A Step-by-Step Solar Buying Guide: Here Is What You Need to Buy in 2026

This solar buying guide has been written for the aussie common man who can easily understand how to buy a solar system without feeling overwhelmed. This guide is for those who want to get solar power in the house but do not know where to start, because the market is full of options, people, and confusion.

Table of Contents

By reading this solar buying guide, you will understand step by step what is needed to buy a solar system in Australia, what is optional, and how to make the right decision to buy a solar system for your home so that you do not regret it later.

Understanding how your home uses solar power

Solar power works in two ways, because sometimes your home uses more electricity and sometimes less. This solar buying guide explains in simple terms how to reduce costs by matching your home’s electricity needs with the power of your panels.

Sending excess power to the grid

When your panels produce more electricity than your home needs, more power goes to the grid, and you can get a feed-in tariff for that extra power.

Taking power from the grid

When your home uses more electricity and your panels produce less, your home’s electricity comes from the grid and you have to pay for that cost. Using your own panel power, or self-consumption solar, is very important because using your own panel power costs much less, and selling the remaining power to the grid costs less.

How a Solar Power System Work

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into Direct Current (DC) electricity, which passes through an inverter to be transformed into the Alternating Current (AC) power your home appliances need. This electricity flows to your switchboard to power your lights and devices; if your solar power system generates more energy than you are using, the excess is sent to the electricity grid for a credit or stored in a battery, while your home automatically draws from the grid at night or when solar production is low.

A solar power system is a way to power your home with sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about electricity and have peace of mind. This solar buying guide will show you how all four components work together to bring light to your home and reduce costs.

Four Main Key Components of a Solar Power System for Homes

1. Solar Panel

Solar panels are installed on the roof and start working when they receive sunlight. The panels convert light into energy, which can be used for household purposes. Almost all panels work the same way, so there is nothing to be afraid of. Semi-crystalline and Monocrystalline panels are generally used because they capture light easily and release energy slowly.

Choosing a good brand of panel will ensure you get quality and long-lasting service. Budget panels will do the job even though they are cheap, while premium panels will cost a little more but will offer better performance and longevity.

Here are some popular CEC-Approved solar panel names:

Jinko Solar – Globally known brand, Tier-1 panel and CEC approved.
Trina Solar (Vertex S+ / Other series) – Strong performance and good efficiency.
SunPower Maxeon – High efficiency and long warranty, premium category panels.
Canadian Solar (TOPHiKu series) – Modern TOPCon technology and CEC approved.
Aiko Solar / Longi / JA Solar – Quality alternative brands proven in CEC.
Seraphim / Q‑Cells – Good panels for efficiency and weather resistance (with CEC‑support).

Why should you Buy CEC‑Approved panels?

This is the most immediate reason. To claim Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)—which typically reduce the upfront cost of a solar system by about 30%—the panels (and inverter) must be on the Clean Energy Council’s approved list.
If you install a non-approved solar panels, you get zero government financial support.
Your local electricity network distributor (the company that owns the poles and wires) will generally deny your application to connect your solar system to the grid if the equipment is not CEC-approved.
Without grid connection, you cannot export excess power for a feed-in tariff, and in many cases, your inverter will not be allowed to operate at all.
Australia has some of the harshest UV radiation and temperature fluctuations in the world. CEC-approved panels have undergone independent testing to ensure they meet Australian Standards (such as fire safety and mechanical load testing) rather than just general international standards. This ensures they are safe and durable enough to survive Australian summers.
To be listed by the CEC, manufacturers or importers must sign declarations regarding their commitment to honour warranties in Australia. They generally must have a local Australian office or a responsible local importer.
If you buy non-approved “grey market” panels and they fail, you may find the manufacturer has no legal presence in Australia, leaving you with no way to enforce your warranty under Australian Consumer Law.

2. Solar Inverter

Solar Inverter is the device that converts the DC power of solar panels into AC power, so that all the appliances in your home can run properly and safely. A good inverter ensures that the home appliances run smoothly and the system works for a long time.

Solar inverters are generally available in three main types:

String Inverter: Connects multiple panels together to work as an inverter.
Microinverter: Each panel has a small inverter, so each panel converts power separately.
Hybrid Inverter: Can be used with both off grid + on grid power connection — an advantage especially in systems with batteries.

Choosing a CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved inverter makes it easier to meet government net-metering, rebate and safety standards — so there’s less hassle and the system is more reliable.

Popular CEC-Approved Solar Inverters (brand names):

Sungrow Inverters – Popular and highly efficient String / Hybrid inverters.
Fronius (Primo / Symo Gen24 Series) – Long-lasting performance and good service network.
Enphase IQ Series (Micro-Inverters) – Individually controlled power for each panel.
Growatt Residential Inverters – Smart and CEC-approved for home systems.
Hypontech HPS 7-9kW Inverter – CEC-Approved Grid-tied inverter.
Solplanet Inverters – CEC-listed brand (single-phase and three-phase options).

