One of the most common questions we receive is “How much does a solar and battery system cost”? The price varies based on several factors, but ranges from $12,000 to $100,000+, with most households typically investing between $15,000 and $25,000.

The size of the system and the brand of equipment (which doesn’t necessarily mean quality) you choose are the two main drivers of price.  The more energy you use the larger the system therefore the higher the cost of the system, however the savings are greater. Depending on the brands you choose a 6.6kW Solar system and 10kWh Battery can differ in price from $12,000 to $25,000+

At Reposit Power, we only sell Solar and Battery systems with our Smart Controller while most other retailers offer solar only systems, solar and battery systems and retrofit battery systems. In this article, we will focus specifically on solar and battery system pricing, although the additional costs apply to all types of systems.

System Size Costs

The right size solar and battery system is determined by your energy consumption - higher electricity usage necessitates a larger system to effectively offset that energy use, maximize savings, and ensure a good return on investment. A well-designed and appropriately sized system can reduce your electricity bills by 60–100%.

Solar & Battery System sizing is based on energy used in kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the home and not the total annual expenditure on electricity, as electricity prices vary significantly. The daily supply charge ranges from about $0.80 to $3.00 a day and the usage charge ranges from about $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh. Off-peak rates may be lower, but the average cost of electricity falls within this range.

Here’s an example illustrating how two households that spend the same amount on electricity will require differently sized systems to effectively offset usage and maximize the return on investment on a solar and battery system:

Household 1:

• Annual supply charge: 365 days × $1.50 a day = $547.50
• Annual electricity usage: 6,131 kWh × $0.40kWh = $2,452.50
• Total annual electricity cost: $3,000
  
  

Household 2:

• Annual supply charge: 365 days × $0.90 a day = $328.50
• Annual electricity usage: 10,686 kWh × $0.25kWh = $2,671.50
• Total annual electricity cost: $3,000

As you can see, energy usage varies dramatically even though both households spend the same on electricity. Household 1 consumes 6,131 kWh annually (17 kWh per day), while Household 2 uses 10,686 kWh annually ( 29 kWh per day), which is 74% more.

Household 1 would need a smaller  system. Household 2 would need a larger system. If Household 2 installed a system sized for Household 1, the battery would sit idle during the winter months as there would be insufficient solar generation to both run the house and charge the battery. The size of the solar and the size of the battery are important and one size does not fit all. 

The ideal size for your solar and battery system depends on when you use energy throughout the year (do you use more power cooling in summer than heating in winter?), and what time of day you mostly consume energy e.g. heating at night. Higher day-time energy users need a smaller battery as the solar panels can help supply the energy during the day, whereas higher night-time users need a larger battery to supply power when the sun isn’t shining.

If you have a smart meter and have been with the same electricity retailer for more than six months, some solar & battery retailers can analyse your energy usage in detail to determine the optimal solar & battery system size. This analysis, and the resulting optimally sized system, can significantly improve your return on investment by ensuring the system is perfectly tailored to your specific energy needs.

Solar/Battery Rebates & Interest-Free Loans

National - Small-Scale Technology Certificates

The Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a national rebate available to all households based on the number of panels you install and where you live. Below is a table with approximate STC rebates.

Victoria – Solar & Battery Rebates + Interest-Free Loans

Eligible Victorian residents can access one or all of the following rebates and loans:

• $1,400 solar rebate for a new solar system
• $1,400 interest-free loan (repayable over 4 years) for a new solar system
• $8,800 interest-free loan (repayable over 4 years) for a new battery system
  
  

New South Wales – Peak Demand Reduction Scheme - Battery Rebate

Eligible customers and systems can receive an up front rebate from some retailers, the rebate depends on a number of factors but is generally between $1,000 and $3,500.

Australian Capital Territory – Interest-Free Loan

The ACT government through their partner Brighte finance provides a $15,000 interest-free loan, repayable over 10 years, for eligible households.

Cash vs. Financing: How It Affects the Total System Cost 

How you choose to pay for your solar and battery system—cash or financing—impacts the overall cost.

Paying in cash means you avoid interest repayments, making the system more affordable in the long run.

Financing the system incurs interest, increasing the total cost. However, for those who don’t have the option to pay upfront, financing can still be a smart choice.

In some cases, monthly loan repayments may be lower than what you would otherwise spend on electricity, meaning you save money each month, or are cash flow positive . Once the loan is repaid, the system continues to operate, saving you thousands of dollars per year in electricity costs, without any monthly repayments.

Many retailers advertise “interest-free” solar and battery systems; however, they often inflate the upfront price of the system by the amount of interest payable on a loan. Apart from government-supported interest-free products, there is no such thing as truly interest-free financing.

Common Additional Installation Costs

All solar and battery system installations must comply with industry standards and regulations. As a result, there are some common costs across all retailers and installers. In some cases, your personal choices may increase complexity and cost of installation. Costs can vary depending on the installer, and while there are occasional extreme cases, the list below outlines common installation requirements and their approximate industry-wide costs.

Smoke Alarms

If the battery is installed in a garage connected to the house, you also need to install a smoke alarm in the garage that is interconnected with a smoke alarm in your house so if one alarm detects smoke both alarms go off. $150–$300

Bollard Costs

When batteries are installed in a garage or driveway where a vehicle could potentially impact them, bollards are required for protection.

