 11% to 22%. The price is likely to be affected by these rates in a big way.

One area where monocrystalline solar cells do better than polycrystalline and thin film cells is conversion rate. For instance, Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels use monocrystalline silicon cells, which have the highest conversion rate in the business at 25%.

Factor 4: Solar System Costs

Another essential thing to remember when calculating total costs is that solar cells can't power a home alone. Your solar power system needs an inverter, batteries, a controller, and a generator in a particular order to be complete. Then, you can start using Australia's abundant solar energy.

Buying each piece of equipment independently will likely be cheaper, but purchasing a system with everything built-in will be more affordable. The battery, charger, generator, and other parts of Jackery power kits are all connected to a hub.

When you buy a system instead of individual things, you can be sure they will all work together without any problems. Panels and other parts of the system work differently when bought separately from different makers. This could mean you need to do more wiring and spend more time setting everything up.  

Factor 5: Installation & Labor

How much it costs to hire workers will depend on what kind of green energy system you put in. As was already said, you can install rooftop systems yourself, but because you could fall or do it wrong, it might be better to have a professional do it.

One more thing to think about is getting around rooftop systems completely. The Jackery Solar Panels have a kickstand case and a folding design that lets you position the system for the best light capture. You can put them anywhere without having to get on a ladder!

Factor 6: Solar Rebates & Incentives

Renewable energy subsidies are the last thing to think about. These can help lower the cost of a solar panel system.

There are several benefits from the Australian government that will lower the total cost of solar panels and installation. There are interest-free loans to help cover the cost and great deals on goods that can make putting in a solar system even more appealing than it was before.

How Much Money Can Solar Panels Save? 

Investing in a high-quality set of panels and the accompanying system may first seem expensive, but it can result in significant long-term savings.

The amount and standard of sunshine your property receives affect the money you can save, as does the standard of the system you utilise. You could save anything from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars.

As a rough estimate, you can save approximately $400 per year for each kilowatt (kW) power generated. Therefore, for a 5kW system, you should save around $2000 per year.

You can participate in an electricity feed-in tariff if you produce surplus energy. This means that any unused energy is sent back to the power grid, and your chosen electricity supplier will compensate you for it.

The feed-in tariff may not lead to significant wealth accumulation, with rates varying from 6 cents per kWh to 29 cents per kWh. However, it does provide an opportunity to create a little monthly income while reducing electricity expenses.

Jackery Solar Panels Explained

Jackery Solar Panels are built of highly efficient monocrystalline solar cells with the best solar panel efficiency in the industry at 25%, which none of the competitors can match.

The panels are built with IBC Solar technology, which has a rich 40-year history in the Solar Panel business. It enables the solar panels to continue delivering a consistent output, even in low-light settings or high temperatures.  

Because of the monocrystalline solar cells, the Jackery Solar Panels have a better power conversion efficiency, enabling them to absorb more sunlight and convert it into more electricity, which can then be stored in Portable Power Stations for later use. The power station's pure sine wave inverter can supply stable and consistent electric current.

Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel uses monocrystalline solar technology to convert solar energy into renewable power. Boasting a solar panel efficiency of 24.3%, this technology is highly suitable for outdoor activities and may function as a dependable power source in critical situations like power outages.            

Including an ETFE-laminated shell dramatically improves the solar panel's robustness and lifespan while keeping its weight comparatively low at 10.33 lbs. This panel is characterised by its lightweight design, foldability, IP65 waterproof rating, and portability, making it appropriate for outdoor and residential activities.  

The solar panels are fabricated utilising monocrystalline solar cells and employ a honeycomb light-trapping configuration. In addition, the panels come with adjustable stands, allowing for perfect positioning. Optimise solar energy utilisation, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, including sunny and dismal days.

The ETFE-lamination design exhibits remarkable temperature and corrosion resistance, allowing it to operate effectively in a temperature range of -10 to 65°C (14 to 149°F).

Jackery SolarSaga 80W Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 80W monocrystalline solar panel is precisely engineered to convert solar energy into sustainable power efficiently.  

This panel has a dual-sided design, improving its capacity to capture sunlight and produce electricity. Incorporating extra-white glass on the design's rear panel enhances the solar panel's effectiveness, exceeding the industry benchmark with an impressive 25% solar panel efficiency.  

