Solar Panels Cairns
Compare costs, check rebates, and get your free personalised solar score for Cairns in 60 seconds.
Get My Solar Score — Cairns ☀Solar in Cairns
Cairns has the tropical sun to drive excellent solar output, but the wet season (December–April) brings heavier cloud cover that reduces generation during those months. The rest of the year more than compensates, and annual output is still well above the national average. A/C costs are significant year-round, making solar savings strong.
💡 Local Tip
Cairns' wet season can deposit debris and mould on panels. Consider scheduling an annual clean at the end of the wet season (April/May) to restore peak performance for the dry months.
What Does Solar Cost in Cairns?
Prices shown are after federal STC rebates (Zone 1). Actual costs vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.
| System Size | Panels | Daily Output | Cost After STCs | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | 12–14 | 22–25 kWh | $4,000–$5,250 | $1,111–$1,360 | 3–5 yrs |
| 6.6kW | 15–18 | 29–33 kWh | $4,100–$6,300 | $1,700–$2,300 | 3–4 yrs |
| 10kW | 24–28 | 44–50 kWh | $6,000–$9,500 | $2,600–$3,400 | 3–5 yrs |
| 13kW | 30–36 | 58–65 kWh | $7,800–$13,650 | $2,626–$3,241 | 3–5 yrs |
Solar Rebates in Cairns
FEDERAL STCs (Zone 1)
Small-scale Technology Certificates are applied as a point-of-sale discount. Zone 1 (highest value) — worth approximately $3,200 on a 6.6kW system.
STATE: QLD
No state solar rebate but Battery Booster offers up to $4,000 for batteries in regional QLD.
What Size Solar System for Cairns?
A quick rule: divide your quarterly electricity bill by $100 to get your ideal system size in kW. The most popular system size in Cairns is 6.6kW, which suits the average household using 15–25 kWh per day.
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Get My Solar Score ☀Cairns Feed-in Tariffs
The current feed-in tariff in QLD is approximately 5.0c/kWh for excess solar exported to the grid. This rate is applied to any surplus electricity your panels generate beyond what your home uses in real-time.
At current rates, a 6.6kW system in Cairns exporting around 60–70% of generation would earn approximately $423/year in feed-in credits. The real savings come from self-consumption — every kWh you use directly saves 30c versus the 5.0c you'd earn exporting it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Cairns?
A standard 6.6kW solar system in Cairns costs approximately $4,100–$6,300 after federal STC rebates. Prices vary depending on panel brand, inverter choice, and installer. Premium systems and larger 10kW+ installations will cost more. Get your free solar score above for a personalised estimate.
How many peak sun hours does Cairns get?
Cairns receives approximately 5.4 peak sun hours per day on average. This is factored into our solar score calculator to give you an accurate estimate of how much electricity a solar system will generate on your roof.
What rebates are available for solar in Cairns?
Homeowners in Cairns, QLD are eligible for federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) which reduce upfront costs by $2,000–$4,000 depending on system size. Additional state-level incentives may also apply — use our calculator above for a full rebate breakdown.
Is solar worth it in Cairns?
Yes. With 5.4 peak sun hours daily and electricity rates around 30c/kWh, most Cairns homeowners see a payback period of 3–5 years. After that, the savings are pure profit for the remaining 20+ years of the system's life.
How do I find a good solar installer in Cairns?
Use our free solar score tool to get a personalised analysis, then optionally connect with up to 3 CEC-accredited, vetted installers in the Cairns area. We only partner with installers who have verified reviews and at least 2 years of local experience.