The benefits of having solar panels in Sydney:
Contribute to Sydney, help the planet, grow your savings.
Maybe not in that order – we all have different priorities (some people choose to support GWS over a good team, for example) — but all three are guaranteed when you harness solar technology to power your home.
Every hour, more solar energy hits the earth than all of humanity needs for an entire year. That’s a whole lot of rays. Just think, if Bondi was packed with solar panels rather than tanned bodies, Sydney would be well on its way to being fully powered by the sun!
When it comes to purchasing a solar system, Sydney residents have a lot of advantages available to them that other capital cities don’t. That’s because, for many residents in Sydney, solar and batteries are subsidised by the NSW and Federal Governments.
Free solar systems for Sydney’s low-income households are even available to make getting solar panels in Sydney more affordable for those that need them most.
If you want solar panels Sydney is a great place to install it! You’ll be able to:
🌞 Grow your savings — use our solar savings calculator and witness how much you can save by having your own solar system. Many Sydney households have reduced their bill by up to 80%, with some even being in credit!
🌞 Support Sydney — contribute to a sustainable, ethical and growing renewable energy sector responsible for 1000’s of local NSW jobs.
🌞 Help the planet — getting rooftop solar panels in Sydney could prevent 100 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide over the next 30 years.
So, what’s holding you back?
Get three free solar quotes for your solar panels in Sydney and make the switch today!
Or read on for insider tips on getting solar panels Sydney buyers need to know.
Steps to getting solar Sydney buyers need to follow
Getting for solar Sydney residents is a lot like the rest of Australia:
Step 1: Calculate your system size
Step 2: Line up some quality quotes and compare
Step 3: Choose which quote you like best and organise your install
Sydney solar and batteries: State incentives
Every Sydneysider is able to access the Federal Government STC rebate to help cover the cost of a solar system. That’s great, but there are also a few additional State Government incentives we’ve covered below.
Solar Systems in Sydney for Low Income Households
To support the community, the NSW State Government is offering residents in eligible areas of Sydney and other parts of NSW solar and battery systems (3kW) for free!
If you qualify for this initiative, you could save up to $600 on your power bill every year with no upfront cost to you – that’s twice as much as the current annual Low Income Household Rebate!
For more information see our dedicated NSW solar rebates page.
Battery Incentives
From 1st November new battery incentives have been made available in NSW. Found out how much you could save on a battery storage system by reading our NSW battery rebates page.
Buying a solar power system in Sydney? Here’s how you calculate the STC rebate.
If you invest in a solar panel installation in Sydney, you are automatically eligible for the Federal Government’s STC Solar Incentive.
That said, the number of STCs available to 6.6kW solar systems in Sydney is scheduled to decrease from 100 in 2020 to just 9 in 2030, with the scheme ceasing completely in 2031.
Designed to get more people interested in solar system installation in Sydney, earlier adopters enjoy a bigger upfront discount and are more likely to pay off their solar power system early.
For a simple way of calculating how many STCs will be awarded to you, use this formula:
As an example, if you’re planning on installing solar panels in Sydney in 2022, then your calculation would look like this.
FAQs: The questions about solar panels Sydney residents need to know
Do I need council approval to install solar panels in Sydney?
No. The NSW government is paving the way for solar power adoption and has removed the red tape for households looking to install solar systems in Sydney and other areas of NSW.
What are the best solar panels in Sydney?
Currently, industry leaders like SunPower and Canadian Solar supply great quality solar panels in Sydney. Depending on your exact needs however, there are many brands to choose from which would still be suitable. We encourage you to get 3 free solar quotes from our experts and find out what’s best for you.
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sydney?
Typically between $4,000 and $8,000 . This pricing range is based on the solar system being 6.6kW – the average size of a solar system in Sydney currently. Other factors that may affect your quote include your roof type, how many storeys your house has and if you have single or three-phase power.
Click here to check out our deepdive on solar panel pricing in Australia.
How do I find a good solar panel installer in Sydney?
Sydneysiders like to play it fast and they like to play it loose. It’s part of what makes this city so great!
But that’s not something you want to be doing when purchasing your solar power systems in Sydney. Make sure your solar panel installers are:
- Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) Accredited (run if they aren’t!)
- clear about their workmanship warranties
- installing panels and an inverter that are in line with the Federal Government’s STC requirements
Is solar panel installation worth it in Sydney?
Solar installation is definitely worth it in Sydney, here are all the reasons why!
Environmental: Solar installation is a critical step to going green and reducing your carbon footprint. In fact, experienced solar installers often include the expected environmental benefit your system will have when they knock up your quote.
If you want to tap into renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on your energy bill then solar panels are a no-brainer!
Consumer Protection: Solar installers are bound by Australian Consumer Protection laws just like any other business.
You can head to the ACC’s website for even more details, but to sum it up, NSW solar companies are responsible for meeting the consumer rights guarantee.
This means that should anything go wrong with your system within the guarantee period of the product, be it panels or inverter, your installer MUST assist you in seeking replacement or repair.
This covers any promises made about performance, condition and quality.
The workmanship of the service is also protected.
So long as you have a trustworthy installer you can be confident that you’re covered and that your solar panels will continue to function properly for years to come.
Return on investment: Solar panels cost money, and when you pay to put solar panels on your roof you eventually want to get that money back!
Most solar systems have a payback period of 5 to 10 years, with some lucky homeowners enjoying periods as short as 3 – 4 years.
Every month that you’re saving money on your energy bill is a day you’re closer to turning a profit so it pays to get started.
When you factor in the increased property value that solar panels bring, plus the potential for tax breaks and incentives, it’s easy to see why solar panel installations in Sydney remain such a hot topic for homeowners.
To sum it all up? Yes, solar panel installation is definitely worth it in Sydney! If you’re looking for a way to save money and be more environmentally friendly, solar panels are a great option with a lot of protections in place to ensure your investment is protected long-term.
Are the rebates available on solar panels Sydney-wide?
When it comes to government incentives available in Sydney you generally don’t need to worry when applying for the Federal STC Incentive.
All of the greater metro area falls under zone 3 (learn more on that here), meaning that when it comes to lining up their solar system installation and accessing a discount from the Federal Government, all of Sydney is on a level playing field.
If your neighbour’s telling you tall tales about his mate two suburbs over getting a bigger discount for the same sized solar system that they both got last year… don’t believe it. Just nod politely till they’re done and then continue to get your advice on buying solar panels in Sydney from reputable sources like us.
The State led Solar for Low Income Households scheme is a little different. Because this government incentive is designed to directly target those in need, it’s only available to select postcodes.
Households from the following locations in Greater Sydney can apply:
- Bayside Council
- Blacktown City Council
- Burwood Council
- Campbelltown City Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- City of Parramatta Council
- Cumberland Council
- Fairfield City Council
- Georges River Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Penrith City Council
- Strathfield Municipal Council
- Sutherland Shire Council
Postcodes in regional NSW can also sign up, see the full list here.
Safe to say if you live in Double Bay you won’t be getting a free 3kW solar system any time soon.
Ready for solar panels, Sydney?
From saving the environment and growing your savings, to contributing to local jobs and harnessing the power of Sydney’s endless sunny days – what’s not to love about solar?
Get 3 free solar quotes today and don’t waste any more of the sun’s rays.
Or continue your research by learning which solar rebates are available in NSW through the link below.