Short answer: in 2026, a good-quality 6.6kW solar system costs around $5,000–$6,500 fully installed after the federal rebate, and a 10kW system runs roughly $8,000–$10,500.
But the headline number isn't the whole story. What you actually pay depends on the size you need, the quality of the panels and inverter, your roof, your state, and the shrinking federal rebate. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing and what drives it — so you can tell a fair quote from a bad one.
Solar System Cost by Size (2026)
System size is the single biggest factor in price. These are typical fully installed prices — panels, inverter, mounting, wiring and grid paperwork — after the federal STC rebate has been applied:
| System Size | Typical Price (after STC) | Roughly Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5kW | $3,500 – $5,000 | Smaller homes, low daytime use |
| 6.6kW | $5,000 – $6,500 | The most popular size — average 3–4 bed home |
| 10kW | $8,000 – $10,500 | Large homes, pool, ducted A/C or EV |
| 13kW | $9,000 – $13,000 | High usage, three-phase homes |
A useful benchmark: in 2026 the national average works out to about $0.88–$0.95 per watt installed (including GST and the STC discount). If a quote is far below that, be cautious about component quality; far above it, make sure you're getting genuinely premium gear for the premium.
Why is 6.6kW so common? Most single-phase homes run a 5kW inverter, and the rules let you pair it with up to 6.6kW of panels (the 133% oversizing rule). You capture more morning and afternoon sun without paying for a bigger inverter.
What You're Actually Paying For
Two 6.6kW systems can differ by thousands of dollars, and the difference is rarely the panels alone. The main price drivers:
- Panel and inverter tier. Budget, mid-range and premium components vary widely. A premium system can cost 20–30% more than a budget one of the same size.
- Roof complexity. Two storeys, tile vs tin, steep pitch, or multiple roof faces all add labour.
- Your state. Sunnier STC zones (parts of QLD and WA) earn more certificates, so rebates are larger and prices a little lower.
- Installer quality. An established, accredited installer with good warranties and after-sales support will usually cost a bit more — and is usually worth it over a 25-year asset.
If you're still working out what size suits your home, our guide on what size solar system you need walks through it.
The STC Rebate — How the Discount Works
The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is what makes solar affordable. Your system generates Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), and your installer takes them in exchange for a discount applied at the point of sale — you simply pay the reduced price, with nothing to claim separately.
In 2026 the rebate is worth roughly:
- $1,500–$2,000 off a typical 6.6kW system
- $2,000–$3,000 off a 10kW system
Two things to know about the direction of travel. On 1 January 2026 the STC "deeming period" dropped from six years to five, which trimmed about $500–$600 off the rebate for a 6.6kW system compared with the year before. And the scheme steps down further every year until it ends entirely at the close of 2030. To qualify, your system must be under 100kW, use Clean Energy Council–approved components, and be installed by an accredited professional.
State Rebates and the Battery Bonus
On top of the federal STC discount, some states add their own incentives. Victoria's Solar Homes program offers a rebate plus an interest-free loan that can bring a 6.6kW system down to roughly $2,800–$3,700. South Australia and Queensland have their own battery subsidies and low-interest loan schemes.
There's also the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which knocks roughly 30% off the cost of adding a battery — covered in detail in our solar battery cost guide. Pairing solar with a battery is more affordable in 2026 than it has ever been.
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Try the Free Calculator ☀️Should You Wait for Prices to Drop?
It's the most common question, and in 2026 the honest answer is no. Hardware prices have stopped falling and are edging up slightly on manufacturing costs, while the rebate shrinks a little every year. Waiting tends to mean paying more, not less — and every quarter you wait is a quarter of bill savings you don't get back. With electricity at 30–40c/kWh and rising, a well-sized system typically pays for itself in three to five years.
How to Get a Fair Price
- Get a few quotes, but compare on value, not just the lowest number — the cheapest quote often means the cheapest components.
- Check the installer is accredited and the panels and inverter are on the CEC approved list.
- Make sure the quote is for a fully installed price including all paperwork — not a "from" price.
- Size the system to your actual usage, not a salesperson's upsell. Bigger isn't always better, especially in export-limited areas.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, expect to pay around $5,000–$6,500 for a quality 6.6kW system and $8,000–$10,500 for 10kW, after the federal rebate. The right number for you comes down to how much power you use and when — which is exactly what your electricity bill reveals.
Rather than guess, upload your bill to SolarBill. It reads your actual usage and gives you a personalised system-size recommendation, cost estimate and savings figure in about a minute — free, with no account required.
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See the right system size, an estimated installed cost and your likely savings — based on your real bill. Free, 60 seconds.
Scan My Bill ☀️SolarBill is a free solar calculator for Australian homeowners. No account required. Prices and rebate figures are indicative for 2026 and vary by location, product and installer — always confirm current pricing with an accredited installer.