In December 2022, we surveyed folks from all over Australia to find out how much they’re paying, on average, for their initial solar panel installation. Not only that, but we’ll also took a look at the average size of solar panel systems in each state.
The road to solar can be bumpy with many moving parts in the installation process. A good solar installer will give you an objective opinion on what solar panels and system will best suit your needs, but it’s still always good to have a benchmark from which to judge the value of your installation quotes.
On this page:
What’s the average cost of solar installations in Australia?
Canstar Blue conducted a survey in December 2022 that found the average amount Australians paid for their solar panels, solar battery and solar installation. The following table shows the average costs for each of these criteria and includes all states, territories and household sizes. Please note, the package average is based on survey respondents who purchased their solar installation as part of an all-inclusive pack. The averages for panels, batteries and installation however are based on survey respondents that purchased these parts separately.
| Solar Installation Component | Average Cost (Nationwide) |
| Solar Panels | $5,667 |
| Solar Battery | $1,478 |
| Solar Installation | $3,928 |
| Solar Package (including panels, battery, installation, etc.) | $5,521 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2022.
The highest average solar panel cost was recorded in Queensland, while those in Western Australia reported the lowest average costs. Across Australia, 52% of survey respondents said they were happy with their choice, agreeing that installing solar power was a good financial decision.
Average solar panel cost in each state
The following table shows average solar panel costs across Australia, based on a Canstar Blue survey of more than 1,300 households. The costs reported include households of all sizes.
| State/Territory | Average Solar Panel Costs |
| Queensland | $6,212 |
| South Australia | $6,069 |
| Victoria | $5,627 |
| New South Wales | $5,307 |
| Western Australia | $4,399 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2022.
As you can see above, Queensland reported the highest average solar panel costs. Residents in South Australia and Victoria came next, with the lowest solar installation costs recorded in New South Wales and Western Australia.
Average cost of solar panels in NSW
In New South Wales, Canstar Blue found the average solar panel cost to be $5,307, while the average installation cost sat at $3,991. Those who purchased a solar package however, reported an average cost of $6,029. Half of NSW households (50%) believed installing solar to be a good financial decision, with around 94% of survey respondents in the state saying they installed solar as a long term commitment to saving money on energy bills.
NSW Solar Plans
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. This table may include products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Average cost of solar panels in VIC
Victorian households reported their average solar panel cost to be $5,627, while the average solar installation cost was $3,753. The average solar package on the other hand, cost Victorians $5,689. Of the Victorian respondents, 51% said that they thought installing solar was a good financial decision. Furthermore, 93% installed solar to help save on energy bills in the long term.
VIC Solar Plans
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 own 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. This table may include products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Average cost of solar panels in QLD
We found customers in Queensland had an average solar panel cost of $6,212 and average installation cost of $4,132. Solar packages in the sunshine state cost households $5,466 on average. Just over half of Queenslanders (54%) said they thought installing solar has been a good decision for them financially, and 97% installed it as a long term investment to help with energy bills.
QLD Solar Plans
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 own 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. This table may include products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Average cost of solar panels in SA
South Australian solar customers were found to pay, on average, $6,069 for their solar panels. A solar package however, was found to cost South Australians only $5,224 on average. Just over half (54%) of survey respondents in this state said they thought installing solar was a good financial choice, although the vast majority (98%) agreed it will serve as a long term investment to help reduce power bills.
SA Solar Plans
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power energy 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. This table may include products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Average solar system size in Australia
The table below shows the popularity of solar system sizes across each state. This information comes from a Canstar Blue survey of more than 1,300 households. In bold, you’ll find the system size most respondents in the relevant state have installed at their property.
| System Size | QLD | NSW | VIC | SA | WA | TAS |
| Smaller than 3KW | 5% | 4% | 5% | 2% | 4% | 7% |
| 3KW | 6% | 4% | 11% | 4% | 13% | 3% |
| 4KW | 6% | 11% | 10% | 7% | 6% | 7% |
| 5KW | 21% | 21% | 23% | 25% | 21% | 23% |
| 6KW | 29% | 22% | 25% | 29% | 27% | 27% |
| 7KW | 7% | 5% | 4% | 5% | 9% | 7% |
| 8KW | 4% | 4% | 5% | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Larger than 8KW | 11% | 10% | 3% | 11% | 4% | 17% |
| Unsure | 12% | 19% | 14% | 14% | 14% | 7% |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2022.
Average solar system size in Queensland
Queensland respondents had one of the largest portion of people with a 6kW system size at 29%, followed by 21% with a 5kW system. However, 12% of Queenslanders were unsure what size system they had.
Average solar system size in New South Wales
In NSW, 22% of respondents said they had 6kW solar systems and 21% a 5kW system. Yet, 19% weren’t sure what size system they had.
Average solar system size in Victoria
Victorian respondents were most likely to have a 6kW system size at 25%, followed by 23% that had 5kW systems.
Average solar system size in South Australia
South Australians preferred 6kW (29% of respondents) and 5kW (25% of respondents) solar systems. 11% of this population reported systems larger than 8kW.
Average solar panel system size in WA/TAS
- WA: 27% of respondents living in Western Australia said they had installed 6kW solar systems. Another 21% had 5kW systems.
- TAS: 27% of Tassie survey respondents said they installed a 6kW system. However, the island state recorded the largest number of respondents with systems larger than 8kW, with 17% saying their system fell into this category.
What impacts how much you’ll pay for solar?
Much like with any other trades-based work, how much you pay for solar can vary significantly. Here are some of the major factors that affect the overall cost of installation:
- The size of your solar system: Solar panels come in different sizes, with different capacities, and a 10kW system will cost far more than a 2kW one.
- Battery storage systems: It’s an unfortunate fact that battery storage systems cost an arm and a leg, and your choice to include one as part of a system will drive your initial costs way up.
- Inverter type: The type of inverter you end up with, whether it’s string or micro, as well as the brand, will have an impact on your solar system cost and effectiveness.
- Your solar installer: It’s up to your installer to set their own rates, so it’s best to shop around and get a few quotes before committing to anything.
- The difficulty of the installation: The accessibility of your roof, as well as your roof materials all impact how difficult the job will be, and therefore the cost.
- Government rebates: If you’re eligible for a solar rebate in your state, it could substantially reduce the initial cost of installing solar.
Can I pay less than average?
When it comes to solar, how much you pay can be somewhat out of your hands. Your budget will heavily dictate what size system you can get, and who will install it for you. That being said, with knowledge of what others are paying, knowing the difference between a good deal and being ripped off becomes much easier.
Once you’ve installed your system, maximise your savings by picking an energy plan with low rates and a generous feed in tariff. See our average solar bill guide for more info.
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