The solar panel, weighing about 11 lbs, is ideal for outdoor activities and may also function as a dependable power supply during power outages in emergencies. The product features a lightweight design, IP68 waterproof certification, and a handle built for simple transporting.

The upgraded solar panel can produce electricity from its front and rear surfaces. Using extra-white glass with a transmittance rating of 92% on the rear panel helps improve the conversion rate. The solar panel is built with 2.8mm low iron fully tempered glass, which enhances its longevity.

The 80W Solar Panels are universally compatible with all Jackery Power Stations, providing improved charging options. Charging up to 12 sets of 80W solar panels concurrently is possible. There is versatility in deciding the approach to charging.

The solar cell on the back side efficiently collects and utilises both reflected and diffused sunlight, leading to a significant increase in the conversion rate by 25%. A carrying bag with a reflective lining primarily redirects and reflects extra solar energy efficiently.

Ways to Pay for Solar Panel Installation

There are five different ways to pay for solar panel installation. Each one has good and bad points. However, there are only two ways that most businesses, farms, and homes should consider.

1. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Paid-per-month is the best way to escape the up-front costs. It is theirs to own. You don't even have to pay the same amount every month. In this case, you should pay the per-kilowatt rate that your solar power device gives off.

You can get the power you need from the grid from your regular power company. Since the person who installs your solar panels will charge you for the power they make, they will also be your new power company.

In other words, it's like having two electric bills. When you compare PPA to your regular power company, their rates are lower, which saves you money. You can also get tax breaks for PPA and lease.

1. Solar Panel Kit with DIY Installation

Putting solar panels yourself is not a good idea because it could kill you in the worst case. Installing your solar system will cost you more, not less. The big tax breaks are the main reason. Only rewards are given when a certified individual installs solar panels.

People selling solar kits only offer one benefit: they will save you money, but you later find out that they didn't save you any money. Why?

Because the system might not have been set up or built correctly, you might lose the tax breaks, and the system you spent months installing might produce less energy than it should have. A professional would have done it in less than a week. So, installing solar panels yourself is the worst choice out of the five.

1. Solar Lease

When you hire solar panels, you rent the installed parts you use. The company that puts in the panels, generator, and all the other parts owns it, and you rent it from them.

You always pay the same monthly amount, no matter how much power you make. That price might not stay the same for twenty years since the owner of the solar panels doesn't want to lock it in.

1. Solar Financing

Financed solar is much better than leased solar because it saves you money. When you buy something with credit, you own it and only have to pay for it once. When you rent something, you pay for it repeatedly, but you only own it once you buy it outright, which costs even more.

Another important thing is that, unlike renting, you can get tax breaks. Thanks to state, federal, and local tax breaks, you can save anywhere from 26% to 60% on installing solar panels. It also depends on where you live.

1. Cash Upfront

Getting cash upfront for your solar panel installation has many perks. Here are some of them: First, you get all the tax breaks. If you sell your home, you can get the most money for your panel. Aside from that, you can also beat inflation because your bill savings will grow over time.

Solar Panel Cost FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar panel cost in Australia.

1. How much does one solar panel cost?

In 2024, a typical mid-range solar PV panel will cost between $200 and $315 and have a power rating of 300 to 420 watts. That said, a roof-mounted system costs about $1,000 per panel, and a ground-mounted system costs about $1,200 per panel. This is based on the cost of labour, planning, permits, and other things. 

2. Do solar panels save money in Australia?

It's even more critical now that the price of solar panels in Australia is the lowest it has ever been. It is now very cheap to buy high-quality solar cells. With a home solar system, you can save a lot of money on your electric bills every year and get your money back in three to five years.

3. How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are built to last for many years. According to the research, solar PV panels can last 30 to 40 years based on the manufacturing process and material chosen. 

Final Thoughts

As more people in Australia work towards a greener future and learn to live without the power grid, many are moving to solar panel systems. From this guide, you can learn anything about solar panel costs, which may help you make buying decisions. Suppose you only want to use solar energy with a small budget or want to have a portable solar system for outdoor use. In that case, you can choose Jackery Solar Panels with Portable Power Stations to charge appliances quickly.