Solar Panels in Wollongong – 2026 Cost & Rebate Guide
Reviewed by Leigh McInerney
G’day, mate, it’s prime time to snag an excellent bargain on solar panels. With those fantastic rebates on offer, panel prices dropping like flies, and energy costs going through the roof, it’s a no-brainer! Considering making the switch to solar? Honestly, there’s never been a top-notch opportunity to jump on it.
Two main financial incentives for solar panel installation exist in NSW. These include:
- Small-scale Technology Certificates – that you can use to reduce the buying price of your solar panels and
- The feed-in tariff – an agreement between the customer and the solar energy retailer. It allows you to feed back excess energy into your grid. The excess Solar can be helpful during harsh weather such as winter as it can charge your panels when solar energy is minimal.
Table of contents
Solar panels cost in Wollongong NSW
Typically, the 5kW solar system’s average cost is around AUD 5,692 while the cost per kWh is AUD 1,892. This price is inclusive of the government rebate and GST.
The average government rebate across the country is around $600 per KW of the installed solar panels. For a 5kW solar system, you will be eligible for 34 STCs, which you can multiply with the current solar price in the market to get your subsidized value.
| Service/ system | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Solar cost per KW Wollongong | 1.5 kW | $3,015 |
| National average cost per KW | 1 kW | $1,892 |
| 3kW solar cost Wollongong | 3kW | $4,018 |
| 5kW solar cost Wollongong | 5kW | $5,692 |
| 6.6kW solar cost Wollongong | 6.6kW | $7,003 |
Government solar panel rebate in NSW
The solar panel rebate is generally an Australian Government initiative known as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Once you install a solar panel, you will claim the STCs to receive the rebate. The STCs are tradable certificates you or a certified agent create to trade for a discount on your system’s cost. This scheme allows you to save lots of cash for solar power installation.
If you are installing a 5kW solar system, you can pay with an average of $5,692 installed. Without any government rebates or incentives, you can pay up to $10,000AUD.
| System Size | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| 2kW | $519 |
| 3kW | $798 |
| 4kW | $1,077 |
| 5kW | $1,357 |
| 6kW | $1,636 |
| 10kW | $2,753 |
NSW Government State Rebates
The government rebates awarded in NSW will depend on the solar system you install and the number of STCs in your zone. For NSW, the STC prices are around $39.90.
Therefore, a 5kW system gives you a rebate of approximately $1,357 AUD while a 6kW and 10kW will give you a rebate of $1,636 and $2,753, respectively. The rebate increases depending on how big the solar system is.
| System Size | Output |
|---|---|
| 1kW | 4.3kWh |
| 1.5kW | 6.45 kWh |
| 2kW | 8.6 kWh |
| 3kW | 12.9 kWh |
| 4kW | 17.2 kWh |
| 5kW | 21.5 kWh |
| 6kW | 25.24 kWh |
| 10kW | 38.5kWh |
STC zone in Wollongong NSW
The STC zone in Wollongong NSW varies depending on the size of the system. For instance, a typical 5kW solar panel will have 34 STCs, which leads to a rebate of $1,357 AUD while a 7kW solar system gets 48 STCs with a rebate of AUD 1,915.
It is critical to know your zone and the STCs you will be awarded so that you can calculate your rebate without difficulties.
Solar Feed-in tariffs NSW
There are several solar energy retailers in NSW that provide feed-in tariffs with solar systems. The tariffs allow you to store the excess power generated so that you can use it later. Below are the three best solar feed-in tariffs you should consider.
Best Overall
| Min FiT | Max FiT |
|---|---|
| 15.0c | 15.0c |
This feed-in tariff provides a 15c net metering FiT for a basic residential home. This company also offers reliable services and ensures you get exactly what you need.
DC Power Co offers the most transparent pricing, which means you will not find any hidden costs in the future. So, if you are looking for the best FiT, this one makes an excellent choice.
Runner up
| Min FiT | Max FiT |
|---|---|
| 13.5c | 13.5c |
Momentum Energy Feed in Tariff is the second on our list as it offers 13.5c FiT. This allows you to store all the excess solar energy for use later when the weather is not favorable.
With this FiT, you will no longer lose surplus energy, and it guarantees you reliable services at all times.
Great All-rounder
| Min FiT | Max FiT |
|---|---|
| 12.0c | 16.0c |
This is another FiT you should consider for your solar system. This company is dedicated to giving you 12c to 16c for your panels, and ensures your solar energy is accessible and affordable.
Therefore, it offers you a lasting solution for feeding back surplus solar energy at an affordable cost.
Is Wollongong a good climate for solar?
Yes, Wollongong is a good climate for solar because the climate is generally warm and sunny all year round. This means it can support solar panels without any issues. The LG and Sunpower solar panels have been rated the best in Australia generally as they provide the highest performance ratio and have highly efficient modules.
Percentage of Wollongong households with solar installed
Around 21% of households in Wollongong have installed rooftop solar energy PV. The combined capacity exceeds 10GW, which means many homes are now actively using solar energy as the main energy source.
Optimal solar panel orientation and angle in Wollongong NSW
Most homes in Wollongong have roofs inclined at 20 to 30 degrees. This is considered as the best angle for optimum solar power generation. However, the solar panels can be installed between 10 to 35 degrees to ensure no energy is lost. The panels are then tilted at a 10 degrees angle to allow for self-cleaning when it rains.
FAQs
What is the best size solar system?
The best size of a solar system is the 5kWh because it will meet most households’ daily demands. The daily average household electricity demand in most homes is approximately 25kWh. With a 5kWh solar system, it would generate enough solar energy that will be enough for daily usage. It will also avoid wasting too much solar energy that ends up being exported to the grid.
How many solar panels will I need?
Typically, the sizes of solar systems are measured in kilowatts. Each kilowatt produces about 3kWh to 5kWh of solar energy depending on your location and the direction your roof is facing. To produce one kilowatt, you will need about three to four solar panels.
If you consume approximately 1000Kwh per month, you may need between 20 to 30 solar panels. However, this will depend on the model of the panels and the sunshine available in your home.
To calculate how many panels you will need, you can multiply your hourly energy requirement for your household by the peak sunlight hours in your area. You can then divide the results by the wattage of your panel. To create a range, use both low-wattage and high-wattage panels.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels usually last for approximately 25 to 30 years. According to the industry standard, most panels are designed to offer 80% efficiency for approximately 25 years. After that, the panel’s efficiency may start to drop below 80%, which means you should start thinking about replacing them.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
When installed properly, solar panels will not damage your roof. To make sure your solar panels are installed professionally, it is essential to hire licensed and qualified professionals to do the installation. As long as the panels are installed properly, your roof will not develop any issues. Solar panels extend the roof’s lifetime around the area they cover, which means they are good for your home and roof.
Solar panel prices by city
