Let’s get straight to the point. Yes, it is a good idea to put up solar panels in Canberra, ACT.
The city is known for its clear skies, which average 7.7 hours of sunlight per day. This means that there is plenty of renewable energy for your solar panel system.
Plus, in Canberra, you can easily reach professional solar panel installers without breaking the bank. You’ll get your money back faster than you’d expect while saving a lot in the process.
Let’s talk all about the solar panels Canberra can utilize. Here’s a list of topics covered:
- How much solar energy can Canberra’s solar panels produce?
- Harnessing Canberra’s solar potential: more than just savings
- How much money can you save by installing panels in Canberra?
- Incentives from the ACT Government
- How much do solar panels cost in Canberra?
- Does owning a solar system make sense in Canberra?
- Is a solar battery storage system necessary?
How much solar power can solar panels in Canberra cultivate?
Canberra is behind Queensland in terms of sunshine hours per day or year. However, this doesn’t imply that solar panel investment is unwise.
Actually, it’s quite the opposite. A solar system set up can still produce a significant amount of solar power. Which leads to reduced electricity costs.
With this in mind, the table below outlines the expected power generation from a standard-quality solar system in Canberra.
| System Size (kW) | Daily output (kWh) | Monthly output (kWh) | Annual output (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.1 | 124.5 | 1494 |
| 2 | 8.2 | 249 | 2988 |
| 3 | 12.3 | 373.5 | 4482 |
| 4 | 16.4 | 498 | 5976 |
| 5 | 20.5 | 622.5 | 7470 |
| 6 | 24.6 | 747 | 8964 |
| 7 | 28.7 | 871.5 | 10458 |
| 8 | 32.8 | 996 | 11952 |
| 9 | 36.9 | 1120.5 | 13446 |
| 10 | 41 | 1245 | 14940 |
Keep in mind that the numbers provided are derived from PVWatts‘ calculator, based on a 22.5% roof pitch and a 96% inverter efficiency.
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Harnessing Canberra’s solar potential: more than just savings
In Canberra, the journey to harnessing solar is not merely a financial decision; it’s a commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of our surroundings. When you choose to install solar panels, you’re tapping into the abundant green energy that the Australian sun generously offers.
This choice goes beyond reducing electricity bills; it’s about being part of a community that values and actively contributes to a healthier planet.
Professional solar PV panel installers in Canberra are more accessible than ever, making the shift to solar both cost-effective and convenient. The quick return on investment and significant savings are just the beginning.
Every kilowatt of solar power generated is a step towards reducing our carbon footprint, a stride towards sustainability, and a leap into a future where energy is clean, green, and infinitely renewable.
Okay, so how much can you save if you install panels in Canberra?
This, of course, is dependent on many factors, such as:
- Total electric bill
- Roof space and condition
- Solar panels cost, and if you opt for battery storage or not,
- c/kWh of your specific energy retailer in Canberra
- How many solar panels are installed
- Current feed-in tariff values
However, to give you context on how much you can save, let’s assume the following variables:
- Canberra’s average c/kWh is around 26.58 cents.
- On average, households consume 4,058.82 kWh of electricity annually, which translates to a monthly consumption of 338.24 kWh, as deduced from the typical quarterly electricity bill amounting to $345.
- Based on the previous table, we surmise that a system size of 1 kW puts out 124.91 kWh monthly and 1494 kWh of power annually.
- Households utilize solar batteries to capture all generated solar power for their use, ensuring no energy goes to waste.
- Considerations such as feed-in tariffs and the effects of weather variability on energy production are not taken into account in this context.
| System Size (kW) | Monthly Savings ($) | Annual Savings ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33.20 | 398.41 |
| 2 | 66.4 | 796.83 |
| 3 | 99.6 | 1,195.24 |
| 4 | 132.8 | 1,593.65 |
| 5 | 166.01 | 1,992.06 |
| 6 | 199.21 | 2,390.48 |
| 7 | 232.41 | 2,788.89 |
| 8 | 265.61 | 3,187.30 |
| 9 | 298.81 | 3,585.72 |
| 10 | 332.01 | 3,984.13 |
It’s important to note that the savings mentioned are approximate and influenced by several factors.
Not having a solar battery bank, for instance, means surplus solar power is fed back to the grid, often at rates much lower than retail electricity prices. This aspect highlights the importance of considering solar batteries as part of your solar-installed system to maximize savings, efficiency, and various other benefits, which we’ll discuss next.
Incentives from the ACT Government
Solar rebates in Canberra
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are part of a government incentive that lowers the upfront cost of installing solar panel systems. They represent the environmental value of your system’s energy production.
