Are you looking to decrease those soaring numbers on your energy bills? If so, you may have been thinking about solar and how it could potentially claw back some of your household electricity costs. Not only can solar help make your home more energy-efficient, it can also be fairly cost-effective in the long run, provided you’ve done a little homework.
But with so many solar suppliers in the market overloading you with information, how do you know when and where to buy from? In this Canstar Blue buying guide, we reveal all you need to know to choose the best solar panels in Australia. From how to get the best solar panel brands and types, to costs, payback periods and installers, we’ve got it all.
On this page:
- How to choose the best solar panels in Australia
- When is the best time to buy solar panels?
- What solar brands are the best?
- Where to buy the best solar panels
- How much do solar panels cost?
- What is the average payback time for solar panels?
- Things to check before you compare solar panels
- FAQs about solar panels
Advertisement
How to choose the best solar panels in Australia
Choosing the best solar panels will usually come down to the cost, quality and suitability of products on offer from your solar installer. With numerous ‘Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailers’ currently operating in Australia, finding a solar panel installer that’s right for you shouldn’t be too difficult. You can find a list of accredited retailers in your state by visiting the Clean Energy Council website.
Approved solar suppliers are allowed to use the Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer logo in their marketing (pictured right). However, it’s worth verifying the accreditation on the Clean Energy Council website before signing any agreements with them.
Installation is another component you should take into consideration when looking for a solar panel supplier, as well as the warranties included in their services.
Looking for the best solar panel installers in Australia? See which companies everyday Aussies rated top-notch for their services with Canstar Blue’s latest solar installers ratings report.
When is the best time to buy solar panels?
While many suppliers will suggest that ‘now’ is the best time to buy solar, there’s no need to rush into anything. But there are a few incentives that make buying solar appealing, like government rebates and competitive feed-in tariffs (FiTs). You’ll just need to ensure you’ve done some research as these factors will vary depending on where you live.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you’re eligible to receive a government rebate on solar, this may be enough to sway your purchase decision. But if a rebate isn’t on the cards, you should consider other factors like whether a local solar supplier is having a sale, or your energy provider is offering higher than average feed-in tariffs.
To give you a better idea of what solar-specific plans may be available to you, Canstar Blue has listed some of the current deals below.
Compare solar plans and prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
What solar panel brands are the best?
Choosing the best solar panels for your needs depends very much on your intentions for your solar system. According to Solar Choice, solar installers often offer a choice of budget, standard and premium panels, with premium panels between 20% and 30% more expensive than standard panels. Some panel manufacturers that are considered to be premium brands include:
- Hyundai
- Q-Cells
- SunPower
- REC
- Tindo Solar
If your budget is a little tight, SolarQuotes consider the following “entry level” brands to be reputable:
- Aiko
- Canadian Solar
- JA Solar
- Jinko Solar
- LONGi Solar
- Risen
- Solahart
- Suntech
- Trina
- Winaico
Where to buy the best solar panels in Australia
Finding the best solar panels may require several quotes from separate providers, as prices can vary significantly between companies and installers. Ultimately, the prices will come down to multiple factors, including:
- The type of solar panel – monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin film.
- How many solar panels you need – eight, 12, 24 or somewhere in between?
- The solar panel supplier’s reputation – are they certified and do they provide a warranty?
- The type of inverter for each solar panel – string or micro-inverter.
The solar company you choose should provide you with all of this information, as well as the energy-efficiency of the products you’re interested in. Your solar installer should consider products based on your individual circumstances and quote you a price accordingly. You should also ask to see any relevant industry-approved certification on solar products, such as panels and battery storage systems.
If you’d like to know more about solar power in your area, read our helpful guides:
How much do solar panels cost?
The cost of solar panels in Australia will depend on the size of the system, installation expenses and any applicable rebates subtracted from the original price. For a typical 3kW PV system with roughly seven panels, expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,000, however it’s best to get at least three quotes from trusted solar installation companies before making a purchase decision.
In the table below, you’ll find approximate costs from SolarQuotes, for a good quality solar system installation, using tier 1 solar panels in Australia.
| System Size | Number of Solar Panels | Estimate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5kW | 4 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 2kW | 5 | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| 3kW | 7 | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| 4kW | 10 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 5kW | 12 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| 6.6kW | 16 | $5,500 – $9,000 |
| 7kW | 17 | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| 8kW | 19 | $7,500 – $11,000 |
| 10kW | 24 | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| 13kW | 31 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Source: SolarQuotes, 2024.
In a recent survey, Canstar Blue found that customers spent an average of $6,147 on all-inclusive solar system packages, with 55% of survey participants stating that installing solar was a good financial decision. While the upfront costs may have you raising your eyebrows, getting solar can be a wise long-term investment if you’re eligible for a rebate and have locked into a competitive feed-in tariff with your energy provider.
Solar panel installation costs
The cost of solar installation will usually be factored into the total quoted price by your local installer, but will vary between companies. Some installers may use better quality components which may affect the overall cost of PV installation, however the quote you receive should have every expense listed, including the installation.
