Solar installer drilling in PV panels on rooftop

Solar power Sydney: Solar panel installers and costs

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KEY POINTS

  • A solar installer analyses your household’s energy consumption.
  • It’s important to obtain multiple quotes before committing.
  • There are 10 solar installers recommended for Sydney customers.

Whether you’re a solar panel enthusiast or just starting out on your solar journey in Sydney, finding the right solar system supplier and installer can be a daunting task. Numerous companies claim to offer low prices and quality products, but how should you decide which service to employ?

To make your search easier we consulted SolarQuotes, an expert in solar installation, to identify the Sydney solar companies that have attracted the best customer reviews.

Solar panel installers in Sydney

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

How much do solar panels cost in Sydney?

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

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3kW 4kW 5kW 6kW 7kW 10kW
Sydney, NSW $3,770 $4,100 $4,660 $5,080 $5,930 $7,620
Australia’s average $4,030 $4,650 $5,160 $5,860 $6,680 $9,040

Source: Solar Choice website

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

Sydney solar panel installation rebates and incentives

NSW offers some rebates and incentives to households that contribute to renewable energy generation, in addition to competitive feed-in tariffs (FiTs).

Small-scale Technology Certificates in NSW

STCs are part of the federal scheme which rewards customers with a form of 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 Sydney should generate 54 certificates, resulting in a reduction of $1,944, according to Solar Choice.

Battery installation incentives

The NSW Government has introduced an incentive to customers installing a new solar battery from an accredited supplier. They can claim a discount based on the usable capacity of their battery. Discounts range between $700 and $1,150 for a 6.5 kWh battery, and $1,600 and $2,400 for a 13.5 kWh battery. More information is available from solar installers in your area.

Virtual Power Plant incentives

The NSW Government is offering eligible customers with solar batteries a rebate when joining a VPP with an Accredited Certificate Supplier. Rebates are available from $120 to $190 for a 6.5 kWh battery, and $250 to $400 for a 13.5 kWh battery, and can be claimed twice – three years must pass between claims. Accredited suppliers include Creditex, EC Focus, Ecovantage and Electric Future Sustainability Services.

Smart Distributed Batteries Project

Eligible customers in selected council areas can claim a $4,950 discount on a Tesla Powerwall 2 when joining a VPP. Participating councils include Shoalhaven City, Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire, Queanbeyan-Palerange, Yass Valley, Snowy Monaro and Goulburn Mulwaree. More information is available from battery installers in these areas.

What should I look for in a solar installer?

A solar installer’s role is to consider your unique situation, including your household’s energy needs, usage patterns, location, and budget, to recommend a solar system that suits you. Since not all installers offer the same options or prices, it’s crucial to obtain multiple quotes before making a decision. Personal recommendations and online reviews are valuable resources for finding a reliable solar installer. You can explore detailed reviews and additional information about the listed installers by following the links below.

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1KOMMA5

1KOMMA5 specialises in customised energy systems: EV chargers, battery storage units, solar systems and heat pumps. The company, headquartered in Germany, aims to advance carbon-neutral lifestyles globally. Its services range from general consultations to installation and continued maintenance. 1KOMMA5 also offers its clients assistance with processing government rebates.

All Green Environmental Solutions

Australian-owned solar energy installer, All Green Environmental Solutions, has been in business since 2009. With multiple locations across New South Wales, it features a quality service team, obligation-free quoting, after-sale care and no sub-contracted employees. All Green Environmental Solutions conducts residential and commercial installation of solar panels, EV chargers, batteries, heat pumps and more. All Green Environmental Solutions also offers a 10-year guarantee and warranty.

Soltek Energy

Soltek Energy is a provider of energy solutions across the Sydney region, focusing on reducing the environmental impacts of its customers. Soltek Energy performs commercial and residential installations, featuring a specialist team of renewable electrical engineers. It offers solar battery, EV charging and hot water solutions, as well as advice on government rebates and incentives.

