Solar & Battery Rebates in New South Wales, Australia Incentives & Costs

Energy Usage

Energy consumption patterns in NSW reflect the state's diverse climate, from coastal regions to inland areas, with varying heating and cooling needs throughout the year. The average NSW household uses between 20-30 kWh per day, with Sydney properties typically at the lower end due to milder coastal climate, whilst inland areas may consume more for air conditioning during hot summers. Energy-efficient properties throughout NSW often use significantly less through modern insulation and efficient heating and cooling systems.

Before installing solar, consider reducing your energy consumption through improved insulation and energy-efficient appliances. This is particularly valuable in NSW, where the Solar for Low-Income Households Program can help eligible households access solar, and reducing consumption can lower the required system size and improve returns.

Note: Actual usage varies depending on property size, building efficiency, climate, and appliances.

Solar System Sizing

You'll need around 6.6kW of solar to match your average consumption in NSW. We recommend sizing between 9.9kW and 13.2kW for optimal results, accounting for daily and seasonal variations. NSW benefits from excellent solar potential, with Sydney and coastal regions averaging around 4.0-4.5 kWh/kW/day annually, whilst inland areas often achieve even higher generation rates.

A 6.6 kW system in NSW generates approximately 28.3 kWh daily on average, with seasonal variation from 3.41 kWh/kW/day in June to 4.82 kWh/kW/day in October. NSW's favourable solar conditions, combined with competitive installation costs, make solar particularly attractive for homeowners across the state.

With solar-only (no battery), a 6.6 kW system provides approximately 50% self-usage in NSW, depending on your consumption patterns, drawing 50% from the grid. Adding a 10 kWh battery increases energy independence to approximately 86% annually, reducing grid reliance to 14%. Battery storage is increasingly valuable in NSW, allowing you to store excess daytime generation for evening use and maximising the value of your solar investment as feed-in tariffs decline.

Feed-in tariffs in NSW vary by retailer, typically ranging from 5-10 cents per kWh. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (from July 2025) provides around 30% discount on battery installations. NSW is also investing in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) to support renewable energy infrastructure. For accurate battery savings and ROI calculations specific to your location and retailer, use the full Photonik design tool.

Understanding Solar & Battery System Costs

A 6.6 kW solar system in NSW costs approximately $7,661, while adding a 10 kWh battery increases the total to around $12,904. NSW benefits from competitive installation costs, with Sydney and major cities offering excellent installer coverage and competitive pricing. Solar-only systems typically pay for themselves in around 5.1 years in NSW, whilst adding battery storage usually extends payback but significantly improves energy independence. The federal STC rebate reduces upfront costs by 25-30%, and many NSW systems achieve payback in under 5 years, making solar one of the best renewable energy investments available.

The cost breakdown shows estimates for equipment costs, installation labour, and GST. Adjust system size and battery storage to see how it affects total investment and payback periods. NSW has excellent installer coverage, with Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers operating throughout Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and regional areas, providing competitive pricing and quality installations.