Fair solar prices by city, October 2026
Every "solar deal" should be measured against the ordinary installed price. These are this month's fair ranges after the federal STC discount, and the floor below which a quote stops being credible.
| City | Fair 6.6kW | Fair 10kW | Too cheap below |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $5,000–$7,280 | $7,280–$10,560 | $4,100 |
| Melbourne | $5,060–$7,360 | $7,360–$10,670 | $4,150 |
| Brisbane | $5,390–$7,840 | $7,840–$11,370 | $4,420 |
| Perth | $4,340–$6,320 | $6,320–$9,160 | $3,560 |
| Adelaide | $4,620–$6,720 | $6,720–$9,740 | $3,790 |
| Canberra | $4,950–$7,200 | $7,200–$10,440 | $4,060 |
| Hobart | $6,050–$8,800 | $8,800–$12,760 | $4,960 |
| Darwin | $8,580–$12,480 | $12,480–$18,100 | $7,040 |
| Gold Coast | $5,390–$7,840 | $7,840–$11,370 | $4,420 |
| Sunshine Coast | $5,440–$7,920 | $7,920–$11,480 | $4,460 |
| Newcastle | $5,120–$7,440 | $7,440–$10,790 | $4,200 |
| Wollongong | $5,120–$7,440 | $7,440–$10,790 | $4,200 |
| Geelong | $5,120–$7,440 | $7,440–$10,790 | $4,200 |
| Central Coast | $5,120–$7,440 | $7,440–$10,790 | $4,200 |
| Townsville | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
| Cairns | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
| Toowoomba | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
| Launceston | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
| Ballarat | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
| Bendigo | $5,780–$8,400 | $8,400–$12,180 | $4,740 |
Price movement — tracking from October 2026
This is the first monthly reading of the Solar Scorecard price index (October 2026). From next month this section shows how installed prices, the STC discount and the federal battery discount moved — month on month and against this baseline — so you can see whether to buy now or wait. The raw monthly snapshots are public at /data/pricing-history.json.
The one deadline that is real
The federal STC discount loses a deeming year every 1 January until 2030. That is about $363 on a 6.6kW system — 74 days away. Every other countdown is marketing.
Questions
Where are the best solar deals in Australia?
Perth and Adelaide have the lowest installed prices; the best "deal" anywhere is three like-for-like quotes from CEC-accredited installers, which typically spread 20–30% for the same system.
Are cheap solar deals worth it?
Below about 82% of the fair price, no — the saving comes out of panel quality, the installer's accreditation or a warranty that will not be honoured.
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