KEY POINTS
- Expect to pay between $3,900 and $7,500 to purchase and install a new solar system in Canberra.
- Smaller systems (less than 3kW) generally cost under $4,000.
- 4kW systems or larger will generally cost over $4,200.
Canberra is home to an increasing number of solar systems, with thousands of households utilising the sun to power their homes and reduce their energy bills.
But when it comes to installing solar in Canberra, what should you be aware of, and what’s available to you? Find out more about solar power in Canberra with this Canstar Blue guide.
On this page:
- How much does solar cost in Canberra?
- Solar panel installers in Canberra
- How many households have solar in Canberra?
- Solar panel rebates and incentives in Canberra, ACT
- Solar feed-in tariffs in Canberra
- Which energy provider has the best solar FiT in Canberra, ACT?
- Do I need council approval to install solar panels in ACT?
- Is it worth getting solar in Canberra?
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How much does solar cost in Canberra?
You can expect to pay between $3,900 and $7,500 to purchase and install a new solar system in Canberra, with smaller systems (less than 3kW) generally costing under $4,000, while 4kW systems or larger will set you back over $4,200.
On average, installing solar in Canberra is cheaper than most states and territories, with all systems priced below the national average, as seen in the table below.
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| 3kW | 4kW | 5kW | 6kW | 7kW | 10kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra | $3,930 | $4,230 | $4,510 | $4,950 | $6,000 | $7,490 |
| National Average | $4,030 | $4,640 | $5,140 | $5,810 | $6,650 | $8,930 |
Source: Solar Choice – March 2025 solar price index. Prices are after applying STC discounts and GST.
However, it’s also important to note that the table above reflects estimated costs, whereas the actual cost of the solar system and installation could vary greatly due to a number of factors, including your location, the solar panel size, and your installer of choice. For a specific quote, it’s best to contact a solar installer directly.
Solar panel installers in Canberra
There are a number of solar installers in Canberra. Below is a list of some solar panel installers that are available in the wider Canberra area.
- ECG Electrical
- Fased Solar
- Innovate Energy
- Mondiaux Solar
- Platinum Solar Group
- Select Electrical and Solar Solutions
- Solahart Canberra
- Solar Forever Canberra
- SolarHub
- Stag Electrical
How many households have solar in Canberra?
According to a recent Clean Energy Regulator report, over 61,000 ACT homes and businesses have a solar system installed.
Solar panel rebates and incentives in Canberra, ACT
There are currently multiple rebates and incentives available in the ACT, including the Federal STC rebate and the Sustainable Household Scheme. Please note that there are terms and conditions for each incentive.
STCs in ACT
STCs (known as Small-scale Technology Certificates) are part of a federal scheme that rewards customers who install solar panels or a solar hot water system with a solar rebate. This rebate is in the form of a number of certificates, which can be sold on an open market or given to a solar installer for a discount on your system.
The price per certificate can fluctuate, but generally sits around $38, with the number of STCs you receive dependent on your location and the size of your system. Australia is split into four STC zones, with Canberra sitting in Zone 3, meaning it receives fewer STCs than those living in Zone 2 and Zone 1.
Sustainable Household Scheme
The Sustainable Household Scheme is currently available in Canberra. This scheme allows eligible homeowners to borrow up to $15,000 interest free to invest in energy efficient products, such as solar batteries, with up to 10 years to repay the loan.
Home Energy Support Program
Homeowners in Canberra with eligible health care, pensioner or DVA cards can receive the Home Energy Support Program rebates of up to $5,000 for sustainable home upgrades.
ACT Battery Rebate Program
Known as the Next Gen Energy Storage Program, the ACT Battery Rebate Program incentivised homes to install a solar battery to help lessen reliance on the grid. The rebate was only available in certain areas of the ACT and the new battery system needed to be coupled with solar panels and connected to the electricity grid.
This rebate is no longer available as the target of 5,000 batteries was reached.
Solar feed-in tariffs in Canberra
Electricity customers in Canberra are able to choose their energy provider, with solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) varying from about 5c per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 10c/kW, depending on the electricity retailer. When comparing electricity providers, keep in mind that some solar deals often have higher rates and smaller discounts than standard non-solar offers, meaning that a solar plan with a high solar FiT may not necessarily be the cheapest option available. It’s also worthwhile keeping in mind that some solar FiTs are only eligible when certain criteria are met – properties with smart meters for example.
Which energy provider has the best solar FiT in Canberra, ACT?
Origin Energy generally offers one of the highest solar FiTs available to customers in the ACT. In addition to high solar FiTs, the retailer also offers a range of solar-specific energy deals, tailored to suit households with solar panels installed. There may be some conditions that need to be met in order to be eligible for Origin’s higher solar FiT.
Check out our guide to the best solar feed-in tariffs available around Australia to get a better picture of how the ACT compares with other states.
Do I need council approval to install solar panels in Canberra?
It’s best to double-check council restrictions in Canberra before installing a solar panel system. Generally, only homes that are heritage-listed will need council approval before solar can be installed. However, if your panels will face the street or sit higher than the closest point of the roof, you may also need approval first.
Households can typically install a solar system up to the size of 10kW in Canberra without council permission. Once you have received council permission, you’ll then need to apply for a new connection with Evoenergy – ACT’s electricity distributor – to connect to the grid.
If you are unsure of whether you will need council approval to install solar panels in Canberra or not, it is best to ask your solar installer for advice.
Tenants looking to get solar should also check with their landlords before doing modifications to the property. Our renter’s guide to solar explores this in more detail.
Is it worth getting solar in Canberra?
Regardless of which state or territory you live in, the decision to install a solar panel system will be entirely dependent on your circumstances, including your household’s location, exposure to sunlight, how much energy you use and what rebates may be available to help lessen the initial financial investment.
That being said, Canberra is generally one of the cheaper cities in Australia for installing solar panel systems and the ACT also offers some incentives and rebates for those who opt for solar. Look into all of your options when it comes to systems and installers before undertaking any work to ensure that you end up with the best solar system and deal for your needs.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: Andy Dean Photography/Shutterstock.com
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