10 kW solar prices in each capital city
| City | Standard | Per watt | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $8,360 | $0.84 | $10,010 |
| Brisbane | $9,460 | $0.95 | $11,210 |
| Canberra | $8,340 | $0.83 | $10,100 |
| Darwin | $14,930 | $1.49 | $18,250 |
| Hobart | $11,460 | $1.15 | $13,240 |
| Melbourne | $8,920 | $0.89 | $10,410 |
| Sydney | $8,780 | $0.88 | $10,490 |
| Perth | $8,240 | $0.82 | $9,880 |
| National average | $9,810 | $0.98 | $11,700 |
The prices above already take off the federal discount. In 2026 a 10 kW system creates 69 small-scale technology certificates (STCs) in zone 3, which covers Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra, and 59 in zone 4, which covers Melbourne and Hobart. At the $40 Clearing House price that is up to $2,760 and $2,360, though certificates usually trade a little below it. See how STCs work.
How much power a 10 kW system makes
| CER zone | Example places | Per day | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Alice Springs | 44.4 kWh | 16,220 kWh |
| Zone 2 | Darwin | 42.1 kWh | 15,360 kWh |
| Zone 3 | Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra | 37.9 kWh | 13,820 kWh |
| Zone 4 | Melbourne, Hobart | 32.5 kWh | 11,850 kWh |
The Clean Energy Regulator rates every postcode by how much sunshine it gets. Its zone ratings are averages for a well-placed system, so treat them as a guide. A north-facing roof with no shade comes closest to these figures; east and west roofs, shade and hot panels all make less. Run your own numbers in the solar calculator.
Who a 10 kW system suits
- Large households using 30 kWh or more a day, often with a pool, ducted air conditioning or electric hot water.
- Homes charging an electric vehicle at home during the day.
- Homes with or planning a large battery, especially on a three-phase connection.
Network rules for big systems
On a single-phase connection, many networks limit inverter capacity to around 10 kW and exports to 5 kW or less, so a 10 kW array often needs export limiting. A three-phase connection usually allows more. Your installer must get network approval before installing, and the approval sets your limits.
With exports capped and feed-in tariffs low, a 10 kW system pays off best when the home uses a lot of power during the day or stores it. At $0.98 a watt on the national average, it is the cheapest size per watt. See solar export limits and solar and battery packages.
Common questions
About $9,810 on the national average for a standard system and $11,700 for premium, installed, after the STC discount and including GST, according to the Solar Choice Price Index for October 2026.
About 13,820 kWh a year, or 37.9 kWh a day, in zone 3 cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and 11,850 kWh a year in Melbourne and Hobart, on Clean Energy Regulator ratings.
Often yes, but your network decides. Many cap single-phase inverters around 10 kW and limit exports to 5 kW or less. Your installer applies to the network before installing.
Sources
System prices are from the Solar Choice Price Index, an industry average of installer quotes, as there is no government price series. Output and STC figures are from the Clean Energy Regulator. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.