Australians search for the “best solar panel deals” when they want lower bills without the risk that comes from buying purely on price. In practice, the best deal is the system and electricity plan combination that delivers the lowest lifetime cost for your home or business: reliable panels and inverter, a competent installer, the right system size, and a solar-friendly tariff that suits how you use energy.
This guide explains how to compare solar quotes in Australia, what rebates can realistically reduce upfront cost, and how to avoid common traps like inflated “discounted” pricing, unrealistic payback claims, or warranties that look good on paper but are hard to claim.
What counts as a “good deal” on solar panels in Australia?
A good solar deal is not necessarily the cheapest quote. It is a quote that stacks up across five value drivers:
- Upfront price after incentives: the installed price minus any eligible Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) discount and state incentives.
- System performance: panel quality, inverter quality, correct design for your roof, and realistic generation estimates for your location.
- Installer quality: accredited installation, clean compliance paperwork, and a track record for after-sales support.
- Warranties that you can actually use: product warranty, performance warranty, inverter warranty, and workmanship warranty.
- Ongoing energy plan fit: usage rates, supply charge, and solar feed-in tariff (FiT) that suit your self-consumption and export profile.
Typical solar system price ranges in 2026 (what you should expect)
Solar pricing varies by state, roof type, switchboard work required, and equipment tier. As a rule of thumb, most quote variation comes down to equipment quality and installation complexity, not only system size.
When comparing quotes, ask for the full installed price with a clear equipment list (panel model, inverter model, optimiser or microinverter model if included) and any included electrical upgrades.
Why “too cheap” can become expensive
Very low prices can indicate shortcuts, including undersized cable runs, poor roof mounting hardware, rushed commissioning, or an installer that is unlikely to be around when you need warranty support. If the difference between quotes is large, ask what is not included and whether the design assumptions differ.
How solar rebates work in Australia (STCs explained simply)
Most Australian solar deals include an upfront discount from the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), delivered via STCs. In plain terms:
- Your system earns a number of certificates based on size and location.
- The installer typically applies the STC value as an upfront discount (this is why many quotes say “price after rebate”).
- The number of STCs reduces over time, so the rebate value generally trends down year to year.
Always confirm whether the advertised price is before or after STCs, and whether the retailer is assigning STCs on your behalf (common) or asking you to do it (less common, but it happens).
State incentives and battery programs
In addition to STCs, some states periodically offer rebates, loans, or virtual power plant incentives for batteries. These programs can change quickly and usually have eligibility criteria. If you are considering adding storage, compare the total economics rather than choosing equipment solely because a rebate exists.
If you are researching battery economics, see cost of solar batteries in Victoria.
How to compare solar quotes: a checklist you can use
When you have 2 to 4 quotes, use the checklist below to compare like-for-like.
1) System size and design assumptions
- Is the recommended system size based on your bill data and day-time usage, or is it generic?
- Does the design consider shading, roof orientation, and available roof area?
- Are the production estimates realistic for your postcode and roof pitch?
2) Panel and inverter model, not just brand
- Ask for the exact panel model and datasheet.
- Check inverter warranty length and whether monitoring is included.
- If microinverters or optimisers are included, confirm why they are needed and what extra value they deliver at your site.
3) Warranty coverage and who stands behind it
- Panel product warranty (manufacturing defects)
- Panel performance warranty (output over time)
- Inverter warranty (often shorter than panels)
- Workmanship warranty (installation quality, roof penetrations)
Also ask: if there is a warranty issue, who do you contact first, the installer or the manufacturer, and what is the expected response time?
4) What is included in the price
- Metering changes or solar metering setup costs (if applicable)
- Switchboard upgrades, isolators, and safety equipment
- Monitoring app and system commissioning
- Grid connection application support and compliance documentation
5) The payback claim and assumptions
Payback depends heavily on self-consumption (how much solar you use on-site) because grid electricity usually costs much more than the credit you receive for exports. If a quote promises a very fast payback, ask what it assumes for:
- your usage rates and daily supply charge
- your export volume and FiT
- future tariff increases
Solar plans and feed-in tariffs: the hidden part of the “deal”
Even with a great system, the wrong electricity plan can dilute your savings. Retailers can offer attractive FiTs but higher usage charges, or a high FiT that only applies to the first small block of exports each day.
What to look for in a solar-friendly electricity plan
- Feed-in tariff structure: flat rate vs. tiered export rates, and any daily export caps.
- Usage rates: peak/off-peak for time-of-use plans, and shoulder periods.
- Supply charge: a higher daily charge can offset FiT benefits.
- Solar export charges: in some networks, export pricing and constraints are becoming more common, especially in high solar penetration areas.
- Battery compatibility: if you plan to add a battery later, check the tariff options available.
State differences matter
Solar FiTs and tariff structures vary by state and distribution network. If you want state-specific guidance, start here:
For a broader plan comparison approach, see best energy provider for solar.
Are solar panel deals different for small business and commercial sites?
Yes. For businesses, the “best deal” often comes from matching solar generation to day-time load, managing demand charges (where applicable), and ensuring network tariff settings suit your operating profile.
Commercial solar considerations that affect ROI
- Day-time load profile: businesses with high day-time usage can achieve stronger returns because they self-consume more.
- Network tariff and demand charges: the structure of your tariff can materially change savings.
- Power quality and capacity constraints: some sites need switchboard upgrades or export limitation settings.
- Multi-site opportunities: procurement, metering strategy, and standardisation can reduce cost and admin.
Common traps in “best solar panel deals” advertising
- Prices that exclude necessary electrical work: the quote looks cheap, but upgrades are “discovered” later.
- High FiTs used to distract from high usage rates: always compare the full bill impact.
- Short inverter warranty: a cheaper inverter with a shorter warranty can be a false economy.
- Unrealistic generation modelling: aggressive assumptions inflate savings.
- Hard-to-claim warranties: unclear responsibility between installer and manufacturer.
How to get better value from your solar system after installation
Once your system is installed, the biggest wins usually come from operational changes rather than hardware changes.
Increase self-consumption
- Run dishwashers, washing machines, pumps, and HVAC during the day where possible.
- Use timers and smart plugs to shift flexible load into solar hours.
- Review whether a time-of-use plan suits your household or business.
Monitor performance
Check the monitoring app weekly for the first month, then at least monthly. A sudden drop can indicate inverter faults, shading changes, or connection issues that should be resolved early.
Frequently asked questions
What size solar system is best value for money?
The best value size is usually the one that matches your day-time usage without over-exporting, unless you have a battery or strong FiT. Many Australian homes choose systems around 6.6 kW, but the right size depends on your roof and load profile.
Do solar panel deals include the rebate automatically?
Most quotes include the STC discount as an upfront reduction. Confirm this in writing and ask how many STCs are being assigned and at what assumed value.
Is it better to chase the highest feed-in tariff?
Not always. A high FiT can be paired with higher usage rates or export caps. The best plan depends on your total bill outcome, including supply and usage charges.
Should I add a battery now or later?
It depends on your evening usage, tariff, and whether you face export limits or export charges. For many people, it can make sense to install solar first, then add a battery once you have real usage and export data.
Get help comparing solar value and solar-friendly electricity plans
Zembl helps Australian households and businesses compare energy plans, including solar-friendly options, based on how you actually use electricity. If you already have solar, we can assess whether your current plan is still competitive. If you are installing solar, we can help you line up a plan and tariff that supports your savings.
If you want an obligation-free comparison, start with a quick review and we will do the heavy lifting on rates, tariffs, and switching.
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