How Much Do Solar Panels and Battery Storage Cost Together?

What’s the total cost of solar panels and battery storage combined?  

Rising electricity tariffs and increasingly frequent grid disruptions have many Australians asking,  “How much will a complete solar-plus-battery system actually cost me?” The answer drives your payback period, cash flow, and real-world energy independence. Below, we break down up-to-date price ranges, key cost drivers, current incentives, and practical tips for securing an accurate quote. 

Typical price ranges in 2025 

All figures assume Clean Energy Council (CEC)-approved products, professional installation, and the national STC discount already applied. 

• 6.6 kW solar + 5 kWh battery: about $14,500 – $18,000 
• 6.6 kW solar + 10 kWh battery: $15,200 – $19,000 
• 10 kW solar + 10 kWh battery: $20,000 – $27,000 
• 10 kW solar + 15 kWh battery: $24,000 – $31,000 

Battery prices assume the forthcoming federal rebate of roughly $335 – $372 per usable kWh (about 30 % off the upfront system cost), scheduled to start on 1 July 2025). 

In most installs, the solar hardware, balance-of-system, and labour contribute around 50 – 60 % of the bill; the battery accounts for the rest. Larger packs generally enjoy a lower dollar-per-kWh price. 

What moves the price? 

System capacity (kW & kWh) – More panels harvest more daytime energy, and a larger battery stores more of it for night use. Both lift upfront cost, though per-kWh battery pricing usually falls as capacity climbs. 

Component quality – High-efficiency AIKO ABC panels, premium hybrid inverters from Sungrow, or modular batteries such as Sigenergy’s SigenStor (stackable 5–48 kWh with AI  energy management) cost more but deliver stronger warranties and better long-term yields. 

Installation complexity – A steep terracotta roof, long cable runs, or a detached-garage battery location increase labour and materials. If the battery cannot sit near the switchboard, extra cabling –  and in some garages, protective bollards to reduce vehicle-impact risk – may be required under AS/ NZS 5139.

Inverter configuration – New builds usually specify a single hybrid inverter to handle PV and storage. Retrofitting storage often means adding a separate battery inverter, which costs more but preserves a healthy solar inverter. 

Backup functionality – Whole-home blackout protection demands a beefier inverter and smart load-shedding hardware, adding roughly $1,000 – $2,000. 

Location & market competition – Remote sites face travel and freight costs, whereas city-fringe customers can leverage denser installer competition for sharper pricing. 

Incentives that cut upfront cost 

STCs – Applied at the point of sale, these lower the price of solar arrays by ~$1,800 – $3,000 for a 6.6  kW system. The value tapers annually to 2030. 

Cheaper Home Batteries Program – From 1 July 2025, this federal rebate slices roughly 30 % off the eligible battery system’s upfront cost (about $4,300 – $4,800 on a 13 kWh unit). Batteries must be CEC-listed and VPP-compatible. 

State and territory support (check current terms): 

• Victoria – Interest-free battery loans up to $8,800 
• New South Wales – Battery rebates of $760 – $2,400 
• ACT – Zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for solar-and-storage bundles 
• Western Australia – Residential Battery Scheme offering rebates up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and $3,800 for Horizon Power customers, plus means-tested $10,000 interest-free loans. Both initiatives are set to commence by July 2025. 

Stacking federal and state incentives can shave many thousands off your headline cost. 

How long to pay off? 

With electricity prices above 30 c/kWh in much of Australia, payback periods generally range from 7 – 14 years for a new solar-plus-battery system. Well-matched setups with high self-consumption – especially homes charging an EV or operating under Time-of-Use tariffs – can drop to 5 – 7 years, while a simple battery-only retrofit might fall anywhere between 5 and 12 years,  depending on usage, tariff structure, and incentive access. 

What should a professional quote show? 

• Solar modules – brand, model, efficiency, quantity 
• Battery – usable capacity, chemistry, warranty 
• Inverter(s) – type, power rating, backup capability 
• Mounting & balance-of-system components
• Labour & commissioning by CEC-accredited electricians 
• Switchboard or meter upgrades if needed 
• GST and clear disclosure of all rebates applied 

Insist on compliance with AS/NZS 5033 (PV arrays), AS/NZS 4777 (grid-connected inverters), AS/ NZS 5139 (battery safety), and AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), plus written grid-connection approval from your DNSP. 

Getting an accurate figure for your home 

Online calculators can’t match an on-site assessment. Invite at least three SAA-accredited installers to inspect roof orientation, shading, and switchboard layout, and provide a year of electricity bills so they can model your usage. Query each proposal:

• Why this battery chemistry?
• Why a Sungrow hybrid inverter versus an add-on unit?
• Could a Sigenergy modular battery let me expand later if I buy an EV?

Compare not just the price but warranty depth, brand reputation, and VPP participation options. 

Conclusion 

A combined solar-plus-battery system now starts in the mid-teens and can exceed $ 30k, yet stacked federal and state incentives plus ever-rising power prices mean the net cost – and the payback time  – have never looked better. By sizing your system to your lifestyle, selecting proven brands, and working with CEC-accredited installers who follow all relevant Australian Standards, you’ll slash bills, cut carbon, and gain welcome resilience when the grid goes dark. 

Need tailored quotes? Your Energy Answers can connect you – free of charge – to trusted local experts who’ll design a system that maximises your savings and sustainability goals.