Home / Launceston / Launceston
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 2026 · DATA: CLEAN ENERGY REGULATOR & STATE SOURCES
Launceston solar fact
Launceston has Tasmania's best solar resource despite being the state's coldest city — the Tamar Valley's sheltered position and clear winter anticyclones give it 15% more productive sunshine days than Hobart, making the solar case significantly stronger than Launceston's latitude suggests
Estimated Monthly Output — 6.6kW
kWh/month · peak: Dec (467 kWh)
Solar in Launceston — What You Need to Know
Launceston is Tasmania's second city, situated at the confluence of the North and South Esk rivers in the sheltered Tamar Valley. The city's solar story is about overcoming a misconception: Launceston's cold winters (average July maximum 12°C) make residents assume solar is uneconomic, but the Tamar Valley's sheltered position and the strong winter high-pressure systems that dominate northern Tasmania deliver significantly more winter sunshine than Hobart's more exposed coastal position. Aurora Energy's electricity price increases — 34% since 2021 — have transformed the economics: Launceston households now pay enough for electricity that even Tasmania's modest 3.9 peak sun hours delivers compelling ROI. Launceston City Council's sustainability programs have increased solar awareness, and the competitive Tasmanian installer market provides reasonable pricing. Launceston's heritage areas have been progressively making solar-on-heritage pathways more accessible, reflecting state-level commitment to renewable transition.
Solar Panel Cost in Launceston 2026
| System | Cost after STCs | Annual savings | Feed-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | $2393–$2816 | $1800+ | 8.3c |
| 6.6kW ★ | $2816–$3776 | $2400 | 8.3c |
| 10kW | $3660–$4908 | $3360+ | 8.3c |
FAQs — Solar in Launceston
How much do solar panels cost in Launceston?
A 6.6kW system in Launceston 7250 costs $2816–$3776 after federal STC rebates in 2026.
Is solar worth it in Launceston?
Launceston earns a B (Average) solar grade with a score of 65/100. 21% of homes here already have solar.
What size solar system for Launceston?
6.6kW suits most Launceston homes. Larger homes with pools or EVs should consider 10kW+. TAS's feed-in tariff is 8.3c.
FREE · 60 SECONDS · NO PHONE CALLS
Going Solar in Launceston
Launceston, in the Launceston region of TAS, receives approximately 3.6 peak sun hours per day — close to the national average of 4.2 hours. With electricity rates of approximately 26c/kWh and Zone 4 Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) applying in this area, the financial case for solar in Launceston is moderate.
At 21% solar adoption, Launceston is in the growth phase of solar adoption. This means solar installation is well-understood here, with competitive pricing from multiple CEC-accredited installers.
A 6.6kW solar system in Launceston costs approximately $2816–$3776 after STC rebates. At 3.6h daily sun and 26c/kWh electricity, you can expect annual savings of approximately $43 — giving a payback period of 93.0–151.2 years, followed by 20+ years of near-free electricity.
The electricity network in Launceston is managed by TasNetworks. TasNetworks covers Launceston. Zone 4 STCs and 3.8h sun hours mean solar is viable but payback is longer than mainland. For residential systems above 5kW, a network connection application is typically required — your installer will handle this as part of the installation process.
Solar Rebates in Launceston
Homeowners in Launceston () access the following solar incentives in 2026:
Zone 4 FEDERAL STCs
Zone 4 STCs worth approximately $1,800–$2,200 off a 6.6kW system (lower than mainland). STCs are applied as a point-of-sale discount — your installer handles the paperwork.
STATE: TAS
No current state solar grant; TasNetworks provides standard grid connection
FEED-IN TARIFF
TAS currently offers approximately 8.5c/kWh for excess solar exported to the grid. Self-consumption saves 26c/kWh — 3.1x more than exporting.
What Size Solar System for Launceston?
The right system size depends on your electricity usage. A quick rule: divide your quarterly bill by $100 to get your ideal system size in kW. For Launceston, common household sizes are:
With TAS's feed-in tariff at 8.5c/kWh and electricity at 26c/kWh, the priority is maximising self-consumption rather than grid export. If your household is away during peak solar generation hours (10am–3pm), adding a battery to shift solar to evening use improves payback. See our solar battery guide for battery options and payback analysis.
Compare all system sizes — 5kW to 13kW →More Guides
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Launceston
With dozens of solar installers operating in the Launceston area, choosing the right one for Launceston requires a few checks. Here's what to look for:
Our free solar score tool connects you with up to 3 CEC-accredited, vetted installers in Launceston — saving you the time of calling around. Every installer in our network has verified reviews and local Launceston experience.