The October 2026 reading
The Solar Scorecard Price Index reads $6,774 for a standard 6.6 kW solar system and $8,084 for a premium one in October 2026, installed, GST inclusive and after the STC discount at $39 per certificate, or 1.03 to 1.22 dollars per watt. Perth is the cheapest capital at $5,294 and Darwin the dearest at $10,250. October 2026 is the baseline month; the first month-on-month change is published on 24 November 2026.
| City | 6.6 kW standard | 6.6 kW premium | 10 kW standard | 10 kW premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $6,170 | $7,284 | $8,780 | $10,490 |
| Melbourne | $6,218 | $7,234 | $8,920 | $10,410 |
| Brisbane | $6,756 | $8,020 | $9,460 | $11,210 |
| Perth | $5,294 | $6,522 | $8,240 | $9,880 |
| Adelaide | $5,812 | $7,126 | $8,360 | $10,010 |
| Canberra | $6,144 | $7,310 | $8,340 | $10,100 |
| Hobart | $7,544 | $8,886 | $11,460 | $13,240 |
| Darwin | $10,250 | $12,260 | $14,930 | $18,250 |
Month on month
No prior reading exists: October 2026 is the baseline. From 24 November 2026 this post series shows the change against the previous month and against the baseline for the national headline and each capital.
Get next month's reading by email
The Solar Scorecard Price Index is read once a month. One email on the review date, 24 November 2026 next, with the new 6.6 kW and 10 kW figures by capital city, the change on the month and anything that moved in the state schemes or the STC price. No installer calls, no other mail, unsubscribe in one click.
What moved the inputs
Three inputs sit under every figure. The STC spot price traded at $39.9 in the week of 19 to 23 October 2026; we value certificates at $39. The deeming period is 5 years and falls to 4 on 1 January 2027, which lifts the net price of a Zone 3 6.6 kW system by $351 unless hardware falls. The federal battery factor is 6.8 certificates per kWh until 31 December 2026 and 5.7 after. Victoria's $1,400 solar panel rebate is open in monthly allocations to 30 June 2027 (solar.vic.gov.au, checked 27 October 2026).
Quotable summary
The Solar Scorecard Price Index reads $6,774 for a standard 6.6 kW solar system and $8,084 for a premium one in October 2026, installed, GST inclusive and after the STC discount at $39 per certificate, or 1.03 to 1.22 dollars per watt. Perth is the cheapest capital at $5,294 and Darwin the dearest at $10,250. October 2026 is the baseline month; the first month-on-month change is published on 24 November 2026.
Cite as: Solar Scorecard Price Index, October 2026, solarscorecard.com.au/solar-panels-cost/price-history/. Data: /data/pricing-history.json. Method: methodology.
Questions
What did solar cost in Australia in October 2026?
$6,774 to $8,084 for a 6.6 kW system and $9,810 to $11,700 for 10 kW, installed, GST inclusive, after STCs at $39 per certificate.
Which capital was cheapest?
Perth, at $5,294 for a standard 6.6 kW system; Darwin was dearest at $10,250.