Australia's abundance of natural sunlight makes it a great place to utilize solar energy, and many homeowners are eager to cut down on skyrocketing energy bills and switch to cleaner sources. In his recent October budget, Finance Minister Jim Chalmers warned that electricity prices will rise by 50 percent over the next two years.

It's no surprise, then, that solar panels are growing in popularity. According to the Australian Energy Council, nearly 15 percent of Australian households have solar panels on their roofs. In 2021, electricity generation from all renewable sources in Australia increased by 23 percent in one year.

A shift to solar will also help Australia meet more ambitious climate change targets. In August, the federal Labor government passed the Climate Change Bill 2022, which mandates a 43 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from 2005 levels, and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The upfront investment cost of a solar system can be high, but it can pay for itself in two to seven years.

How many solar panels australia do I need?
Solar panels vary in length, width, and power output. The most important thing is the power output. A higher power rating means more power is produced and fewer panels are needed.

However, if the roof is large, it may be more economical to purchase cheaper panels with lower efficiency and install more panels.

How to Choose the Best Solar Panel System
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right system for your home.

Make sure the installation program is a cec-certified installation program
Incorrect installation can lead to unreliable, inefficient, and even unsafe solar power systems.

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia's peak body representing the clean energy sector, and it works to improve standards in the solar industry. It has a certification program that recognizes installers and designers who adhere to best practice standards, including receiving the necessary training.

A solar power system is a major investment: hiring an installer to get it right the first time is worth it. Installers who use ec certification also need to qualify for Small Scale Technical Certificates (STCs), which is the term for the federal rebate program.

Online reviews? Positive or negative?
The consumer advocacy organization CHOICE publishes reputable product reviews of solar energy systems. Be wary of sites that may promote bias or paid reviews.

Does it meet the required standards?
Buy a solar system that meets Australian and international standards. This is necessary to qualify for a Small Scale Technology Certificate. Obtain certificates from manufacturers and installers.

What is the payback time?
The cost of the upfront investment is recouped between two to seven years, according to estimates by CHOICE.

Cost
The estimated costs of good quality solar panel systems are provided below by Solar Quotes. Prices are inclusive of rebates and incentive schemes, and costs may be higher if there are more complex installation requirements:

5kW: $4000–8000
6.6kW: $5500–9000
10kW: $8000–13,000
Company reputation
Source your solar panels from a reputable company. Look for a retailer that has signed up to the CEC’s voluntary code of conduct, because it indicates a commitment to best practices.

Warranty coverage
There are two types of warranties: product and performance. The product warranty is more important because if something goes wrong it is the one to rely on for redress.

Most product warranties are for 10 or 12 years. Some manufacturers offer up to 40 years.

Most solar panels have 25-year performance warranties, however, it is difficult to judge whether performance is still optimal as the years go by.