Solar quotes Adelaide

How much do solar panels cost to install in Adelaide

Installing a rooftop solar system can be costly, but it's a solid way to save on power bills in the long run and support clean energy.

Solar panels come in a range of sizes with differing costs. Along with solar panels, the cost of an inverter and installation fees will also be included in the final quote.

Depending on your budget and solar power consumption, you can also consider installing a home battery.

According to Solar Choice, 6kW is the most common solar system size due to network restrictions and a typical electricity bill.

Adelaide residents can expect to pay between $3,790 to $7,500 for a 6kW system depending on the installer they choose.

How to get a solar panel quote in Adelaide?

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

• Understand your average daily electricity consumption and how it varies across seasons to choose a system of the right size.
• Be aware of 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, a list of components and a performance estimate.

You can get a free quote from Solar Choice within minutes. Just click on the green button to get started.

Get a solar quote

What return can you get from solar panels in Adelaide?

The returns from solar panels in Adelaide depend on several 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

(*We used an electricity rate of 45 cents per kWh, a feed-in tariff rate of 10 cents per kWh and an average daily electricity charge of 11 cents per kWh to calculate the payback period).

You can head to our solar power payback guide for a more precise calculation as estimates can vary based on your household's energy needs and consumption.

For instance, if you consume more energy than your solar system is capable of producing, you will be required to pay for the additional electricity sourced from the grid.

So, the returns won't be as good as when the output and your consumption match. It is also best if you can use most of the energy produced by the system to maximise the benefits of having solar.

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 an approved solar retailer.

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.

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

The solar system should ideally meet most of your daily energy usage.

You can go for a bigger solar system than required if you have the budget.

This would mean that 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 Adelaide

There are a couple of incentives available in Adelaide to help you with your solar journey.

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). Y

ou can assign the STCs to an installer to receive a discount or delayed cash payment in exchange. The scheme ends in 2030.

Sustainability Incentives Scheme

The scheme introduced by the City of Adelaide provides financial incentives or rebates to households and landlords of up to:

• $5,000 for solar PV systems (concession/senior card holders and tenanted households)
• $5,000 for energy storage systems
• $1,000 for solar hot water systems
• $5,000 for other sustainable technology installations

Check the eligibility criteria for each of the rebates before applying.

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 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.

• 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 Adelaide?

  In most cases you don't but it's always best to double check with your council either way.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Editor I Tech and utilities expert

Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with 12+ years of experience as a journalist. She's committed to helping households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine. See full bio

Mariam's expertise

Mariam has written 304 Finder guides across topics including:

• Energy
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Co-written by

Saakshi Gupta

Writer

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