A 13kW solar system costs about A$11,000 to A$16,000 fully installed in Australia, according to SolarQuotes in October 2026, and a 13.2 kW system installed in 2026 earns 91 small-scale technology certificates (STCs) in most capitals, worth about A$3,630. It needs 27 to 30 panels, 54 to 63 square metres of roof, and produces roughly 43 to 66 kWh a day depending on the city.
This is independent desk research. Solar Cobber did not request quotes, and no installer paid to be mentioned.
Key facts
- SolarQuotes, on a page updated 12 October 2026, puts the typical fully installed cost of a 13 kW solar system in Australia at A$11,000 to A$16,000.
- A 13.2 kW solar system installed in 2026 in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or Canberra earns 91 STCs, worth about A$3,626 to A$3,640 at A$39.85 to A$40 a certificate (Solar Cobber calculation from Clean Energy Regulator inputs).
- The same 13.2 kW solar system earns 72 STCs if installed from 1 January 2027, because the Clean Energy Regulator’s deeming period falls from 5 years to 4.
- At Solar Choice’s 2026 national average of A$0.88 to A$0.95 per watt installed, a 13.2 kW solar system works out at A$11,616 to A$12,540 (Solar Cobber calculation, not a published price).
- Most Australian single phase homes can connect a 10 kW inverter, and under the 133 per cent panel-to-inverter rule that supports up to 13.3 kW of panels, so a 13.2 kW array can run on a 10 kW single phase inverter.
- A 13.2 kW solar system averages about 50 kWh a day in zone 3 cities (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra) using Clean Energy Regulator zone ratings, and 43 kWh a day in Melbourne and Hobart.
How much does a 13kW solar system cost?
A 13kW solar system costs A$11,000 to A$16,000 fully installed, which is about A$0.85 to A$1.23 per watt. The table shows what SolarQuotes says buyers reported paying across sizes (page updated 12 October 2026, checked 14 November 2026). SolarQuotes does not state whether the table is before or after the STC discount, so treat it as a guide to what appears on quotes rather than a final out-of-pocket figure.
| System size | Typical fully installed cost (SolarQuotes) | Per watt, low | Per watt, high |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | A$3,500 to A$5,500 | A$1.17 | A$1.83 |
| 5 kW | A$5,000 to A$7,500 | A$1.00 | A$1.50 |
| 6.6 kW | A$6,000 to A$9,000 | A$0.91 | A$1.36 |
| 8 kW | A$7,500 to A$11,000 | A$0.94 | A$1.38 |
| 10 kW | about A$9,000 to A$12,000 | A$0.90 | A$1.20 |
| 13 kW | A$11,000 to A$16,000 | A$0.85 | A$1.23 |
The chart shows the same ranges: each step up in size adds money, but the low end of the range per watt keeps falling.
- Low end
- High end
Source: SolarQuotes, solar panel cost page updated 12 October 2026, checked 14 November 2026.
View the data as a table
| Low end | High end | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | A$3,500 | A$5,500 |
| 5 kW | A$5,000 | A$7,500 |
| 6.6 kW | A$6,000 | A$9,000 |
| 8 kW | A$7,500 | A$11,000 |
| 10 kW | A$9,000 | A$12,000 |
| 13 kW | A$11,000 | A$16,000 |
A 13 kW system has the widest gap between low and high of any size, A$5,000, so the quote you get depends heavily on panel brand, inverter and roof.
