Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brisbane, CA (2023 Update)
- Brisbane Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $19,979
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brisbane
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Brisbane.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brisbane typically cost about 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Brisbane, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,867, or $8,390 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Brisbane depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brisbane find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Brisbane that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brisbane
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,833 |
| 3 years | $-2,765 |
| 5 years | $-698 |
| 7 years | $1,370 |
| 9 years | $3,438 |
| 11 years | $5,505 |
| 13 years | $7,573 |
| 15 years | $9,641 |
| 17 years | $11,708 |
| 19 years | $13,776 |
| 21 years | $15,843 |
| 23 years | $17,911 |
| 25 years | $19,979 |
Top Solar Installers in Brisbane
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Brisbane
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brisbane
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Brisbane is $5,867, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brisbane to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brisbane is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,611 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,787 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,116 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,598 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,232 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,020 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,960 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,054 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Brisbane, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brisbane?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.