There are also other good quality CEC‑Approved inverters like GoodWe, Huawei, SOFAR, etc., but it is important to check the model name from the CEC‑Approved List to be sure.

3. Racking / Mounting

Racking is the part that holds the solar panels firmly to the roof. Budget racking is sufficient for the average home, while premium racking is more durable. Choosing the racking according to the type of roof will keep the panels safe and maximize the light.

Popular CEC-Approved racking brands: Schletter, K2 Systems, Mounting Systems, Sunmodo, EcoFasten.
Why CEC-Approved racking: Ensures safety, durability, and long-term performance of the solar system.

4. Consumption Monitoring

A Consumption Monitor is a small device that shows how much electricity a home is using. It indicates when sunlight is most effective.

Production: how much energy is being produced
Consumption: how much energy is being used

Understanding these makes it easier to reduce electricity costs and save money.

Popular CEC-Approved monitoring devices: Smappee, SolarEdge Monitoring, Enphase Envoy, Fronius Smart Meter.
Why CEC‑Approved Monitors: Ensure accurate data, safe measurements, and system performance.

How important is a good solar installation?

A good solar product is not enough, it is very important to have a good installer to make it work properly. If the installation is not done properly, then even a good product will not work properly, and there may be power problems in the house.

Some easy ways to recognize a good installer:

Installs the panels in the right address, keeps everything safe.
Explains all the details in simple and clear language.
You can tell who is competent by looking at the style of work, conversation and explanations.

When checking reviews, you should read not only the good things, but also the bad things, because the real truth is hidden there.

Eco Aspire Energy is one of the best solar installers in Victoria. If you live in Victoria, you can get free quotes. With a good installer, your solar product will work safely and effectively for a long time.

The key to determining the direction and angle of the roof

If the direction and slope of the roof are correct, sunlight comes in well, and the solar system works easily.

Panel direction

The orientation of solar panels is very important for power generation.

North-facing panels: Receive direct sunlight most of the day, resulting in the highest power generation.
East-facing panels: Receive light in the morning, providing useful power for use at the beginning of the day.
West-facing panels: Receive more light in the afternoon, helping to meet power needs when people return home.
South-facing panels: Receive less sunlight, but it is possible to produce a small amount of power.

Tip: If possible, install the panels facing north to generate the most power.

Panel angle

Maintaining the correct angle (tilt and inclination) of the solar panel is very important to increase energy production, because the path of the sun varies from city to city and the position of the light also changes accordingly.

Installing at the right angle absorbs maximum sunlight and increases production.

Latitude-based angle: Generally, tilting the panel at an angle equal to the latitude of the house location gives good results all year round.

Seasonal adjustment:

Summer: Latitude − 15° — The sun is high, so it receives more light at a lower angle.
Winter: Latitude + 15° — The sun is low, so it receives more light at a higher angle.
Fixed angle: The latitude angle is the most balanced for permanent installation for the year.
Flat roofs: A slight tilt allows for better light distribution and less dirt/dust accumulation.
Push-latitude ~23.7°, maximum permanent tilt of solar panels ~20–21°.
If adjusted according to the season: Summer ~1–2°, Winter ~40–45°.

Adjusting the angle of the panels in this way will increase energy production and make your solar system more effective.

Panel position

Portrait means installing the panels vertically, which is easier and less expensive.

Landscape means installing the panels horizontally, which sometimes helps to install more panels on the roof.

Using all this information, you will understand how to install solar panels correctly and get the most out of electricity at home.

Learn More: Best Solar Panel Orientation for Melbourne: Maximize Solar Energy Production

How many solar panels do you need for your home?

When buying solar panels, you first need to consider how much electricity your home needs and how much demand is likely to increase in the future. This solar buying guide will help you easily understand how to choose the right number of panels. First, you need to know how many kilowatts (kW) of system power your home needs based on its current electricity usage. It is best to get a larger system with future needs in mind, especially if you plan to add an electric car or battery in the future.

Why a larger system is better: Installing more panels will allow your home to use all of its solar power in the future and reduce solar system costs.
Upgrading an old system: If you have old panels, it is a good idea to upgrade them with new high-efficiency panels, as this increases energy production.

The larger the system you can afford to install and carry, the more profitable it will be in the future, as the cost of expanding the system will be much higher later.

Solar Rebate (SRES)

In Victoria, ACT and NSW, residents can take advantage of some key solar rebates and programs that help reduce system costs and increase energy efficiency. The national Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) program offers upfront discounts on eligible solar panels through STCs. The value of the STCs will gradually decrease from 1 January each year and the program will end in 2031. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program initially offers a discount of around 30% on eligible home batteries, but from 1 May 2026 the rebate will gradually decrease and will be split according to battery size. The Community Solar Banks Program supports shared solar and clean energy installations, particularly in apartment or multi-unit dwellings.