Solar Choice price per watt, and why 13kW has no published index
Solar Choice does not publish a 13 kW or 13.2 kW column. Its Price Index for November 2026 (data dated 1 November 2026) covers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 kW, and states fully installed averages that include the STC discount and GST. The 10 kW national average is A$9,830, or A$0.98 a watt, and Solar Choice’s own FAQ puts the 2026 national average at A$0.88 to A$0.95 per watt installed.
| System size | Solar Choice national average, standard offers | Price per watt (Solar Cobber calculation) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | A$4,120 | A$1.37 |
| 4 kW | A$4,880 | A$1.22 |
| 5 kW | A$5,560 | A$1.11 |
| 6 kW | A$6,350 | A$1.06 |
| 7 kW | A$7,080 | A$1.01 |
| 10 kW | A$9,830 | A$0.98 |
Applying Solar Choice’s A$0.88 to A$0.95 per watt range to a 13.2 kW system gives A$11,616 to A$12,540. That is Solar Cobber’s calculation from published averages, not a quoted price, and it sits near the bottom of SolarQuotes’ range. Expect to pay more for premium panels or a hybrid inverter.
13kW solar system price by city
Where you live moves the price more than the panel count does. Solar Choice’s 10 kW averages, the largest size it publishes, show Perth cheapest at A$0.84 a watt and Darwin dearest at A$1.49.
View the data as a table
| Price per watt | |
|---|---|
| Darwin | A$1.49 |
| Hobart | A$1.11 |
| Brisbane | A$0.94 |
| Melbourne | A$0.89 |
| Sydney | A$0.88 |
| Adelaide | A$0.86 |
| Canberra | A$0.86 |
| Perth | A$0.84 |
Darwin costs about 78 per cent more per watt than Perth at 10 kW. If the same gap carries over to 13.2 kW, a Perth buyer is at the bottom of the national range and a Darwin buyer is at or above the top. Solar Choice does not publish the 13 kW city figures, so we do not estimate them.
What changes the price of a 13kW system?
Panel tier, inverter type and site difficulty drive the price. Solar Choice’s November 2026 index puts premium offers 20 to 30 per cent above standard ones. Hardware prices on the same page (panels only, not installed) range from A$0.21 to A$0.23 a watt for Seraphim 440 W panels to A$0.63 to A$0.70 a watt for REC 400 to 410 W panels.
For a 13 kW system, the factors that matter most are:
- Three phase or single phase. Three phase inverters cost more than single phase ones, and a three phase supply upgrade adds more if the home does not have it.
- Hybrid inverter. A battery-ready hybrid inverter adds to the bill now but saves swapping the inverter later. See what is a hybrid inverter.
- Roof. Tiles, two storeys and several roof faces add labour; 27 to 30 panels often means more than one face.
- Switchboard and metering. An old switchboard may need upgrading.
- Location. Darwin and Hobart sit well above the mainland capitals.
How the STC discount applies to a 13.2kW system
A 13.2 kW solar system installed in 2026 earns 78 to 107 STCs depending on the postcode zone, worth about A$3,100 to A$4,300. An STC is a tradable certificate created under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, and you assign it to your installer in return for an upfront discount.
The Clean Energy Regulator’s inputs are system size, location and installation date, and the formula is system size in kW, multiplied by the zone rating, multiplied by the deeming period in years, rounded down as in our other guides. The deeming period is 5 years for 2026 and 4 for 2027 (Clean Energy Regulator page updated 29 October 2026). The zone ratings are 1.622 (zone 1), 1.536 (zone 2), 1.382 (zone 3) and 1.185 (zone 4), from the regulator’s postcode zone ratings document. Zones are by postcode, so check yours in the STC calculator guide.
| Capital city | Zone and rating | Working for 2026 (13.2 kW x rating x 5) | STCs 2026 | STCs 2027 (x 4) | Value of 2026 STCs at A$39.85 to A$40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 1 (1.622) | 107.05 | 107 | 85 | A$4,264 to A$4,280 |
| Darwin | 2 (1.536) | 101.38 | 101 | 81 | A$4,025 to A$4,040 |
| Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra | 3 (1.382) | 91.21 | 91 | 72 | A$3,626 to A$3,640 |
| Melbourne, Hobart | 4 (1.185) | 78.21 | 78 | 62 | A$3,108 to A$3,120 |
The certificate price is the Clean Energy Regulator’s clearing house price of A$40 excluding GST, and trading at A$39.85 to A$39.90 through October 2026 according to Demand Manager’s October 2026 certificate report. We did not find a November spot price on a page we could read.
