Solar quotes Canberra

Installing a rooftop solar system is a major long-term investment, but its cost is gradually decreasing as the energy prices increase. You can save on energy bills and support clean, renewable energy by going solar.

How much do solar panels cost to install in Canberra

The cost of the solar panels will depend on the size you opt for. Along with solar panels, the cost of an inverter and installation fees will also be included in the final quote. Once you've accepted one, here's what to expect during solar panel installation. A home battery is an optional addition that you can consider installing depending on your budget.

According to Solar Choice, solar panels of sizes ranging from 3kW to 10kW can set you back $4,850 to $8,520 on average in Canberra. Premium solar panel systems with better quality and service will cost you more.

The brand and quality of hardware, the installer's rates, and the rebates will influence the price you pay for a solar system.

You can get a free quote from Solar Choice.

How to get a solar panel quote in Canberra?

A few things to know before contacting a solar panel retailer for a quote.

• Understand your average daily electricity usage across seasons to choose a system of the right size.
• Know the condition of your roof. The age of your property, amount of available roof space, the orientation and the materials your roof is made of will determine whether you can benefit from a solar system and what kind will be the most suitable.
• Decide on how you're going to finance the installation. It can be a complete payment upfront or be done in installations.
• Have dates and a timeframe in mind for the installation.
• Confirm that your preferred system can be connected to the grid.

You should ideally request quotes from at least 3 retailers so that you can compare the prices, system sizes and customer reviews. A quote should have a breakdown of all the costs, along with any rebates or discounts. It should also include details of a system designed to fit the site, list of components and performance estimate.

You can get a free quote from Solar Choice.

Get a solar quote

What feed in tariff will I get from my solar in Canberra?

You can earn a solar feed-in tariff for excess energy produced by your system that is fed back into the grid. Some providers offer a consistent feed-in tariff across plans, while others vary the rates, with dedicated solar plans usually having higher rates.

What return can you get from solar panels in Canberra?

The returns from solar panels in Canberra depend on a number of factors such as:

• The cost of your solar system and its energy output
• Your total energy consumption
• Solar feed-in tariffs
• Energy usage patterns
• Amount of solar power and normal power used
• Your location

For instance, if you consume more energy than your solar system is capable of producing, the returns won't be as good as when the output and your consumption match. It is also best if you are able to use most of the energy produced by the system for maximised benefits. So, choosing an appropriately sized system for your consumption habits is important.

According to the Australian Energy Council's latest Solar Report, the payback period is around 9 years. You can save up to or more than $1,705 per year on your energy bill, as per Solar Choice.

Do I need to use a reputable installer for my solar panels?

A solar system is a significant investment so it is recommended that you go for a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer that only employs installers accredited by the Clean Energy Council. This ensures that the work done in your home will meet the best industry standards, and the solar system installed will be safe and reliable.

You should pay attention to the quote documentation (and whether it has all the required details), warranty terms, and the installer's accreditation ID. The installer is required to either install the system themselves or be present at the site at least thrice during the installation process.

Most installers have a premium offer that is more expensive than average prices. It typically comes with longer warranty periods and higher quality products. You can consider it if it fits your budget.

Opt for a retailer with a good mobile app

A mobile app can make monitoring your solar energy usage simpler and easier.

How big of a solar system should I put on my roof?

If the space on your roof permits, the solar system should meet most of your daily energy usage.

You can go for a bigger solar system than required if you have the budget, where any excess energy produced will be fed back into the grid and you will earn a solar feed-in tariff. A bigger solar system can also shorten the payback time and address any increase in energy usage in the future.

What solar rebates are available in Canberra

Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme

The scheme, under the Renewable Energy Target, creates a financial incentive for you to install solar panel systems (or other eligible renewable energy systems) through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). You can assign the STCs to an installer to receive a discount or delayed cash payment in exchange. The scheme ends in 2030.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Under the scheme, eligible ACT residents can get a zero-interest loan from $2,000 to $15,000 to help with the cost of energy efficient products such as rooftop solar panels, battery storage systems, and more. The loan can be repaid over a period of 10 years. Depending on the credit check, you may be able to borrow more than $15,000 but interest may be charged on this additional amount.

Home Energy Support Program

Eligible Australian Pensioner Concession and Veterans' Affairs Gold Card can get a rebate of 50% of the total rooftop solar installation cost, up to $2,500. One rebate of 50% of the total installation cost of reverse cycle heating and cooling, hot water heat pumps and electric stove tops is also available.

Next Gen Energy Storage Program

You can get a rebate of 50% of the battery price or $3,500, whichever is lowest, if you get a battery installed by a Next Gen retailer. The rebate amount will automatically be included in your quote by the retailer.

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Our energy guides can help you compare and understand what plan is best for you.

Best energy plans: 5 plans selected by our experts, assessed and updated regularly

Cheap energy plans: Find the cheapest energy plans available this month

Solar power plans: Got rooftop solar? Compare your options and save even more

Average energy bill: Find out how your energy bill compares to the rest of Australia

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to buy the solar panels myself?

  You only need to request quotes from retailers for the solar installation. Once you choose a retailer, the assigned installer will bring the components, including the solar panels, with them.

• Can I install solar panels myself?

  You should hire Clean Energy Council certified solar retailers and installers to install the solar panels. Doing it yourself could result in you losing out on rebates and warranties.

• Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels?

  On the contrary, Domain Sustainability in Property Report 2022 found that houses with energy-efficient have greater buyer interest as solar was seen as a bonus.

• How long do solar panels last in Australia?

  Good quality, well-maintained solar panels can last for about 25-30 years.

• What direction should my solar panels be installed in?

  North is the best direction for solar panels to generate the most power.

• Can I install solar panels if I am renting?

  You will need to ask the landlord and get their go-ahead if you're interested in installing solar panels while renting.

• Should I get a solar battery now or should I wait?

  A solar battery can be a great addition to your solar system as it saves excess solar power for later use and works as a backup in the event of a blackout. However, a battery is expensive and since it stores excess solar energy, you will also lose out on solar feed-in tariff. So, purchasing a battery only makes sense if you have the budget for it.

• Will solar panels still work if my roof is shaded?

  The solar output will be hindered if the solar panels are partially shaded, but microinverters or power optimisers might make it work. However, installing solar panels on completely shaded roofs might not be worth the cost.

• Do I need council approval to install solar panels in Canberra?

  You typically do not need council approval to install solar panels in your household.

• Which energy provider has the best feed-in tariff in Canberra?

  The dedicated solar plans offered by both Origin and EnergyAustralia have the highest feed-in tariff of 10c/kWh.

Written by

Saakshi Gupta

Writer

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Saakshi Gupta is a writer for Finder. She has written for startups and other organisations. Her work has been published on Time Out Melbourne. Saakshi has a Master’s Degree in Media Communication from the University of Melbourne. See full bio