Solar Panels Newcastle
Compare costs, check rebates, and get your free personalised solar score for Newcastle in 60 seconds.
Get My Solar Score — Newcastle ☀Solar in Newcastle
Newcastle and the Hunter region enjoy slightly better sun hours than Sydney and generally lower installation costs due to less congested access. The area has one of the highest solar adoption rates in NSW, driven by high electricity costs and a strong local installer market. Newcastle's mix of older Charlestown-era homes and new builds in the growth areas around Maitland make it a diverse solar market.
💡 Local Tip
Newcastle's industrial heritage means some older roofs contain asbestos. Always get a roof inspection before installing — your installer should check this as standard practice.
What Does Solar Cost in Newcastle?
Prices shown are after federal STC rebates (Zone 2). Actual costs vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.
| System Size | Panels | Daily Output | Cost After STCs | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | 12–14 | 19–22 kWh | $4,000–$5,250 | $1,064–$1,302 | 3–5 yrs |
| 6.6kW | 15–18 | 25–29 kWh | $4,000–$6,200 | $1,500–$2,100 | 3–4 yrs |
| 10kW | 24–28 | 39–43 kWh | $5,800–$9,500 | $2,300–$3,100 | 3–5 yrs |
| 13kW | 30–36 | 50–56 kWh | $7,800–$13,650 | $2,514–$3,103 | 3–5 yrs |
Solar Rebates in Newcastle
FEDERAL STCs (Zone 2)
Small-scale Technology Certificates are applied as a point-of-sale discount. Zone 2 (high value) — worth approximately $2,800 on a 6.6kW system.
STATE: NSW
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. No direct rebate but interest-free loans available through Empowering Homes.
What Size Solar System for Newcastle?
A quick rule: divide your quarterly electricity bill by $100 to get your ideal system size in kW. The most popular system size in Newcastle is 6.6kW, which suits the average household using 15–25 kWh per day.
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Get My Solar Score ☀Newcastle Feed-in Tariffs
The current feed-in tariff in NSW is approximately 5.5c/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 Newcastle exporting around 60–70% of generation would earn approximately $405/year in feed-in credits. The real savings come from self-consumption — every kWh you use directly saves 33c versus the 5.5c you'd earn exporting it.
Solar in Nearby Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Newcastle?
A standard 6.6kW solar system in Newcastle costs approximately $4,000–$6,200 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 Newcastle get?
Newcastle receives approximately 4.7 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 Newcastle?
Homeowners in Newcastle, NSW 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 Newcastle?
Yes. With 4.7 peak sun hours daily and electricity rates around 33c/kWh, most Newcastle 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 Newcastle?
Use our free solar score tool to get a personalised analysis, then optionally connect with up to 3 CEC-accredited, vetted installers in the Newcastle area. We only partner with installers who have verified reviews and at least 2 years of local experience.