Solar Savings Calculator

Estimate solar panel savings, payback period, and return on investment based on your state, system size, and tariffs.

Solar production varies significantly by state and location

kW

6.6kW is the most popular residential size in Australia

c/kWh

What you pay per kWh from the grid

c/kWh

What you receive for exporting solar to the grid

%

% of solar used at home (30% typical without battery, 60-80% with battery)

$

After STC rebate. 6.6kW systems typically $4,500-$7,000 installed.

How It Works

Estimates daily solar production based on system size, state irradiance data, and roof direction factor. Splits production into self-consumed (valued at usage tariff) and exported (valued at feed-in tariff). Calculates annual savings and divides system cost by annual savings for payback period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 6.6kW solar system cost in Australia?

After the STC rebate (federal Small-scale Technology Certificate), a quality 6.6kW system costs $4,500-$7,000 installed in 2024-25. Prices vary by brand, installer, and location. Budget systems can be cheaper but may use lower-quality components.

How much does solar save per year?

A 6.6kW system in Brisbane saves approximately $1,400-$1,800/year depending on self-consumption and tariffs. In Melbourne, savings are $1,100-$1,500/year due to less sunlight. Higher self-consumption (using solar during the day) maximises savings.

Is a solar battery worth it in Australia?

At current prices ($8,000-$15,000 for 10-13kWh), batteries have a payback of 10-15 years, which is close to their warranty period. Batteries make more financial sense if you have time-of-use tariffs, high evening usage, or want blackout protection.

What is the STC rebate?

The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme provides an upfront rebate on solar installations. For a 6.6kW system in Brisbane (2024), the rebate is approximately $2,500-$3,000. The rebate decreases each year until 2030 when the scheme ends.