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10kW Solar System Australia 2026
Complete guide to 10kW solar system cost, output, and savings in Australia 2026. Ideal for large households, home offices, pools, and future EV charging.
Panels
24–28
Daily Output
35–45 kWh
Cost After STCs
$5,500–$10,000
Annual Savings
$2,000–$3,200
Payback Period
3–5 years
Roof Space
50–60 m²
Ideal for: Larger households (4+ people), high electricity usage, home offices, pools, or future EV charging.
Who Needs a 10kW System?
A 10kW system is for homes with serious electricity appetites. If you're running a pool pump, ducted air conditioning, a home office, or charging an EV (or planning to), 10kW starts to make sense. It's also the right choice for larger families (4+ people) with quarterly bills exceeding $550. Many newer homes with all-electric setups (no gas) benefit from this size.
How Much Power Does a 10kW System Produce?
A 10kW system generates 35–45 kWh per day on average — enough to power most things in a large home during daylight hours. Annual output of 12,500–16,500 kWh means you're likely exporting a significant portion to the grid. Pairing with a battery dramatically increases self-consumption and overall financial return.
Single-Phase vs Three-Phase
Most Australian homes are single-phase, which typically limits inverter capacity to 5kW. To run a 10kW system on single-phase, you'd need two 5kW inverters or a special configuration. If your home has 3-phase power, you can install a single 10kW inverter — cleaner and more efficient. Check your switchboard or ask your installer which you have. Upgrading to 3-phase costs $1,500–$5,000 from your distributor.
Cost Breakdown
Before STCs, a quality 10kW system costs $8,000–$13,000. After federal STCs, expect $5,500–$10,000 out of pocket. The per-kW cost is often lower than smaller systems because installers can spread fixed costs (scaffolding, labour, inverter) across more panels. A 13.5kWh battery adds $9,500–$13,000 to the total.
10kW vs 13kW — Going Even Bigger
If your roof and budget allow, 13kW offers an even better $/kW ratio and maximum generation. However, 10kW hits the sweet spot for most large households without requiring special network approvals that larger systems sometimes trigger. Many distributors have pre-approval processes for systems above 10kW, which can add delays.
10kW System — Cost & Output by State
| State | Daily Output | Cost After STCs | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | 44 kWh/day | $5,800–$9,000 | $2,400–$3,200 |
| NSW | 39 kWh/day | $6,200–$10,000 | $2,200–$3,000 |
| VIC | 34 kWh/day | $5,000–$8,500 | $1,800–$2,600 |
| SA | 42 kWh/day | $5,800–$9,200 | $2,800–$3,600 |
| WA | 46 kWh/day | $5,500–$8,800 | $2,300–$3,000 |
| TAS | 30 kWh/day | $6,800–$10,500 | $1,500–$2,200 |
ADVANTAGES
✓Covers high electricity usage including pools, ducted A/C, and EVs
✓Significant export income from surplus generation
✓Excellent future-proofing — handles growing demand easily
✓Cost per kW is often lower than smaller systems
✓Maximises available roof space for best long-term return
CONSIDERATIONS
•Higher upfront cost — $5,500–$10,000 after rebates
•May require 3-phase power (check with your installer)
•Needs 50–60m² of suitable roof space
•Over-sized for small/efficient households — generates wasted exports
•Some network operators limit export capacity
Find out if a 10kW system is right for your home — takes 60 seconds.
Get My Solar Score ☀Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10kW solar system cost in Australia?
A 10kW solar system costs approximately $5,500–$10,000 after federal STC rebates in 2026. Exact pricing depends on your state, panel brand, inverter choice, and installer. Premium tier-1 panels may add $1,000–$2,000 to the base price.
How much electricity does a 10kW system produce?
A 10kW system produces approximately 35–45 kWh on average. Output varies by location — Perth and Darwin get more sun than Melbourne or Hobart — and by roof orientation. North-facing roofs in Australia produce the most energy.
How much will I save with a 10kW solar system?
Typical savings with a 10kW system are around $2,000–$3,200 per year, depending on your electricity rate, usage patterns, and how much solar energy you self-consume versus export to the grid. Adding a battery increases self-consumption from ~35% to ~70%.
How many panels are in a 10kW system?
A 10kW system typically uses 24–28. Most modern panels are 400–440W each. You'll need approximately 24 panels at 420W to reach 10kW. Your installer will confirm exact panel count based on the brand selected.
Is a 10kW system big enough for my home?
That depends on your electricity usage. Check the "Ideal For" section above for detailed household profiles. As a rule of thumb: divide your quarterly bill by $150 to estimate the kW you need. Our free solar score tool gives you a personalised system size recommendation.