Understanding the 10kW solar system cost Queensland residents can expect

Navigating the world of solar can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to the price tag. I get it. You want to know what a 10kW solar system will actually cost in Queensland without any confusing jargon. Let’s break it down.

For a quality 10kW system in Queensland, you can generally expect the price to fall somewhere in the $8,000 to $12,000 range. This is the out-of-pocket cost after the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) rebate has been deducted.

Several key factors will influence where your quote falls within this range:

• Quality of components: Premium solar panels and inverters cost more upfront but often deliver better performance and longer warranties. Budget-friendly options can lower the initial cost, but it’s important to weigh that against long-term value.
• Installation complexity: A simple, single-storey tin roof installation will cost less than a complex job on a multi-storey, tiled roof.
• Location: While prices are fairly competitive across Queensland, slight variations can exist between installers in different regions.

How solar costs vary across Queensland in 2025

When we look closer at major hubs like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, the pricing for a 10kW solar system remains quite consistent.

• 10kW solar system price Brisbane 2025: In Brisbane, the average cost for a 10kW system is between $8,000 and $12,000 after the federal rebate. Some sources indicate an average price point around $8,200 to $9,610 for a standard installation.
• 10kW solar system cost Gold Coast 2025: The Gold Coast market is very competitive, with prices for a 10kW system often ranging from $9,500 to $12,000. Some installers may offer packages starting at lower prices, but it’s crucial to check the quality of the components included.
• 10kW solar system cost Sunshine Coast 2025: Similarly, on the Sunshine Coast, expect prices to be in the $7,500 to $10,500 bracket. Some installers quote a range of $8,000 to $12,000 or more for larger or more complex systems.

The key takeaway is that while there might be minor differences, the overall price range across South East Queensland is very similar due to a competitive market.

What government rebates can lower your upfront cost?

The most significant financial incentive available to Queenslanders in 2025 is the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This isn’t a direct cash rebate but rather a point-of-sale discount provided by your installer.

Here’s how it works:

• The scheme provides a number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) based on your system’s size and your location.
• Your solar installer claims these certificates on your behalf and sells them on the open market.
• The value of these STCs is deducted directly from your invoice, lowering the upfront cost you pay.

For a 10kW system in Queensland, the STC rebate can reduce the total cost by thousands of dollars, often in the realm of $3,000 or more. It’s important to note this federal scheme is being gradually phased out and will end in 2030, with the rebate value reducing slightly each year.

While the popular Queensland government battery rebate program has closed, a new federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program was introduced in July 2025, which may provide incentives if you decide to package your system with a battery.

How to calculate your STC rebate for a 10kW solar system in Queensland

Calculating the STC rebate might sound technical, but it’s actually quite straightforward. The number of certificates you receive depends on three things: your system size, your location (postcode zone), and the deeming period (the number of years left in the scheme until 2030).

Most of Queensland falls into STC Zone 3. For an installation in October 2025, the deeming period is 6 years (to the end of 2030).

A simplified formula is:

System Size (kW) x Postcode Zone Rating x Deeming Period (Years) = Number of STCs

The value of each STC fluctuates on the open market, but typically hovers around $30 to $40. Your installer handles all of this for you, but it’s good to understand where that “discount” on your quote comes from.

A closer look at solar panel and inverter prices

The total cost of your system is largely determined by the cost of its two main components: the solar panels and the inverter.

• Price of 10kW solar panels Queensland: The panels themselves can account for 45-60% of the total system cost. High-quality, high-efficiency panels can cost between $0.70 to $1.00 per watt, meaning the panels for a 10kW system could be in the $7,000 to $10,000 range before installation. More budget-friendly Tier-1 panels are also widely available and can significantly lower this cost.
• Cost of 10kW solar inverters Queensland: The inverter, which converts the DC power from your panels into usable AC power for your home, makes up about 15-25% of the system’s cost. A standard 10kW string inverter might cost between $1,500 and $3,000, while hybrid (battery-ready) inverters will be more expensive.

Breakdown of 10kW solar system installation costs Queensland

Beyond the main components, your final quote will include several other essential costs. A full breakdown typically looks like this:

• Solar Panels: The largest portion of the material cost.
• Inverter: The brains of the operation.
• Mounting and Racking: The framework that secures the panels to your roof. This can cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
• Installation Labour: This covers the work done by the SAA-accredited installers. Costs vary with the complexity of the job.
• Other Components: This includes wiring, isolators, and monitoring systems.
• Permits and Inspections: Necessary local council or utility fees.

Gigi’s pro tip: Always insist on a quote with a clear, itemised breakdown. This transparency helps you see exactly what you’re paying for and compare quotes effectively. Also, ensure your installer is accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA), the current industry standard for excellence and safety.

What are the 2025 Queensland feed-in tariffs?

A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a small credit you receive from your electricity retailer for any excess solar energy your system exports to the grid. In Queensland, the FiT you receive depends on where you live.

• South East Queensland (Energex network): This includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. Here, FiTs are not regulated. Retailers offer competitive plans, with rates typically ranging from 3c to 10c per kWh. Some plans offer a higher rate for the first block of energy exported each day.
• Regional Queensland (Ergon network): For most of regional Queensland, there is a flat feed-in tariff set by the government. For the 2025-26 financial year, this rate has been set at 8.66 cents per kWh.

Summary of Queensland solar feed-in tariffs 2025

Feed-in tariffs have generally decreased from the highs seen in previous years. While they are a nice bonus, the primary financial benefit of solar now comes from self-consuming the power you generate, which means using your own solar energy to avoid paying the much higher retail rate for electricity from the grid.

To summarise the 2025 landscape:

• Energex area: Expect variable rates from 3c to 10c per kWh, depending on your retailer and plan.
• Ergon area: A flat rate of 8.66c per kWh applies for the 2025-26 period.

A 10kW system will likely produce a significant amount of excess energy, especially during the middle of the day. Choosing a retailer with a reasonable feed-in tariff is still an important part of maximising your investment.

If you’re ready for a proper quote, I can introduce you to a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert—just fill out the form below. For a quick, personalised estimate of solar costs and savings for your home, you can also try the free solar assistant on this page.