Solar system prices fell on average between August and September, but there was significant variation between cities, especially among the smaller system sizes (1.5kW and 2kW). The rise in average system prices in Brisbane was due to an increase at the premium end of the market, while system prices on the low end changed little.
Average solar PV system prices for September 2015
All prices in the table below include the federal STC incentive which installers ordinarily include in final system prices. GST is also included.
Solar system prices for September: $/W averages, highs & lows
About STCs
STCs accounted for a price reduction of approximately 81c/W for Zone 3 cities (Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane), and around 68c/W for Melbourne & Tasmania.
Components used
The table below contains the brands of inverters and solar modules used in installations as listed by installers. ‘Premium’ product offerings are not included.
| City | Panel brands used | Inverter brands used |
| Adelaide, SA | BenQ, CSun, Daqo, Hanwha Q-Cells, Jinko, RenaSola, Simax, Sunrise Solartech, Trina, Yingli | SMA, Zeversolar, Fronius, Sungrow, ABB/Power-One, Surpass, Growatt, Delta, Schneider |
| Brisbane, QLD | Canadian Solar, CSun, Jinko, LG, Luxen, Hanwha Q-Cells, RenaSola, Risen, Suntech | Schneider, SMA, JFY, REA, Fronius, Zeversolar, Sungrow, ABB/Power-One |
| Canberra, ACT | CSun, Daqo, Jinko, Opal, Hanwha Q-Cells, Trina, Yingli | Zeversolar, Fronius, Sungrow, JFY, ABB/Power-One, Delta, SMA |
| Melbourne, VIC | BLD Solar, Canadian, CSun, Daqo, Hanwha Q-Cells, Jinko, RenaSola, SolarWorld | Delta, JFY, Sungrow, ABB/Power-One, Zeversolar, Fronius, SMA |
| Tasmania | Daqo, Hanwha Q-Cells, Yingli | Fronius, Sungrow, ABB/Power-One |
| Sydney, NSW | Canadian, Daqo, Hanwha Q-Cells, Jinko, Opal, RenaSola, TopSola, Trina, Yingli | ABB/Power-One, Growatt, Fronius, SMA, Zeversolar, Sungrow, Samil, UNO |
| Perth, WA | Daqo, ET, TN | Sungrow, SMA, ABB/Power-One, GoodWe, Delta, JFY |
Historic solar PV system prices (since September 2012)
All $/W solar system prices (Historic)
The chart below provides an at-a-glance look at solar PV system pricing trends since September 2012. Data points are the average of average $/W for each system size (1.5kW-5kW until Nov 2013, then also including 10kW from Dec 2013).
About this data
Tables and charts included in this article were compiled using data from Solar Choice’s installer network database, which contains regularly-updated pricing and product details from over 100 solar installation companies across Australia. Prices do not ordinarily incorporate meter installation fees or additional costs for difficult installations. The discount available to Solar Choice customers is also excluded from calculations, as are prices for ‘premium’ installer offerings. Except in the final chart, average pricing figures for all of Australia are not weighted.
© 2015 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
