Solar System Pricing
Whether you were inspired by David Attenborough’s call to decarbonize on Netflix or your friend won’t stop talking about how much they’ve saved with their affordable solar panels, it’s essential to understand the cost of solar panels and when it’s suitable to opt for budget-friendly options
How much are solar panels?
How much are solar panels? It depends what you go for.
Here are some rough estimates:
Budget Combo | Mid-Range Combo | Top-End Combo | |
| Price per watt | $0.66 | $0.85 | $1.20 |
| Price for a 6.6kW solar system* | $4,396 | $5,661 | $7,992 |
| Example Components | JinkoSolar panels Growatt inverter | Canadian Solar panels Sungrow inverter | SunPower Maxeon panels Fronius inverter |
It’s hard to say exactly what solar panels cost. Here are some of the factors which will impact the cost of a solar system:
- System size
- Complexity of install (Got a complicated roof? Complicated installs take longer so will cost you a bit more)
- Brand – both the panels and the inverter brands you choose and their warranties
- Retailer or Installer you choose and their own warranty and customer support quality
- Supply chain pressures and the value of the Aussie Dollar
- Your State Governement’s solar incentives and rebates
The only way to obtain a precise understanding of the cost of solar panels is to request three tailored quotes from suppliers for your specific home. Alternatively, you can continue reading to expand your knowledge.
We regularly receive questions from our readers, and some of the most common ones revolve around the cost of solar panels, including:
- How much do solar panels cost?
- Is it advisable to purchase inexpensive solar panels?
- What should I be cautious about when opting for budget-friendly solar panels?
In this section, we address these inquiries and more.
First and foremost, there’s nothing inherently wrong with choosing affordable solar panels. However, before making a financial commitment, there are several considerations to keep in mind if you’re interested in a cost-effective system with budget-friendly solar panels.
Let’s begin by examining the factors that contribute to the affordability of cheap solar panels and the higher price tags of more expensive alternatives.
Or, if you prefer to have a professional provide you with a precise estimate for the cost of solar panels for your specific home, complete this form, and we’ll connect you with three local solar suppliers who are ready to provide you with their quotes for comparison.
The Four Crucial Elements Influencing Solar Panel Prices
1. The size of the solar system impacts the cost of solar panels.
It may seem straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure that your solar system matches your needs precisely. While your roof may accommodate a 10kW solar panel setup, opting for a smaller and more economical 6.6kW system might be the ideal choice for your requirements.
If you’re in the process of determining the cost of solar panels associated with the right system size for your home, we suggest utilizing our complimentary Solar Panel Calculator.
2. Panel Brand affect what solar panels cost
Consider this analogy: A Ferrari comes with a significantly higher price tag than a Hyundai, but both vehicles serve the purpose of getting you from point A to point B. Much like in any industry, the brand and the quality associated with that brand play a crucial role in determining the price of solar panels.
Less expensive solar panels may not have the same capacity to capture sunlight or withstand shading as effectively as more advanced alternatives. However, opting for a lower-cost, less efficient panel can still provide a strong return on investment. The key is to avoid purchasing cheap solar panels that are subpar in quality and prone to premature failure and damage, as such a choice may ultimately lead to higher costs.
If you do decide on budget-friendly solar panels, it’s advisable to:
- Read online reviews
- Ensure the brand has a local presence in Australia to assist with any issues or breakdowns
- Examine the product and performance warranties
Keep in mind that reputable brands with established track records, exceptional post-sale customer service, and robust warranties are likely to come with a higher price tag. If you opt for a more economical option, be prepared to potentially compromise on at least one of these advantages.
Here’s an illustration featuring three brands that cater to different price points
What We Love | What We Don’t Like | |
Top-End |
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Mid-Range |
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Budget-Friendly |
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3. Warranty Impact on Solar Panel Pricing
Regrettably, not all warranties hold significant value, so exercising caution is essential.
In the context of solar panels that are exposed to Australia’s challenging environmental conditions, the length and, more importantly, the robustness of the warranty play a pivotal role. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand not only extends the warranty but also ensures that the necessary local support exists in Australia to honor the warranty if required.
4. Inverter Selection’s Influence on Solar Panel Cost
While solar panels may take the spotlight, it’s the solar inverter that shoulders much of the operational responsibility. It converts the DC energy generated by your panels into usable AC electricity that powers your appliances, such as the air conditioner and washing machine.
Choose your inverter thoughtfully, as it represents the most costly component of your system. Inverters also come with shorter warranties compared to panels due to their shorter lifespan. Be prepared to replace the inverter before the need arises to replace the panels.
5. Impact of Subsidies on Solar Panel Pricing
The Australian Federal Government and certain state governments extend solar subsidies, which influence the cost of solar panels from one state to another. Explore the available incentives in your respective state below:
- NSW
- VIC
- WA
- TAS
- NT
- QLD
If you still have unanswered questions, refer to our frequently asked questions (FAQs), which are formulated based on the inquiries our customers have posed regarding the pricing of solar panels.
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November 4, 2023We were happy with the quality of the three quotes we received
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November 4, 2023If you are looking to Install Solar Power at your home,a good way to start is by visiting The Solar Market Web Page. All is explained here and good service... read more
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