The number of STCs you receive depends on the system’s size and your location, with each certificate having a monetary value that can be used to discount your installation costs. It’s the Australian government’s way of incentivizing the switch to green energy via solar panels.
Easily calculate your STC by utilizing this free online STC calculator.
Feed-in Tariffs
Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) in Canberra, ACT, offer credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid, enhancing solar system installation appeal. However, FiT rates vary among electricity retailers, influencing the choice of provider.
While solar panel FiTs provide extra savings, they’re lower than electricity purchase rates, suggesting other factors like customer service, billing convenience, renewable energy commitment, technology, and contract terms also play significant roles in choosing an energy retailer.
Other incentives for Canberra solar panels
- Next Generation Energy Storage Program: Offers rebates for solar batteries, exclusive to Canberra households.
- ACT Home Energy Support Program: Combines rebates and interest-free loans up to $15,000 for low-income households for solar and energy-efficient products.
- NSW rebate swap for solar (for homeowners): Allows eligible homes to swap their low-income household rebates for a 3 kW solar system.
- Rebate swap for energy-efficient upgrades: Low-income households can choose to swap their rebates for home and appliance upgrades that lower their electricity consumption.
- ACT Sustainable Household Scheme: Provides up to $15,000 in interest-free loans from Brighte for purchasing sustainable home upgrades, including solar panels.
- Solar for low-income households: Provides financial assistance, grants, and subsidies to eligible households.
These incentives are part of Canberra’s efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2045.
What is the cost of solar panels in Canberra?
In Canberra, the cost of installing a solar system varies by size. For example, a 6 kW system, suitable for a 3- or 4-bedroom house, averages around $7,063. Prices can range from $3,286 for a 1.5kW system to $10,239 for a 10kW system.
For further illustration, consider a mid-range option: a 5kW solar system, which is also quite common for residential homes, could cost around $6,034. This size is typically suitable for households looking to balance cost with a significant reduction in electricity bills, offering a good middle ground between smaller and larger systems.
The actual cost can depend on factors like the quality of the panels and the installer.
We offer access to a carefully selected network of solar panel installers. If you’re interested, we can quickly provide you with 3 FREE quotes from our trusted professionals.
Is a solar system even worth it?
Asking if solar panels are worth the investment is valid. And indeed, they are, particularly in Canberra. The data regarding return on investment (ROI) and the payback period strongly support their value.
ROI on the solar panels installed in Canberra
Here’s how you can compute ROI:
- ROI = (net savings ÷ total cost) x 100.
- Net savings = annual savings x life span of the solar system (25 years).
- Cost of installation = cost per 1 kW x system size
Solar panels in Australia offer a significant return on investment (ROI) and short payback periods. With a $10,000 investment in a 10kW system saving about $2,000 annually, the potential savings over 25 years could reach $50,000, translating to an ROI of 500%.
However, we also have to mention non-computable factors such as degradation. Although the calculation we’ve used is accurate, it doesn’t take into account things like the wear and tear of the panels, dust gathering on them, or changing weather conditions, which can all affect how much power your solar system generates.
Even so, you’re looking at a really solid return on your investment.
Payback Period
The average payback period is also a fascinating and important thing to consider. The average payback period is around 5 years, making solar installations a financially wise decision, especially with the aforementioned government incentives for green energy.
Is a solar battery storage system necessary?
In Australia, the price of solar battery storage varies widely based on capacity and brand. For instance, a 13.8 kWh BYD battery costs about $14,100, while a Tesla Powerwall of 13.5 kWh is around $15,500. Prices reflect factors like storage capacity, warranty terms, and whether a hybrid inverter is included.
So, to answer the question…
No, a solar battery isn’t necessary, but it’s something you could consider.
First off, consider if you are expelling a lot of excess energy before getting a battery storage solution. Yes, the benefits are great, but it doesn’t make sense financially if you’re not storing a lot of solar energy.
That being said, using a battery to store your extra solar energy also means you rely less on the main power supply. This further cuts down on your power bills.
But batteries cost a lot, so they’re not for everyone. It’s smarter to get a solar setup that’s just the right size, so you’re not making more solar power than you can use.
Conclusion
Canberra has an abundance of sunshine, making it a rich source of renewable energy for homeowners such as yourself.
The catch? It can be a pricey investment for most people, especially if you also want to install solar batteries. Thankfully, the ACT government also has some of the most generous incentives in all of Australia, making the switch to solar energy that much more accessible.
So, if you’re ready to make the switch, we’re here to help. We have a network of pre-vetted solar installers ready to give you 3 FREE quotes. Just let us know, and we’ll make it happen.
