Is Solar Worth It in Australia?
The honest answer for 2025, broken down by state.
Short answer: Yes, for most households.
Most Australian homes will save $15,000-30,000 over 25 years with solar. You'll typically earn back your investment in 4-7 years, then enjoy decades of reduced power bills.
See What You'd Save →What actually affects your savings?
How sunny is your area?
Queensland and WA get about 30% more sunshine than Tasmania. More sun = more free power from your panels.
How expensive is your electricity?
South Australians pay nearly 40c per unit of power. Queenslanders pay about 25c. Higher prices = solar saves you more.
When do you use power?
If someone's home during the day, you'll use the solar power directly (best value). If everyone's out, more gets sold back to the grid (less value).
Do you need a battery?
Batteries store daytime solar for evening use. Worth it if you're charged more for power at peak times (usually 4-9pm). Otherwise, often not necessary.
Victoria
Including Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo
Victoria doesn't get as much sun as Queensland, but your electricity costs are among Australia's highest. Every bit of solar power you generate saves you more money here than in most other states.
Should I get a battery in Victoria?
Yes, if you're on a time-of-use plan where peak power (4-9pm) costs 45-55c per unit. The battery stores your free solar power and uses it during expensive peak hours. If you're on a flat rate, batteries are less compelling.
Regional differences in Victoria
Mildura and northwest Victoria get 20% more sun than Melbourne. Bendigo and Ballarat are slightly better than Melbourne. Gippsland is similar to Melbourne. All areas still see strong returns.
New South Wales
Including Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast
NSW hits the sweet spot — good sunshine and high electricity prices. Sydney gets 15% more sun than Melbourne, and western NSW (Dubbo, Broken Hill) is even better.
Should I get a battery in NSW?
Good option if you're on time-of-use pricing. NSW has competitive battery installers and strong peak rates that make storage worthwhile.
Queensland
Including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns
Queensland has Australia's best sunshine. A smaller, cheaper system here can generate as much power as a larger system in Melbourne. Lower power prices are offset by excellent generation.
Should I get a battery in Queensland?
Less compelling than southern states. The sunshine is so good that putting money into a bigger solar system often beats adding a battery. Consider a battery mainly if you have high evening air conditioning use.
Why are feed-in tariffs low in QLD?
So many Queenslanders have solar that there's a surplus during the day. The grid pays less for exported power (5-8c per unit). This makes using your own solar even more important — don't rely on selling it back.
South Australia
Including Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge
SA has the highest electricity prices in the country. Every unit of solar power you use is worth more here than anywhere else. Solar is almost a no-brainer for SA households.
Should I get a battery in SA?
Strong case for batteries here. High electricity prices plus state rebates (Home Battery Scheme) make the economics work even on flat-rate plans. SA also has grid reliability issues, making backup power more valuable.
Western Australia
Including Perth, Mandurah, Bunbury, Geraldton
Perth gets more sun than almost anywhere in Australia. A smaller system here can meet your needs. Plus there's a state battery rebate of up to $5,000.
Should I get a battery in WA?
Worth considering with the state rebate. WA's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) pays different rates depending on when you export — batteries help you sell at the best times.
Tasmania
Including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport
Tasmania has Australia's lowest sunshine — 25% less than Melbourne. Moderate power prices don't fully compensate. Still profitable over 25 years, but payback takes longer. Not a slam dunk like other states.
Should I get a battery in Tasmania?
Generally not recommended. Lower solar generation means less excess power to store. Put your money into a larger solar system instead, or consider waiting until battery prices drop further.
Any advantages for Tasmania?
Tasmania's cooler climate means panels run more efficiently — heat actually reduces solar output. This partially offsets lower sunshine, but not completely.
What rebates are available?
Federal rebate (all states)
The government provides an upfront discount on solar through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. For a typical system, this is worth $2,500 - $3,500 — your installer handles the paperwork and gives you the discount automatically.
⏰ This rebate reduces each year until 2030. Installing sooner = bigger discount.
SA: Battery rebate
Home Battery Scheme provides additional rebates for battery storage.
WA: Battery rebate
Up to $5,000 for eligible households adding batteries.
VIC: Solar Homes
Rebates available but means-tested. Check eligibility.
NT: Battery rebate
Up to $6,000 for battery storage.
See exactly what you'd save
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