Solar power Brisbane: Solar panel installers and costs

Fact Checked

Whether you’re a solar panel expert or just starting on your solar power journey in Brisbane, picking the right solar system supplier and solar installer for your own installation can be tricky, especially when many claim to offer the lowest prices and the highest-quality products.

To help narrow down your search we consulted SolarQuotes, the expert in solar installation, to find out which Brisbane solar companies received rave customer reviews.

Solar panel installers in Brisbane

The installers listed below are on SolarQuotes’ panel of approved installers and are the highest-rated installers in the Brisbane area according to customer reviews provided to SolarQuotes.

• MC Electrical
• SAE Group
• Solargain
• Expert Electrical
• Halcol Energy
• Adapt Energy
• Green Solar
• SolarEZE
• Essential Energy Solutions
• EISS
• Evergreen Electrical

How much do solar panels cost in Brisbane?

The following table shows the average solar panel cost by size of installed solar panels, from 3kW to 10kW.

← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →

Source: Solar Choice website

According to Solar Choice, the cost of solar panels in Brisbane, QLD comes in as cheaper than the national average.

Brisbane solar panel installation rebates and incentives

There are two primary solar incentives available: feed-in tariffs (FiTs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These schemes help reduce the cost of solar and make it easier to get a return on your investment.

Small-scale Technology Certificates in QLD

STCs are part of the federal scheme which rewards customers with a form of current solar rebate. If you install solar panels or a solar hot water system, you will receive a number of certificates that can be sold on an open market or given to your solar installer for a hefty discount on your system.

As an example, a 6.6kW solar system in Brisbane should generate 54 certificates, resulting in a reduction of $1,944, according to Solar Choice.

QLD Government solar FiTs

When solar panels produce electricity and no one uses it, this power is transferred to the shared energy grid. For every kWh of electricity that your solar panels export, your energy distributor will rebate a few cents off of your electricity bill.

The minimum flat-rate FiT in regional Queensland is 12.377c/kWh, while South East Queenslanders (on the Energex network in the Brisbane area) receive a voluntary FiT that’s usually around 4-6c/kWh. Some retailers may offer higher or lower FiTs, however.

What should I look for in a solar installer?

It’s a solar installer’s job to take into consideration your individual circumstances – your household’s energy needs and usage habits, your location and your budget, among other factors – and recommend a solar system that works for you. Not all solar installers will provide you with the same options or at the same cost. It’s important to get more than one quote before deciding on an installer. Word-of-mouth recommendations are a good way to find a good solar installer, as are online reviews. You can read in-depth reviews and find more information on the installers listed below by clicking on the links.

Advertisement

Compare Solar Installer Quotes

Over the last 15 years, SolarQuotes® has steadily built a network of heavily vetted solar installers. Get up to 3 free, no-obligation quotes for solar, batteries, and EV chargers.

Get Quotes Now

MC Electrical

MC Electrical has been in business since 2009 and is owned by Mark Cavanaugh, an electrical contractor who’s passionate about solar design. The company says that it never subcontracts, ensuring quality control on installations. MC Electrical is focused on tailored solar design using its knowledge of the latest solar products and performance enhancements. It also stands out for its post-sale customer service and offers solar financing such as green loans.

SAE Group

SAE Group is committed to providing exceptional solar installation services and long-term support, from initial inquiry through to installation and servicing. It ensures quality installations backed by a 12-year workmanship warranty. SAE Group offers comprehensive onsite assessments to cover all aspects of solar proposals, including any necessary electrical work. SAE Group has been in the solar installation business since 2010, with offices in Brisbane, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast.

Solargain

Solargain, founded in 1995, is a solar power and hot water company with over 190 employees. This 100% Australian-owned business operates across 22 locations nationwide. Solargain also has Australia’s largest dedicated solar service team, aiming for consistent, high-quality service. Solargain works with both large commercial partners and smaller clients.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical is a solar installation company that specialises in off-grid solar, EV charging and on-grid batteries. In business since 2005, Expert Electrical also offers air-conditioning and general electrical services. The business focuses on high-quality installations using trusted brands and offering strong customer service.

