Solar and Battery System Payback Period Australia
- Mark Long
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
What’s the Real Payback Period for a Solar + Battery System in Australia?
If you're a homeowner in Northern NSW or the Gold Coast, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“How long will it take for a solar and battery system to pay for itself?”
It’s a smart question — and one we help clients answer every day. In this blog, we break down how the payback period works, what factors affect it, and how to maximise your return using current rebates and smart system design.
What Is a Solar + Battery Payback Period?
The payback period is the time it takes for your savings on electricity bills to cover the cost of your system. After this point, your system is essentially generating free energy — month after month.
In Australia, a typical solar-only system (6.6kW) pays for itself in 4–5 years.Add a battery, and you're usually looking at a 5–7 year payback, depending on your usage, rebates, and system design.
Snapshot: Estimated Payback Periods
Figures include average federal STC rebates and battery subsidies under the 2025 “Cheaper Batteries” program.
System Type | Out-of-Pocket Cost | Estimated Annual Savings | Payback Period |
6.6kW Solar Only | ~$5,100 | ~$1,200 | 4–5 years |
6.6kW + 5kWh Battery | ~$9,450 | ~$1,600 | 5–6 years |
6.6kW + 10kWh Battery | ~$11,300 | ~$2,000 | 5–7 years |
What Affects Your Payback Time?
Several factors will influence your actual ROI:
System Size & Quality – Cheap panels cost less up front, but reliable brands pay back faster.
Your Energy Usage – If you use more power in the evening, a battery brings huge benefits.
Rebate Access – STC rebates and the new battery subsidy can shave thousands off your upfront cost.
Feed-in Tariffs – With feed-in rates dropping, self-consumption via a battery is now more valuable than exporting to the grid.
Want to Know Your Payback Timeline?
You can get a personalised rebate estimate using the Clean Energy Regulator’s STC Calculator here:👉 Calculate Your Solar Rebate
Not sure what to enter? We’ll handle it for you.
Work With a Local Solar Partner Who Gets It. At Proactive Electrical & Solar, we specialise in smart solar + battery systems for homes and businesses across the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. We don’t just install panels, we design for performance, tailor the right-sized battery, and help you claim every available rebate.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
We’ll show you exactly what your payback period looks like — no guesswork, no pressure.
Serving Gold Coast, Tweed Coast, and Northern Rivers
