We encourage you to do your research on solar products and installers before buying a system for your property. When looking around online, you will notice that the amount you pay will determine what you will get. In the past, we have urged readers to assess the quality of products and installers before making any commitment. However, even among quality solar products, you will notice the amount you spend correlates to the size of the system you purchase and the power it generates.
It is also imperative to note that some manufacturers build cheap systems that they can sell for cheaper prices in order to be competitive. If you want a system that lasts and is made from quality components, you can expect to spend more. This might affect the minimum and maximum price listings you will see for a particular system size.
Below is a summary of the system size and panel number you can get at each price bracket. However, we encourage you to do your own research, too. Prices depend on your location and installer. There are vast price differences across states and territories. The following information is an approximation generated from data across the nation. Consider also, your definition of the ‘cost’ of a solar system may vary, depending on your approach to warranties and rebates.
For many – but not all – installers, a 3kW System is the lowest product on offer. A 3kW system will ordinarily come with 9-12 panels, the most common offer being 10 x 310W panels. The price range for this system usually lies between $3500 and $5600. Again, location matters. One Perth listing totalled $2630, with a listing in Darwin totalling at $7360. The national average may lie close to $4170.
A system at this size generally comes with 14-20 panels, most commonly listed as 17 x 300W panels. The price range for a system of this size normally lies between $4500 and $9000. Again, a Western Australian outlet may offer $3320 when a Northern Territory installer may advertise $9610, with a national average coming close to $5340.
This system will typically come with 23 to 24 x 300W panels. The lowest offering may be only $5420, with the highest price sitting at $11240. However, we see the general range lying between $6500 and $10000, with the national average coming to $7350.
A system this size is usually the largest product to be listed as on offer for residents. The lowest price may come to $8550 (in Sydney), with the highest listing coming to $12050. However, the price range typically falls between $8000 and $15000, with $9990 being the national average.
In addition, we spoke to a number of trusted solar dealers for statements on the cost of a residential solar system.
We asked Jarrod Taverna from Generate Energy, one of the leading solar dealers in South Australia for his comments on what impacts price, and he advised that customers tend to think short term rather than long term. “Customers who purchase a cheaper system usually find it costs them more in the long run”. Jarrod has seen too many times a cheap system failing due to balance of system components, that could have been avoided by purchasing a good quality system using a reputable installer. Jarrod advises that “if you intend to stay in your home for at least another 5 years then choose quality solar”.
For more information, read our Beginner Guide to Solar ebook.
References:
Infinite Energy: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost
Solar Choice: Solar panels costs based on live database
Solar Quotes: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
Solar Energy: How Much Do Solar Systems Really Cost?