- Installed in 2026
- Installed from 1 Jan 2027
View the data as a table
| Installed in 2026 | Installed from 1 Jan 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs (zone 1) | 107 | 85 |
| Darwin (zone 2) | 101 | 81 |
| Sydney or Perth (zone 3) | 91 | 72 |
| Melbourne or Hobart (zone 4) | 78 | 62 |
Waiting until January 2027 costs a zone 3 buyer 19 certificates, about A$760 at A$40. Our STC rebate explainer covers eligibility. The STC count is shown for illustration: confirm yours with the Clean Energy Regulator’s calculator or your installer, because the regulator’s page does not print the rounding rule.
How many panels and how much roof does a 13kW system need?
A 13kW solar system uses 27 to 30 panels and needs about 54 to 63 square metres of roof. The count depends on panel wattage, and the area is panel length times width from each manufacturer’s datasheet (read 14 November 2026), before gaps and setbacks.
| Panel option | Panels for about 13.2 kW | Array size | Panel area | Roof area, panels only | Panel weight total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jinko Tiger Neo 440 W (1722 x 1134 mm, 22 kg) | 30 | 13.20 kW | 1.95 m2 | 58.6 m2 | 660 kg |
| Trina Vertex S+ 470 W (1762 x 1134 mm, 21.0 kg) | 28 | 13.16 kW | 2.00 m2 | 55.9 m2 | 588 kg |
| Aiko Neostar 2P 485 W (1757 x 1134 mm, 20.6 kg) | 27 | 13.10 kW | 1.99 m2 | 53.8 m2 | 556 kg |
| REC Alpha Pure-RX 440 W (1728 x 1205 mm, 22.7 kg) | 30 | 13.20 kW | 2.08 m2 | 62.5 m2 | 681 kg |
Panel counts, array sizes, areas and weights are Solar Cobber calculations from the datasheets. The Jinko sheet is an older generation and its copy is hosted by SolarQuotes, so check the current model with your installer. Our panel size guide and how many panels do I need cover the layout side. A bigger system on a small roof may call for higher efficiency panels, which cost more per watt.
How much power does a 13kW solar system produce?
A 13.2 kW solar system produces roughly 43 to 66 kWh a day on annual average, with the best sites in Alice Springs and Darwin and the lowest in Hobart and Melbourne. The chart compares two published bases: Clean Energy Council guide figures from its 2011 consumer guide, multiplied by 13.2, and our working from the Clean Energy Regulator’s zone ratings.
- Clean Energy Council guide (2011 edition)
- Clean Energy Regulator zone rating
Source: Clean Energy Council, Consumer guide to buying household solar panels, Volume 14, 26 August 2011 (page 4); Clean Energy Regulator postcode zone ratings (as of 1 January 2020); checked 14 November 2026. Solar Cobber calculation. The Clean Energy Council figures are a 2011 design-guideline table, not recent measurements.
View the data as a table
| Clean Energy Council guide (2011 edition) | Clean Energy Regulator zone rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 66.0 kWh | 58.7 kWh |
| Darwin | 58.1 kWh | 55.5 kWh |
| Perth | 58.1 kWh | 50.0 kWh |
| Canberra | 56.8 kWh | 50.0 kWh |
| Brisbane | 55.4 kWh | 50.0 kWh |
| Adelaide | 55.4 kWh | 50.0 kWh |
| Sydney | 51.5 kWh | 50.0 kWh |
| Melbourne | 47.5 kWh | 42.9 kWh |
| Hobart | 46.2 kWh | 42.9 kWh |
Clean Energy Council figures, which are design-guideline numbers from 2011, run higher than the Clean Energy Regulator’s deliberately conservative zone ratings in every city. Real output varies with panel angle, shading, dust and temperature. In a typical zone 3 city a 13.2 kW system works out at about 18,200 kWh a year on the regulator’s basis.