• Ground-mounted bollard (bolted into concrete): $120–$150 per bollard
• Wall-mounted bollard (right-angle design, used where there’s no concrete for mounting): $400–$500 per bollard

Cement Plinths & Level Surface

Some batteries are wall-mounted, but others sit on the ground. Ground-mounted batteries require a flat, level base. This may involve installing a concrete plinth and levelling the surface. $150–$500

Battery and Inverter Shade Covers

Battery warranty can be voided if a battery is exposed to direct sunlight. Shade options include basic overhead awnings or full shade enclosures. If multiple battery stacks are installed, more than one cover may be needed. $150–$800

Long and Complex Cable Runs

Cable installation is often underestimated. Rising copper prices and complex layouts can significantly increase costs. Cables may need to be run through walls, ceilings, over sheds, up and over two-story homes and long distances; a combination of these will push the cost to the higher end of the range. $300–$2,000

Trenching 

While not often required, trenching can become a significant cost. Electrical trenches must be 600mm deep. The length of the trench dictates the majority of the cost but be aware that navigating existing plumbing and underground services can increase complexity and cost. $1,000 - $5,000

Number of Array Splits

Each solar array requires a roof penetration for cabling. Multiple smaller arrays use more feet and mounting rail and there is more material wastage than one large array. $100–$150 per array split

Roof Type and Mounting System

Different roof materials require different mounting systems, The brackets range from a simple L foot for corrugated tin roof, through to a large steel bracket that slides under tiles and is screwed to the rafter. Terracotta tiles require the tile to be ground out with a grinder to allow the tile to sit flush when it is re-installed. On a 6.6kW system the additional cost of installing on Terracotta roof over a corrugated tin roof can be: $500 - $1,000 

Flashing

Homes with no wall cavity (typically clad walls) often require conduit to run externally. Colorbond flashing can be installed over the conduit to make it resemble a downpipe and improve the appearance. $100–$500

Roof Access, Safety and Height Costs

The height of the roof, the difficulty in accessing the roof, the pitch of the roof impact on the cost of the installation. Additional labour costs and equipment may be needed. $500 - $2,000

• Edge protection
• Specialty rope access and safety equipment
• Panel lifters
• Scissor Lift or Cherry Pickers
  
  

Meter Box Upgrades, Relocations, and 1 to 3 Phase Upgrade Costs

The price on these can vary widely and can be costly. Ensure when discussing meter box upgrades you understand the work taking place.

• Upgrades within an existing meter box $300 - $2,000
• Replacing and installing a new Meter Box $2,000 - $4,000
• Upgrading from 1 phase to 3 phase - $4,000 to $8,000+
• Relocating a Meter Box - $2,000 to $4,000

Blackout Protection/Backup Power

Backup options vary widely based on whether your home is single or three-phase and how many circuits are backed up, what equipment you are installing and whether the circuits you want to backup are in the meter box or in a distribution board in the house. $0.000 to $3,000

Removal of Old Solar Systems Costs

Includes removal of the old inverter, racking, wiring, and panels. Cost per panel: $30–$50

Equipment Selection

The cost of a 6.6kW solar system with a 10kWh battery can range from $12,000 to $25,000+, depending on the equipment you choose.

A number of manufactures have simple solar and battery systems that can be installed for as little as $12,000 in some areas after all rebates.

An Enphase micro inverter & battery system installed with Sunpower Maxeon solar panels can exceed $25,000. Maxeon solar panels have a 40 year warranty and are the best panel available. Micro inverters are the best option when there is moderate to severe shading for improving solar generation and limiting the impact from shade.

Solar and battery systems are a great fit for some households and can provide an excellent return on investment.

• Household 1 pays a high price for electricity. The system can be relatively small compared to the annual electricity bill it offsets, and there are few—if any—additional installation costs, and no shading. The return on investment can be less than 5 years.
  
  
• Household 2 pays a low price for electricity. To achieve meaningful savings, the system must be much larger compared to the annual bill it offsets. Increasing costs if the roof is shaded and requires microinverters or optimisers. The installation is complex, the meter box requires upgrading, and the return on investment can be more than 10 years.

Labour

Labour costs for solar and battery system installations are typically not itemised in quotes but can vary between retailers. While modern systems are easier to install and commission, they are still complex pieces of equipment that require expertise and specific qualifications.

Choosing an experienced retailer with a strong track record may come at a slightly higher cost, but it is a worthwhile investment. Given the long warranties associated with solar and battery systems, having a reliable company to support your system over the years is essential.

If a problem arises, you’ll likely be paying for electricity while the system is being repaired. That’s why it’s crucial to purchase from a retailer that will be in business for the lifetime of your system with responsive customer service and an in-house technical support team that can quickly address any issues and ideally one that covers the cost of the electricity while the system is being repaired.

Reposit Power’s Instant Quote

Reposit can provide you with a free Instant Quote.  This will be an indicative price  for all the reasons outlined above but is a good place to start. 

When you complete an Instant Quote, we’ll ask you a few questions. The annual electricity question is entered in $1,000 increments. For example, if you indicate that you spend between $2,000 and $3,000 per year, the system provides a quote based on a $2,500 annual spend—equivalent to approximately 7,116 kWh of usage per year. This is a helpful starting point to give you an idea of pricing, but as explained above, the actual system cost could be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.