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- Serving NSW, QLD, VIC and ACT
Enter your state, bill size, system and usage pattern. We use real 2026 electricity prices, typical solar generation data and current rebate rates for your state.
Based on 6.6 kW system in NSW
Estimates based on average 2026 electricity prices and typical solar output. Your actual savings depend on roof orientation, shading, retailer rates and usage times. We work out the real numbers in your free, no-obligation quote.
Solar panels produce electricity from sunlight, which means less power from the grid. Here is how the savings add up for an average Australian home.
Solar panels generate electricity during the day. Every kilowatt-hour you use directly from your panels is one you don't buy from the grid — and at 30 to 38 c/kWh, that is where most of the savings come from.
Power your panels make that you don't use goes to the grid. Your retailer pays you a feed-in tariff for each kilowatt-hour exported, typically 3 to 12 c depending on your state.
A battery saves your excess solar for the evening, when grid prices are highest. You buy even less from the grid and your payback improves, especially on time-of-use tariffs.
The calculator gives you a solid ballpark. These factors determine the exact number we confirm in your quote.
North-facing panels at 20-30 degrees produce the most power. East and west roofs work well too, with about 15% less output.
Trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings can reduce output. We check shading in our site assessment before quoting.
Using more power during the day (when panels generate) means higher self-consumption and bigger savings than exporting at lower feed-in rates.
Rates vary between retailers. A higher usage rate means more savings per kWh you don't buy; a higher feed-in tariff means more for what you export.
A system matched to your household size and consumption gives the best payback. Oversizing means more export, but less return per panel.
Tier-one panels and inverters lose less output over time. We only install tier-one products, so your savings hold up across the full 25-year warranty.
This calculator uses average 2026 electricity prices and typical solar output data for each state. It gives you a useful ballpark — most customers find their actual savings are within 10 to 20 per cent of the estimate, often higher because we don't factor in rising electricity prices.
Your real savings depend on your roof angle, shading, when you use power and your retailer's rates. We confirm the exact numbers in your free quote.
A quality 6.6 kW system typically costs $5,000 to $8,500 after the federal solar rebate. Larger 10 kW and 13 kW systems cost more upfront but generate more savings and often pay back in a similar timeframe.
See our detailed price guides for Sydney and Brisbane, or request a quote for your home.
The federal solar rebate (STCs) gives an upfront discount — about $1,710 on a 6.6 kW system in 2026. The rebate reduces each year until it ends in 2030, so installing sooner saves more. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program can take roughly $3,458 off a 13.5 kWh battery.
State incentives vary. See our full rebate and incentives page for the latest.
Most residential solar systems pay for themselves in 3 to 6 years through electricity bill savings. The exact payback depends on your bill size, system cost, self-consumption and state electricity prices.
After payback, the savings are essentially free money for the remaining 20-plus years of the system's life. That is why the 25-year benefit figure in the calculator is typically five to ten times the system cost.
Yes — being home during the day is actually ideal for solar because you use more of the power your panels produce directly, which saves more than exporting it. If you work from home, run air conditioning during the day or charge an EV, solar savings are typically 20 to 30 per cent higher than average.
Select "Mostly daytime (WFH)" in the usage pattern above to see the difference.
A battery stores your excess solar for the evening, when grid prices are highest. It increases your self-consumption from roughly 35% to 70-80%, meaning you buy much less from the grid. Batteries make the most financial sense if you are on a time-of-use tariff or your household uses most of its power in the evening.
The calculator shows the difference — try running it with and without a battery to compare.
Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on overcast days, just at reduced capacity — typically 10 to 25 per cent of their full output depending on cloud thickness. The yearly output figures in this calculator already account for average cloud cover in your state.
Yes. Solar Harbour offers several finance options including interest-free plans. Many customers find their monthly finance repayment is less than their previous electricity bill, so solar can be cash-flow positive from day one.
Solar output and electricity prices vary by state. See what solar looks like in your area.
Typical prices for 6.6 kW, 10 kW and 13 kW systems after the rebate.
System prices, Energex rates and what a system could save you.
Federal STCs, state programs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program explained.
The calculator gives you a ballpark. Our team checks your roof, shading and usage to work out exactly what solar will save you — for free, with no obligation.