| City | CEC guide 2011, per 1 kW per day | 13.2 kW per day (CEC) | 13.2 kW per day (CER zone) | 13.2 kW per year (CER zone) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs | 5.0 kWh | 66.0 kWh | 58.7 kWh | 21,410 kWh |
| Darwin | 4.4 kWh | 58.1 kWh | 55.5 kWh | 20,275 kWh |
| Perth | 4.4 kWh | 58.1 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 18,242 kWh |
| Canberra | 4.3 kWh | 56.8 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 18,242 kWh |
| Brisbane | 4.2 kWh | 55.4 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 18,242 kWh |
| Adelaide | 4.2 kWh | 55.4 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 18,242 kWh |
| Sydney | 3.9 kWh | 51.5 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 18,242 kWh |
| Melbourne | 3.6 kWh | 47.5 kWh | 42.9 kWh | 15,642 kWh |
| Hobart | 3.5 kWh | 46.2 kWh | 42.9 kWh | 15,642 kWh |
Summer versus winter
Annual averages hide a big seasonal swing. Bureau of Meteorology data (mean daily solar exposure, 1990 to 2026 at each station, converted from MJ per square metre at 3.6 MJ per kWh) shows Hobart receiving 6.42 kWh per square metre a day in January but 1.33 in June, so a Hobart roof delivers about one fifth as much sunlight in June as in January.
- Perth
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Hobart
Source: Bureau of Meteorology, climate statistics tables for Perth Metro (009225), Sydney Airport (066037), Melbourne Airport (086282) and Hobart Airport West (094008), checked 14 November 2026. Solar Cobber calculation: MJ per square metre divided by 3.6.
View the data as a table
| Perth | Sydney | Melbourne | Hobart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8.08 kWh | 6.33 kWh | 6.67 kWh | 6.42 kWh |
| Feb | 7.14 kWh | 5.58 kWh | 5.78 kWh | 5.39 kWh |
| Mar | 5.72 kWh | 4.67 kWh | 4.50 kWh | 4.03 kWh |
| Apr | 4.22 kWh | 3.78 kWh | 3.14 kWh | 2.64 kWh |
| May | 3.17 kWh | 2.89 kWh | 2.17 kWh | 1.72 kWh |
| Jun | 2.64 kWh | 2.42 kWh | 1.78 kWh | 1.33 kWh |
| Jul | 2.83 kWh | 2.75 kWh | 2.00 kWh | 1.58 kWh |
| Aug | 3.64 kWh | 3.61 kWh | 2.81 kWh | 2.36 kWh |
| Sep | 4.78 kWh | 4.69 kWh | 3.78 kWh | 3.53 kWh |
| Oct | 6.31 kWh | 5.58 kWh | 4.94 kWh | 4.78 kWh |
| Nov | 7.44 kWh | 6.06 kWh | 5.86 kWh | 5.75 kWh |
| Dec | 8.31 kWh | 6.53 kWh | 6.61 kWh | 6.53 kWh |
Winter output of a 13.2 kW system is a fraction of summer output, most sharply in Hobart and Melbourne, so a larger system matters most for households that need power in winter.
Can you install a 13kW solar system on single phase power?
Yes, in most networks: a 10 kW single phase inverter can carry up to 13.3 kW of panels. The Clean Energy Council design guidelines limit panel capacity to one third above inverter capacity, as our sizing guide explains, and exceeding that rule puts the system outside the STC discount. A 13.2 kW array on a 10 kW inverter is 132 per cent, which is inside the limit. A 13.5 kW array (30 panels at 450 W) is not.
