Solar technology is booming all across Australia, and the popularity of solar panels in Adelaide is no exception. Around 30 to 40% of all Adelaide residents now have solar systems installed on their rooftops. If you are not one of them, you might consider going solar yourself.
So, what do solar panels cost in Adelaide? And is it still a good investment? In this article, we will answer your questions!
What are the solar panel rebates in Adelaide?
Adelaide residents will be able to get different rebates when installing a solar panel system. Let’s take a closer look at your options.
STC rebate
The Australian government offers financial incentives in the form of STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates). This rebate is given up-front and will be deducted from your installation costs. The number of STCs generated will determine the rebate size.
Usually, you will receive more STCs the bigger the system is (in kW). A 10kW solar system will, in other words, generate more STCs than a 3 kW system. In addition to this, the number of STCs will be determined by which STC zone your home is located in.
The market value of one STC will change according to the market forces, like supply and demand.
For residents living in Adelaide, the STC rebate will typically cover around 30% of the total costs. As Adelaide is located in STC zone 3, the rebate is somehow smaller than in areas located in STC zones 1 and 2. However, the rebate will cover a great deal of your costs.
Local state rebate in South Australia
All residents located in South Australia will be able to get a local state rebate if they install a solar system with a battery. The Home Battery Scheme can potentially cover up to $2,000 of the battery costs.
How much do solar panels cost in Adelaide?
The cost of a traditional 6kW solar system will be around $4,700 on average for Adelaide households. This is the price you might expect after the STC rebate has been deducted.
The solar prices in Adelaide have reduced significantly over the last few years, and are less than half of what it was 10 years ago. Solar technology is cheaper than ever, which also makes it more accessible than it used to be.
Even though the rebate will cover much of your costs, you will still have to pay a significant amount of money. But do not forget that the money you invest will get paid back within a few years.
The financial return for solar panels in Adelaide
Because of the savings caused by lower energy costs and feed-in tariffs, you will earn back every dollar spent on the solar system in a couple of years.
In Adelaide, the average payback period for a standard 6.6kW solar system is 4.3 years – assuming an installation cost of $5,070, an average use of 20 kWh a day, a feed-in tariff of 7 c per kWh, and energy prices of 24.3 c per kWh.
Based on the example above, you will be able to save around $1,170 a year.
What do solar batteries cost in Adelaide?
Many Australians are not at home during the day, and will not be able to use all the power generated by their solar system. So, what happens to the surplus energy? It can be transferred back to the grid, and in return, you will get paid a feed-in tariff.
Alternatively, a solar installation can include a battery. This battery makes it possible to store surplus energy when your system is producing a lot of electricity during the day. The energy can then be used at night or whenever the system is not producing enough power.
But remember, solar batteries also have a downside. They are very expensive, and the expected payback time exceeds the expected lifetime of the battery. However, remember that South Australians have access to a battery rebate, which can make batteries more affordable.
What is the solar power output in Adelaide?
The power output of a solar system will be determined by different aspects, including location (expected sunlight hours per day), sunlight conditions (shades etc.), system size and the efficiency of the system.
If you install a 7kW sized solar system on the rooftop of your Adelaide home, it will be able to generate 24.5 kWh of power on average (every day). Annually, you could expect the solar system to produce around 8943 kWh.
Are solar systems a good investment in Adelaide?
Yes, it might be very beneficial to invest in solar panels if you are located in Adelaide. With an average payback period of around 4 years for a 6.6kW system, you will earn back the investment in a relatively short amount of time.
Find a solar installer today!