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13kW Solar System Australia 2026
Guide to 13kW solar system cost and output in Australia 2026. The largest common residential system — ideal for high-usage homes, EVs, and all-electric properties.
Panels
30–36
Daily Output
45–58 kWh
Cost After STCs
$7,500–$13,500
Annual Savings
$2,600–$4,200
Payback Period
3–5 years
Roof Space
65–80 m²
Ideal for: Very high usage homes, all-electric properties, EV owners, home businesses, or anyone wanting maximum generation.
Is 13kW Overkill?
Not if your usage justifies it. All-electric homes (no gas connection), EV owners, and properties with pools, ducted A/C, and home offices can easily consume 30+ kWh per day. At 45–58 kWh daily generation, a 13kW system covers this and more. Even if you're over-generating now, future loads (EVs, battery, heat pump hot water) will soak up the excess.
How Much Power Does a 13kW System Produce?
Expect 45–58 kWh per day depending on location — that's equivalent to running a large household entirely from solar during daylight hours. Annual output of 16,000–21,000 kWh is roughly 2–3x the average household consumption. Combined with a 13.5kWh battery, some homes achieve 80-90% grid independence.
Cost and ROI
A quality 13kW system costs $10,500–$17,000 before STCs, dropping to $7,500–$13,500 after. Despite the higher absolute cost, the return on investment is often better than smaller systems because the per-kW cost is lowest at this scale. In high-tariff states like SA, payback can be under 3 years. Adding a 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall or similar battery ($9,500–$13,000) extends payback but dramatically increases self-consumption.
Network Approvals and Export Limits
Systems above 10kW may trigger network pre-approval requirements from your local distributor (Ausgrid, Jemena, Energex, etc.). Some networks impose export limits (typically 5kW) regardless of system size. Your installer should handle the application, but expect 2–6 weeks for approval. In some areas, zero-export limiting may be required — this caps how much power you can send to the grid. A battery helps maximise value in these situations.
13kW System — Cost & Output by State
| State | Daily Output | Cost After STCs | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | 57 kWh/day | $7,500–$12,000 | $3,200–$4,200 |
| NSW | 51 kWh/day | $8,000–$13,000 | $2,900–$3,800 |
| VIC | 44 kWh/day | $6,500–$11,000 | $2,400–$3,200 |
| SA | 55 kWh/day | $7,500–$12,000 | $3,600–$4,600 |
| WA | 59 kWh/day | $7,200–$11,500 | $3,000–$3,800 |
| TAS | 39 kWh/day | $8,800–$13,500 | $2,000–$2,800 |
ADVANTAGES
✓Maximum residential generation for the highest possible savings
✓Best $/kW ratio — lowest cost per kilowatt at scale
✓Ideal for EV charging (covers 15,000–20,000 km/year)
✓Pairs perfectly with 13.5kWh battery for near self-sufficiency
✓Maximum STC rebate value
✓Future-proofs against rising electricity prices and new loads
CONSIDERATIONS
•Highest upfront cost of residential systems
•Requires 3-phase power in most cases
•Needs 65–80m² of unshaded roof — not all homes qualify
•May require network pre-approval (check with distributor)
•Generates significant exports — wasted without battery or TOU optimisation
Find out if a 13kW system is right for your home — takes 60 seconds.
Get My Solar Score ☀Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 13kW solar system cost in Australia?
A 13kW solar system costs approximately $7,500–$13,500 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 13kW system produce?
A 13kW system produces approximately 45–58 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 13kW solar system?
Typical savings with a 13kW system are around $2,600–$4,200 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 13kW system?
A 13kW system typically uses 30–36. Most modern panels are 400–440W each. You'll need approximately 31 panels at 420W to reach 13kW. Your installer will confirm exact panel count based on the brand selected.
Is a 13kW 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.