The harder limit is what the network will let you export. Residential limits below come from the table in our single vs three phase guide, built from SolarQuotes’ grid connection pages (August 2026), the networks’ own documents and re-checked 13 November 2026. An export limit is the maximum power your system may send to the grid at one moment, and limits vary by street.
| Network | Area | Single phase export | Three phase export |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ausgrid | Sydney north, Central Coast, Hunter | Flexible up to 10 kW; fixed option 3 kW | Flexible up to 30 kW |
| Energex | South east Queensland | 5 kW fixed | 15 kW fixed |
| Victorian networks | Victoria | 5 kW | 15 kW |
| SA Power Networks | South Australia | Flexible to 10 kW, fixed option 1.5 kW | Flexible to 30 kW |
| Western Power | South west WA | 5 kW maximum on large urban networks | 5 kW net across all phases |
| Power and Water | Northern Territory | 5 kW | 7 kW |
A 5 kW export limit on a 13.2 kW system does not waste most of the output, because the house uses power before anything is exported, and the inverter simply holds back at midday peaks. It does mean the extra panels earn little if the house is empty during the day.
Three phase supports a larger inverter and a higher export limit in most networks: Victoria, Queensland and the ACT allow 15 kW. See our guides to single vs three phase power and sun tax and solar export charges.
Is a 13kW solar system worth it? A worked payback example
A 13.2 kW solar system pays for itself in about 3.6 to 6.4 years in a zone 3 city for a household that uses a lot of daytime power, but the 3.2 kW above 10 kW takes about 16 to 17 years to pay back if its output is all exported. This is a Solar Cobber calculation.
Assumptions: 13.2 kW in a zone 3 city, giving 18,242 kWh a year on the Clean Energy Regulator basis; installed price A$12,000 (rounded from the A$11,616 to A$12,540 working above); usage rate 33 c/kWh and feed-in tariff 4 c/kWh, the same assumptions as our 10 kW guide, which cite the Australian Energy Regulator’s 2026-27 Default Market Offer and IPART’s benchmark; no export clipping. Check current rates in our feed-in tariff tracker.
| Scenario | Daily use from solar | Used at home (kWh a year) | Exported (kWh a year) | Annual benefit | Simple payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low daytime use | 11 kWh | 4,000 | 14,242 | A$1,890 | 6.4 years |
| Typical family | 18 kWh | 6,500 | 11,742 | A$2,615 | 4.6 years |
| High use (EV, pool, work from home) | 25 kWh | 9,000 | 9,242 | A$3,340 | 3.6 years |
| Extra 3.2 kW above 10 kW, all exported (A$2,816 to A$3,040) | 0 kWh | 0 | 4,422 | A$177 | 15.9 to 17.2 years |
The last row is where 13 kW does not pay: the extra panels cost about A$2,800 to A$3,000 and earn only export credits. If the same 4,422 kWh were used at home at 33 c/kWh they would be worth about A$1,460 a year and repay in about 2 years, which is why a 13 kW system suits homes with a big daytime load or a battery.
How much is a 13kW solar system with a battery?
A 13.2 kW solar system with a 20 kWh battery is an estimated A$24,800 to A$31,200 installed after both federal discounts, according to our solar and battery package prices guide, which applies SolarQuotes’ solar ranges and Solar Choice’s battery index. Solar Choice’s November 2026 Battery Price Index (updated 6 November 2026) puts the average installed price of a 10 kWh battery at A$7,384 and a 20 kWh battery at A$14,172 after the federal rebate, including installation and GST.
Adding the 13.2 kW solar working to a 10 kWh battery gives about A$19,000 to A$20,000, but mixes two sources with different bases, so use it as a rough guide only. For battery sizing and how the federal discount steps down on 1 January 2027, see what size solar battery do I need, how much a solar battery costs and the package guide.
What to check on your 13kW solar quote
A sound 13 kW quote states the exact panel count and wattage, the inverter model and size, and the approved export limit. Check:
- Total array size in kW, and that it stays within 133 per cent of the inverter size.
- Inverter model, kW rating and phase, and whether it is battery-ready.
- The network’s approved export limit, fixed or flexible, in writing.
- The number of STCs and the price per certificate credited.
- Panel brand, model and datasheet, and the roof area they need.
