Solar Panels in Cairns
QLD · STC Zone 2 · 5.2 sun hrs/day
A 6.6 kW solar system in Cairns produces around 10,648 kWh/yr, costs about $5,900 after the STC rebate, and pays back in roughly 3.3 years. Compare quotes from accredited local installers.
Solar in Cairns, QLD
Cairns (4870) sits in STC Zone 2 and averages 5.2 peak sun hours per day. Rooftop solar is connected via Ergon Energy Network and exports earn a feed-in tariff around 8 c/kWh. For a typical 6.6 kW install, that works out to ~10,648 kWh/yr of generation and roughly $1,784 in combined bill offset and export credits each year.
| Location | Cairns, QLD (4870) |
|---|---|
| Distributor (DNSP) | Ergon Energy Network |
| STC rebate zone | Zone 2 |
| Avg peak sun hours | 5.2 hours/day |
| Typical 6.6 kW output | ~10,648 kWh/yr |
| Installed cost (6.6 kW) | ~$5,900 after STC rebate |
| Federal STC rebate | ~$2,930 off install |
| Typical feed-in tariff | 5–12 c/kWh (≈ 8 c/kWh used) |
| Est. annual savings | ~$1,784/yr |
| Payback period | ~3.3 years |
Solar system sizes & prices for Cairns
Output and savings are estimated using Cairns's 5.2 peak sun hours/day and 8 c/kWh feed-in tariff.
| System | Annual output | Installed (post-STC) | Est. annual savings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | 10,648 kWh | ~$5,900 | $1,784/yr | Most popular AU system size — matches the 5 kW inverter rule and maximises STC rebate. |
| 10 kW | 16,133 kWh | ~$9,200 | $2,702/yr | For larger households (4–6 people) or homes with batteries planned. |
| 13.2 kW | 21,296 kWh | ~$11,800 | $3,567/yr | Large-roof / EV charging households. May need DNSP approval to export full output. |
Solar rebates for Cairns households
Federal STC rebate
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are issued under the federal Renewable Energy Target. QLD sits in Zone 2, worth about $2,930 off a 6.6 kW install. Your installer claims it on your behalf as a point-of-sale discount.
QLD state programs
Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (30% off battery install). Battery Booster grants closed in 2024 — solar PV is unsubsidised at state level but STC rebate is highest here.
Solar battery storage in Cairns
With grid power at ~33 c/kWh and Cairns's feed-in tariff around 8 c/kWh, every kWh you store instead of export is worth an extra 25.0 c. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 2025) takes approximately 30% off battery installation costs, dramatically improving payback for QLD households.
Solar in Cairns — common questions
How much does solar cost in Cairns?
A standard 6.6 kW solar system in Cairns typically costs around $5,900 installed, after the federal STC rebate of approximately $2,930 (QLD is in STC Zone 2). A 10 kW system runs about $9,200. Final price depends on roof complexity, inverter brand and panel quality.
How much energy will solar generate in Cairns?
Cairns averages around 5.2 peak sun hours per day, so a 6.6 kW system will produce roughly 10,648 kWh per year after performance losses. A 10 kW system produces around 16,133 kWh/yr.
What's the payback period for solar in Cairns?
For a typical Cairns household, a 6.6 kW system pays itself back in around 3.3 years — based on $5,900 installed, ~$1,784/yr in combined bill savings and feed-in credits, and a feed-in tariff of ~8 c/kWh on the Ergon Energy Network network.
What rebates apply to solar in QLD?
Cairns households can claim the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate, worth approximately $2,930 on a 6.6 kW install in Zone 2. Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (30% off battery install). Battery Booster grants closed in 2024 — solar PV is unsubsidised at state level but STC rebate is highest here.
Who is the distributor for solar connections in Cairns?
Solar installations in Cairns connect to the grid via Ergon Energy Network. Your installer lodges the connection application and notifies the distributor of the export limit — no separate paperwork required from you.
Is a solar battery worth adding in Cairns?
With Cairns's feed-in tariff sitting around 8 c/kWh and grid power at ~33 c/kWh, storing solar instead of exporting it now pays back faster than it did when FiTs were higher. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 2025) takes ~30% off battery install cost, dramatically improving battery payback in QLD.
Also compare energy plans in Cairns.
Indicative figures. Updated .