If you live in Melbourne, Victoria, contact professional installers in Victoria Eco Aspire Energy for free quotes, safe installations and the right rebates.

Solar System Price Range (2026)

The cost of a solar system in Australia in 2026 depends on the size and product. In general, a 6.6 kW system can cost around $4,200–$7,700, while a 20 kW system can cost around $16,700–$21,700. Larger or premium systems are more expensive because they use higher-quality panels and inverters, while budget systems are relatively cheaper but offer fewer benefits.

If the system is used with a microinverter or power optimizer, the cost can increase by about 20%. And adding batteries almost doubles the cost, but it increases energy security and reduces grid costs. With this guide, you can easily reduce costs by choosing the right size and budget system, so that you get the most energy benefits for your home.

Savings and payback calculation

How much money a solar system will save depends on the self-consumption solar ratio, i.e. how much of the energy generated by the panels is used in the home. In addition, the feed-in tariff is how much you get if you send excess energy to the grid, and the grid electricity cost is how much you spend per kilowatt. Payback times vary by city. For example, a 6.6 kW system in Adelaide pays for itself in about 5 years

Some tips to increase savings:

Use more of the energy generated by your panels, i.e. run appliances during the day.
Run appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, pool pumps, etc. during sunlight.
Realistically, do not expect 100% self-consumption, calculate around 20%–50%.

With proper planning and use, it is possible to get the maximum savings from a solar system.

Batteries – Do You Need One?

With a battery, your home can get 24/7 power and requires less electricity from the grid. Although a solar system without a battery is effective, the savings are somewhat lower. This solar buying guide shows you the benefits of batteries and how to use them.

Benefits of batteries

Batteries store electricity so that the home can run at night or during grid problems. This provides energy security and allows you to save even if electricity prices increase in the future.

Backup power issues

Batteries can be used to run emergency appliances during blackouts or grid problems. However, some battery systems do not provide proper backup, so it is important to be sure before buying.

Battery rebates

The federal government offers a rebate of about $330 per usable kWh for batteries, which reduces costs and makes the investment easier.

Solar without a battery

Solar panels offer good savings even if you have them. Appliances should be run during the day so that self-consumption solar is higher.

VPP (Virtual Power Plant)

VPP controls the battery, which can provide cheaper battery or bill credit, but the battery may be empty at night.

Amber and Wholesale Pricing

Advanced users can reduce battery costs by using wholesale electricity prices. However, it is not always possible to fully predict this.

Batteries have many advantages, but solar systems offer better savings even if they only have panels. Make a decision according to your needs and budget.

How to pay for your solar system

When buying a solar system, the first thing to think about is how to pay, because it is a large investment.

Cash Payment

When buying in cash, all costs are paid at once and no interest is paid. This is the easiest and saves more in the long run.

Loan / Finance Options

You can take a loan from an installer or bank, but there may be interest. This is convenient if you do not have a large amount of money.

“No Interest” Finance Pitfalls

Some installers offer “no interest” financing, but these come with hidden fees that can add 15–25% to the original price.

Government Loans in Victoria

In Victoria, the government offers interest-free loans of up to $1,400, which can reduce costs and make it easier to buy a system.

Cash is best, and if you take out a loan, make the decision carefully. Proper planning increases savings.

Remote Inverter Shutdown and Solar Sun Tax

Remote inverter shutdown means that sometimes the power grid can shut down your solar system. This is done to keep the grid safe and prevent overload. However, it only happens a few times a year, so the financial impact is minimal. The solar “sun tax” is an additional charge that the electricity company can impose if you send excess electricity to the grid. It is not mandatory, it is optional on all electricity plans. You can also waive the charge if you want. The impact of remote shutdowns or sun tax is minimal, and you can take advantage if you plan properly.

CTA: If you want to get a solar system, first decide how many kW of system you need and what your budget is. This solar buying guide shows you how to make a decision that will reduce your home’s electricity bill in the future. You can ask for a quote from an installer or get three pre-verified quotes from a trusted site like Eco Aspire Energy.

Get A Solar Now / Go Solar and Save Now

Solar power is now the easiest and most cost-effective way to generate electricity at home. This solar buying guide shows you how to reduce costs and increase savings by choosing the right panels, inverters, racking and consumption monitors. Having a battery provides backup and increases energy security. Roof orientation, panel angle and self-generated electricity speed up the payback time. Government rebates and financing options help reduce costs. Choosing a trusted installer ensures security. Once you make the right decision, your future electricity bills will be lower and you’ll be able to use greener energy.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the author makes no guarantees regarding completeness or correctness. Please consult a qualified battery and solar installer to ensure that the information is current, accurate, and compliant with applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.]