- The retailer’s listing on the Clean Energy Council approved retailer list (New Energy Tech Consumer Code) and the installer’s on the Solar Accreditation Australia register. Check both yourself, as Solar Cobber does not verify accreditation.
Compare at least three written quotes using how to compare solar quotes, remember that a high star rating alone separates few installers (the five-star problem), and browse our installer directory. For smaller and larger sizes, see the 5kW, 6.6kW, 10kW and 20kW guides.
FAQ
How much does a 13kW solar system cost in Australia?
A 13kW solar system costs about A$11,000 to A$16,000 fully installed in Australia, according to SolarQuotes (page updated 12 October 2026). Applying Solar Choice’s 2026 national average of A$0.88 to A$0.95 per watt to 13.2 kW gives A$11,616 to A$12,540, which is a Solar Cobber calculation rather than a published price.
How many panels are in a 13kW solar system?
A 13kW solar system has 27 to 30 panels, for example 30 panels at 440 W (13.2 kW) or 28 panels at 470 W (13.16 kW). It needs about 54 to 63 square metres of roof for the panels alone.
How much power does a 13kW solar system produce per day?
A 13.2 kW solar system produces roughly 43 to 66 kWh a day on annual average, depending on the city. On the Clean Energy Regulator’s zone ratings it is about 50 kWh a day in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, and 43 kWh in Melbourne and Hobart.
Can I install a 13kW solar system on single phase power?
Yes, in most networks you can install a 13.2 kW array on a single phase home using a 10 kW inverter, because panel capacity may exceed inverter capacity by one third. Essential Energy, Western Power and Power and Water apply tighter limits, so confirm with your network.
What is the export limit for a 13kW solar system?
The export limit is set by your network, not the system size, and is 5 kW for single phase homes in Queensland (Energex), Victoria and the Northern Territory, and up to 10 kW flexible in Ausgrid and SA Power Networks areas, as at the November 2026 checks in our single vs three phase guide. Three phase homes can usually export more, up to 15 kW fixed in Victoria and Queensland.
What is a 13.2kW solar system?
A 13.2 kW solar system is a system with 13.2 kW of panels, typically 30 panels at 440 W each. It is a common quoted size because it is twice 6.6 kW and fits inside the 133 per cent limit on a 10 kW inverter.
How many STCs does a 13kW solar system get?
A 13.2 kW solar system installed in 2026 earns 91 STCs in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, 78 in Melbourne and Hobart, 101 in Darwin and 107 in Alice Springs. From 1 January 2027 the count falls to 72, 62, 81 and 85 respectively.
Is a 13kW solar system worth it?
A 13kW solar system is worth it for households that use at least about 18 kWh a day in the daytime, charge an electric vehicle or plan a battery. It is poor value if most of the output is exported at around 4 c/kWh, where the panels above 10 kW take about 16 to 17 years to pay back.
Sources
- SolarQuotes: solar panel cost (updated 12 October 2026)
- Solar Choice Price Index: solar power system prices (November 2026)
- Solar Choice Battery Price Index (updated 6 November 2026)
- Clean Energy Regulator: calculate STC entitlements
- Clean Energy Regulator: postcode zone ratings
- Clean Energy Regulator: buy and sell STCs
- Demand Manager: Certificate Report October 2026
- Clean Energy Council: Consumer guide to buying household solar panels, 2011 (copy hosted by Solar Choice)
- Bureau of Meteorology: climate statistics, Sydney Airport
- SolarQuotes grid connection rules by state
- Ausgrid: choosing a solar system
- Jinko Tiger Neo datasheet (SolarQuotes copy), Trina Vertex S+ datasheet, Aiko Neostar 2P datasheet, REC Alpha Pure-RX datasheet
About this guide
Written by the Solar Cobber editorial team from independent desk research, checked in November 2026. Solar Cobber is a free directory that may earn referral or advertising fees from installers. Commercial relationships never affect our content. Prices are published averages and Solar Cobber calculations, not quotes, and nothing here is financial advice. Send corrections via /contact.
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