Solar panels are a great way to harness the power of the sun. They can be used to heat your home, generate electricity for your business, or even charge your electric car.
The average price of a 6kW solar system is $5,750. That is the final installed price after the solar rebate has been factored in and with everything connected and working.
The solar rebate is actually collected by the collar installer as they price your system with the rebate amount already baked in.
The cost to install a 6Kw system
State |
Gross Cost |
Net Cost After Rebates |
NSW, QLD, WA, SA, ACT |
$8,841 |
$5,684 |
VIC, TAS |
$8,559 |
$5,825 |
Average |
|
$5,756 |
Source: gosolarquotes.com.au
When you want to install a 6Kw system, you must consider the cost of the solar panels themselves, the inverter and installation costs. The average price for a high-quality solar panel is around $0.95 per watt. So, if you have a system with a total capacity of 6000 watts, it would cost $5,756 to purchase the panels.
However, these costs vary a little depending on the state that you live in and the amount of rebates you receive. For example, in Western Australia, the average price for a 6Kw solar system is $5,684. Whereas in Victoria, you can expect to use $5,825.
Government rebates
The solar rebates program is determined hugely by the STC (Small-Technology Certificates) rating of your area. The Australian government has divided the country into 4 STC zones, each with a different rating. Those ratings dictate how many STC’s you receive per KW of power being installed on your roof.
Here are the rebates on various solar system sizes by state.
|
3kW |
6kW |
8kW |
10kW |
NSW, QLD, WA, SA |
$1,578 |
$3,157 |
$4,235 |
$5,313 |
VIC, TAS |
$1,347 |
$2,734 |
$3,619 |
$4,543 |
|
|
|
|
|
In addition to rebates, several tax incentives, grants, and interest-free loans are available for those who install solar panels.
Factors that determine the final cost of a 6Kw solar system
Several issues come into play when determining the final cost of a solar system.
Quality of solar panels
There is no denying that some solar panels are of a higher quality than others. This is due to the technology used, the materials used, and the manufacturing process.
A more expensive panel does not always mean it will be a better product, but it is important to do your research before purchasing. Cheap can be very expensive in this case, so do your due diligence.
The inverter and installation costs
While you should always buy the highest quality solar panels you can afford, there are two areas where it is okay to go for a cheaper option: The inverter and installation.
Investing in lower-quality components like your inverter or your installer may mean saving money now but will cost more in the long run.
Location of your property
The location of your home or business will also play a role in how much it costs to install a solar system. If you live in an area with plenty of sunlight, you may get away with using cheaper panels. However, if you live in a shady spot, you will need to purchase panels with higher wattage.
Feed-in tariffs
Perhaps, one of the most significant factors is whether or not you will be able to sell surplus power back into your local grid and receive credit for it. This can save thousands each year and provide additional income should you choose to sell extra energy back.
Size and state of your roof
Another large factor that determines how much you will save with solar panels is the size of your property's roof. If you have a lot of space, it may be cheaper to install a more extensive system. However, if your roof is small or inaccessible, you may need to purchase more expensive micro inverters or use a ground-mounted system.
Age of your roof
The age of your roof is another factor to consider, as solar panels can last for upwards of 25 years. If your roof needs to be replaced soon, it may make more sense to wait and install the panels after it is done.
The efficiency of your home
The last thing that will affect how much you pay for a solar system is whether or not your home uses energy efficiently. If you invest in new appliances and make other changes to reduce power usage, it may be cheaper to upgrade specific components rather than install an entire system simply.
The installing company
The solar installers you choose will also play a significant role in how much you pay. Always compare quotes and ask for references before making any decisions: some bank on their experience to charge higher prices than their competitors.
With these factors in mind, you should be able to determine the final cost of your solar system and any available rebates or other incentives that will save you money.