Indicative price ranges
Indicative ranges only. These figures are broad planning ranges, not quotes. Prices vary by location, installer, products and site conditions. Always compare itemised quotes.
| System size | Indicative installed price after STC discount |
|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | about $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 10 kW | about $7,000 – $12,000 |
| 13 kW | about $9,000 – $15,000 |
Quotes far below the bottom of a range deserve extra scrutiny: check the panel and inverter models, the installer's accreditation and what's excluded.
What drives the price
- Components — premium panels and inverters cost more but often carry longer warranties.
- Roof complexity — tile, steep pitch, height and multiple roof faces add labour.
- Electrical work — switchboard upgrades or three-phase connections.
- STCs — the discount depends on system size, your location zone and the year installed.
How the STC discount works
Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, an eligible system creates small-scale technology certificates (STCs) based on how much renewable electricity it's expected to generate between installation and the end of the scheme in 2030. Because that period gets shorter every year, the number of certificates — and the discount — reduces each year.
Most installers claim the certificates on your behalf and take their value off your price. Your quote should show the number of STCs and the dollar amount.
Working out payback
Payback depends on how much solar you use yourself (worth your import rate) versus export (worth your feed-in tariff, which is usually much lower). Using more power during the day — running appliances, hot water or EV charging on timers — usually shortens payback.
Quote checklist
- The installer's licence and any required accreditation, with numbers you can check.
- An itemised quote: exact brands and model numbers, quantities and what's included.
- Any rebate or certificate discount shown as a separate line, with who claims it.
- Product warranty, performance warranty (if relevant) and the installer's workmanship warranty — in writing.
- Who handles network/connection approvals and compliance certificates.
- Deposit amount, payment schedule and what happens if the job is delayed.