Smart Energy Answers

Solar solutions provider, Smart Energy Answers, has been in business for over 10 years. Smart Energy Answers offers end-to-end service: Installation of solar, batteries, EV charging, pool heating and heat pumps, as well as continued care and servicing. It conducts both residential and commercial installations, with tailored assessments to suit customer energy needs.

Penrith Solar Centre

Penrith Solar Centre offers installation and servicing of solar power, battery storage and EV charging. Penrith Solar Centre assesses its products on performance, warranty periods, local presence, price, aesthetics, vendor location and ease of installation. Penrith Solar Centre also offers a solar showroom, where potential clients may view its ethically sourced products.

RK Solar and Consulting Services

RK Solar and Consulting Services is a family operated solar installation company. It offers free on-site measuring and quoting, a five-year workmanship warranty on all jobs and operates in residential and commercial environments. RK Solar Consulting and Services installs and maintains solar panels, solar batteries and solar inverters.

AG Solar

AG Solar was started by a pair of local electricians with a passion for renewable energy. The service aims to design solar systems that suit clients’ specific usage requirements and budgets. Working in the residential and commercial industry, AG Solar can install solar panels and inverters, EV charging and battery storage systems.

Beyond Solar

Beyond Solar, a subsidiary of Beyond Electrical Australia, was established in 2010. It focuses on solar installation for homes, businesses and farms. Beyond Solar ensures a high-quality installation experience with ongoing support, a 10-year workmanship warranty and no hidden costs or extras – the quoted price is the final price. Beyond Solar specialises in installing solar panels, inverters and batteries.

Adapt Energy

Adapt Energy is a commercial and residential solar installer, founded in 2015. It selects its solar products based on longevity, performance, ethical practices and sustainability results. Adapt Energy specialises in installing integrated solar systems, offering its services for solar panels, batteries and EV charging. Its customer-centric approach ensures that each step of the solar process is covered: sourcing, installation and ongoing management.

NRG Solar – National Renewable Group

National Renewable Group was established in 2014, and now operates across Adelaide and Sydney. This family-owned and operated business supplies and installs rooftop solar systems, solar carports, EV chargers and heat pumps. National Renewable Group offers ongoing repairs and maintenance to further support its clients. It also offers fixed-price quoting, permitted via its on-site evaluation process.

Sydney solar feed-in tariff

Feed-in tariffs for Sydney 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 Sydney?

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 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.

How much energy do solar panels produce in Sydney?

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

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System size Solar output
3kW 12.0 kWh
4kW 16.0 kWh
5kW 20.0 kWh
6.6kW 26.4 kWh
10kW 40.0kWh

Source: Solar Calculator website

According to Solar Calculator, a 5kW solar system in Sydney generates an average of 20kWh every day. The average NSW home uses 16.51kWh daily, though every household’s electricity use varies.

Can I install solar panels on my house in Sydney?

In NSW, you generally only require council approval to install solar units that are over 10kW or your property is a heritage-listed site. If you live in a rental or apartment building it is probably still good idea to check with your body corporate or landlord too before installing solar.

How many houses have solar in Sydney?

According to Solar Calculator, 1,048,153 NSW homes have installed solar systems, which is 31.15% of all NSW homes.

What direction should solar panels face in Sydney?

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 NSW is 34 degrees, according to Solar Calculator, as this is equal to the NSW capital. This is something you can discuss with your solar installer when the time comes.

Are solar panels worth it in Sydney?

Solar Choice suggest that solar panels are worth it in Sydney, as the average home in Australia can save between $1,200-$2,000 annually with a payback estimate of 4-7 years. Every household will have different contributing factors to the solar savings and payback estimate, so do your 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 Jared Mullane
Image Source:
anatoliy_gleb/Shutterstock.com

Kate Lockyer
Kate Lockyer is a content producer for Canstar Blue’s Consumer team. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Queensland and worked on content for a variety of organisations, including 4ZZZ and family social services. You can follow Kate on LinkedIn.

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