Halcol Energy

Halcol Energy has been in the solar sector for more than 14 years, working on large commercial and local council solar projects as well as for thousands of residential solar system buyers. Halcol describes itself as being focused on quality products, proven performance and safe warranties – including a 25-year warranty on some panels – along with the offer of comprehensive support before, during and after its installations. The company donates solar systems to local charities and offers ZipPay as one of its financing solutions.

Adapt Energy Pty Ltd

Adapt Energy, founded in 2015, is a provider of residential and commercial solar, battery and EV charging solutions. It offers ethical sourcing, high-quality standards and cutting-edge technology to provide clients with reliable high-performance energy systems. Adapt Energy conducts small-scale installations and large projects, with services that meet a diverse range of energy needs.

Green Solar

Green Solar has operated since 2012, offering reliable solar product installation and supply. After installation, Green Solar ensures ongoing support to all customers, providing advice on retailers and general solar usage. Green Solar’s consultants offer quotations face-to-face and via phone, email or video call.

SolarEZE

Established in 2014, SolarEZE offers personalised solar power and solar panel services. It operates across Queensland and Northern New South Wales. SolarEZE aims to provide customers with key solar industry knowledge, allowing them to make informed installation decisions. SolarEZE also ensures ongoing service post installation.

Essential Energy Solutions

Essential Energy Solutions has operated across the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions since 2007. It focuses on installing PV solar and LED lighting, offering a 10-year workmanship warranty on all jobs. Essential Energy Solutions ensures that all solar and general electrical work is conducted by its in-house teams, allowing for high-quality work and direct communication.

EISS

EISS is an electrical company that specialises in solar installation and maintenance. Its team of qualified electricians offer professional advice on solar solutions and cutting-edge products to increase energy efficiency in the home. EISS offers its services across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.

Evergreen Electrical

Evergreen Electrical, established over 12 years ago, specialises in solar panel installation and renewable energy solutions. It offers free solar quotations and information on rebates and discounts. It installs solar panels, batteries and EV chargers in commercial and residential environments. Evergreen Electrical also offers a solar calculator tool to help determine how much money you could save with your own solar system.

Brisbane solar feed-in tariff

Households in SEQ on the Energex network are able to choose their energy provider. FiTs for SEQ customers vary from 1c/kWh to 12c/kWh, so it’s worth comparing multiple plans. When comparing electricity products, remember that some solar deals can have higher rates and smaller discounts than standard (non-solar) offers. That means a solar plan with a high FiT won’t necessarily be the cheapest option. Some FiTs may only be available to customers who meet specific criteria, like purchasing a solar system through their provider.

Which provider has the best feed-in tariff in Brisbane?

Most energy plans with a solar FiT are variable plans, which means that providers can change FiTs regularly. Canstar Blue has made it conveniently simple to compare FiTs and find the highest one with the following table:

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.

How much energy do solar panels produce in Brisbane?

The following table shows the average solar panel output in across various panel sizes in Brisbane.

← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →

Source: Solar Calculator website

According to Solar Calculator, a 5kW solar system in Brisbane generates an average of 21kWh every day. The average QLD home uses 18kWh daily, though every household’s electricity use varies.

Can I install solar panels on my house in Brisbane?

In QLD, you generally only require council approval to install solar units that are over 5kW. If you live in a rental or apartment building it is necessary to request permission your body corporate or landlord before installing solar.

How many houses have solar in Brisbane?

According to Solar Calculator, 1,086,504 QLD homes have installed solar systems, which is 49.49% of all QLD homes. The total percentage of solar panels per household in QLD closely follows South Australia’s highest total of 52.05%.

What direction should solar panels face in Brisbane?

Solar panels should be installed at an angle that is similar to their latitude, to capture the most light as the sun moves. The angle at which you can install your solar panels will depend on your roof slant. The best direction for solar panels in Brisbane is 27 degrees, according to Solar Calculator. This is something you can discuss with your solar installer when the time comes.

Are solar panels worth it in Brisbane?

Solar Choice suggest that solar panels are worth it in Brisbane, as the average home in Brisbane can save up to $3,000 annually with a payback estimate of 3-5 years. Every household will have different contributing factors to the solar savings and payback estimate, so do you research before committing to anything.

You can begin by clicking the Canstar Blue link below and comparing solar energy providers and their prices.

Compare Solar Energy Providers

Original reporting by Monika Gudova
Image Source: zstock/Shutterstock.com