What is the average payback time for solar panels?
The time it takes for a solar panel system to pay for itself will depend on a number of factors, including initial upfront costs, size of system, feed-in tariff rate and how much energy is used. As a rough guide, here are some estimated payback times for solar panels from Solar Choice:
| City | Payback Period |
|---|---|
| Sydney | 2.9 years |
| Melbourne | 4.4 years |
| Brisbane | 3.6 years |
| Adelaide | 2.6 years |
| Perth | 2.9 years |
| Canberra | 3.3 years |
| Hobart | 4.0 years |
| Darwin | 5.1 years |
Source: Solar Choice, 2024. Based on a 6.6kW solar panel system, with an average home energy usage of 25kWh per day.
Things to check before you compare solar panels
- The property is in your name. Some landlords may not allow renters to install their own solar panels.
- The roof has access to sunlight and is not shadowed by trees.
- The roof is large enough (usually a 15 square metre minimum).
- The roof can support the weight of solar panels.
- Your home faces the right direction. Only north-facing panels will produce at full capacity.
- There are no conflicts with local government by-laws.
- You have received multiple quotes from reputable retailers.
If you own an investment property, it may also be worth considering whether or not there could be a financial benefit to buying and installing solar panels on a rental property.
Original reporting by Jared Mullane
Image Source: Sobrevolando Patagonia/Shutterstock
FAQs about solar panels
What are the best solar panels in Australia?
Monocrystalline panels are often considered some of the best solar panels in Australia, due to their higher perceived efficiency. However, polycrystalline technology has improved dramatically in recent years, so it’s difficult to claim one type of solar cell is better than another. More important than the type of solar panel is its energy efficiency. Enquire with your solar installer about panel efficiency, and if there is negligible difference between the poly and monocrystalline panels, then your best bet will be the cheapest – usually polycrystalline.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work by utilising the ‘photovoltaic effect’. This is the process in which photons from the sun project onto the solar panel, releasing electrons from atoms, generating DC electricity. Trapped by an electric field, these electrons flow into an inverter, which then converts the free-flowing electrons in to useable AC electricity.
What types of solar panels are there?
There are three broad types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film. Each of these solar panels are built with crystalline silicon cells, however they vary considerably in efficiency and price.
- Monocrystalline: Sometimes referred to as single-crystalline, these solar panels are comprised of a one crystalline structure, given them a deep-black colour. Monocrystalline cells have the highest marketed energy efficiency at around 15%-21%, meaning they convert 15%-21% of the absorbed solar energy into useable electricity.
- Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline cells, also known as multi-crystalline cells, have a lower silicon purity than monocrystalline panels. This makes them more affordable, but less efficient, typically converting around 13-16%. But they are generally cheaper. Additionally, polycrystalline cells have a lower heat tolerance, making them slightly less efficient on very hot days.
- Thin Film: These panels are very cheap to mass produce, however they have very low energy efficiency, meaning they are not ideal for residential premises. The poor efficiency and ease of producing these panels makes them most ideal for commercial and agricultural properties where there is more room available.
How many solar panels do you need?
A single solar panel can produce as little as 40w, or as much as 400w. This means more panels won’t necessarily equate to more electricity. What you should instead be looking at is the solar system size as a whole.
The system size is given in kilowatts (kW), as a measure of how much electricity the system can produce at peak output conditions (i.e. a perfect day with no clouds). So a 2kW system will produce 2kW for a couple hours a day in peak conditions.
Many households opt for a 3kW solar system, which will require 12 x 250 watt solar panels. More or less panels will be required depending on their individual output.
If you have a solar battery to store power or you have exceptionally large mid-day electricity usage, then it might be worth upgrading to a larger system. If you’re unsure about what you need, send your solar retailer a copy of your electricity bill and they can probably recommend an appropriate system size.
What solar rebates are available?
There are currently two incentive schemes available for installing solar.
They are the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and feed in tariffs.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, eligible customers who install a renewable energy generator (be it solar, wind or hydro), are entitled to a number of ‘Small-Scale Technology Certificates’ (STCs). The number of STCs you receive depends on the expected output of the installation over the course of its life time (15 years max), as well as the geographical location of the premise. You can calculate the number of certificates you are entitled to using the small generation unit calculator.
These STCs can be sold to electricity retailers, who are required by law to purchase a quota of STCs each year. The easiest way to sell these certificates is by allowing your installer to sell them on your behalf in exchange for a lower return. To maximise the value of your certificates however, they can be sold on the in an open market where price is determined by supply and demand. Alternatively, the STC clearing house will purchase certificates for a flat price of $40 per certificate.
Feed-in tariffs
Solar panels alone are unable to store electricity collected from the sun, meaning any energy you don’t immediately use will feed on to the energy network. In exchange for this, your energy retailer and the state government will supply you with a feed-in tariff, which is a small rebate on your electricity bill for each kWh your solar system exported. The feed-in tariff you receive will vary anywhere from 1c to 20c per kilowatt hour and will depend on your location, tariff type and retailer.
Share this article