South Australians are charged the highest electricity rates in the country, so it’s no wonder that nearly one in three SA households have installed solar panels. ( Adelaide's own Thoroughtec Solar & Electrical has designed and installed alot of these) Solar is a great way to reduce those eye-watering power bills, all the while improving your home’s energy self-sufficiency, minimising its environmental impact, and even improving its value.
If you’re looking to install solar for the first time or simply want to upgrade your current system, Thoroughtec Solar & Electrical will walk you through everything you need to know about solar power in South Australia.
How many households have solar in South Australia?
How much do solar panels cost in South Australia?
The hefty price tag unfortunately remains a major impediment for those looking to install solar panels. Typically, a South Australian household can expect to pay between $2,500 and $10,000 for a new solar system fully installed. This, of course, depends on the make and size of the system. For a smaller system (3kW and under), you shouldn’t expect to pay any more than $4,000. If you’re in the market for a much larger system – say 10kW – then it should cost in the vicinity of $8,500.
The following table shows the average cost of solar systems in South Australia compared to the national average:
| 1.5kW | 3kW | 4kW | 5kW | 6kW | 7kW | 10kW | |
| SA | $2,530 | $3,230 | $3,740 | $4,100 | $4,520 | $5,630 | $8,330 |
| National Average | $3,114 | $3,970 | $4,670 | $5,140 | $5,750 | $7,170 | $9,680 |
Source: Residential Solar Power System Prices – September 2019, Solar Choice
These prices reflect estimated costs within Adelaide, SA. The actual cost of your solar panels can vary greatly depending on where you are, what system you’re after and your installer. For a specific quote, get in touch with your preferred installation specialist.
Does your home receive enough sunlight?
Solar panels obviously need sunlight to work, so solar is most effective in sunny areas and on unshaded roofs. If your roof is shaded by trees, consider if it’s worth having them pruned. Additionally, solar panels should ideally be installed facing north to maximise solar output. If don’t have a north-facing roof, or your roof is flat, then your solar installer may install brackets to help angle the panels correctly. This does however cost slightly more.
What sized solar system would I need?
The typical rule of thumb is that a solar system can produce four times more electricity than its listed size. For example, a 4kW solar system should produce 16kWh on a sunny day.
A typical four-person household uses around 20kWh of electricity each day. If you wanted to match all your electricity consumption with solar power, then you would need a 5kW system. Smaller 1-2 person households typically use about 8 to 12kWh of electricity per day, in which case you probably don’t need a system any bigger than 3kW. If you’re installing a battery as well however, you might want to opt for a slightly larger solar system.
