Solar Panels in Darwin
NT · STC Zone 2 · 5.8 sun hrs/day
A 6.6 kW solar system in Darwin produces around 11,876 kWh/yr, costs about $6,800 after the STC rebate, and pays back in roughly 3.3 years. Compare quotes from accredited local installers.
Solar in Darwin, NT
Darwin (0800) sits in STC Zone 2 and averages 5.8 peak sun hours per day. Rooftop solar is connected via Power and Water Corporation and exports earn a feed-in tariff around 9.13 c/kWh. For a typical 6.6 kW install, that works out to ~11,876 kWh/yr of generation and roughly $2,076 in combined bill offset and export credits each year.
| Location | Darwin, NT (0800) |
|---|---|
| Distributor (DNSP) | Power and Water Corporation |
| STC rebate zone | Zone 2 |
| Avg peak sun hours | 5.8 hours/day |
| Typical 6.6 kW output | ~11,876 kWh/yr |
| Installed cost (6.6 kW) | ~$6,800 after STC rebate |
| Federal STC rebate | ~$2,930 off install |
| Typical feed-in tariff | 9.13 c/kWh (Jacana Energy regulated, 1:1 up to 7 kW export) (≈ 9.13 c/kWh used) |
| Est. annual savings | ~$2,076/yr |
| Payback period | ~3.3 years |
Solar system sizes & prices for Darwin
Output and savings are estimated using Darwin's 5.8 peak sun hours/day and 9.13 c/kWh feed-in tariff.
| System | Annual output | Installed (post-STC) | Est. annual savings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | 11,876 kWh | ~$6,800 | $2,076/yr | Most popular AU system size — matches the 5 kW inverter rule and maximises STC rebate. |
| 10 kW | 17,995 kWh | ~$10,800 | $3,146/yr | For larger households (4–6 people) or homes with batteries planned. |
| 13.2 kW | 23,753 kWh | ~$13,600 | $4,153/yr | Large-roof / EV charging households. May need DNSP approval to export full output. |
Solar rebates for Darwin households
Federal STC rebate
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are issued under the federal Renewable Energy Target. NT 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.
NT state programs
NT Home and Business Battery Scheme (closed 2023). Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the current support — NT also has the highest sun hours in the country.
Solar battery storage in Darwin
With grid power at ~33 c/kWh and Darwin's feed-in tariff around 9.13 c/kWh, every kWh you store instead of export is worth an extra 23.9 c. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 2025) takes approximately 30% off battery installation costs, dramatically improving payback for NT households.
Solar in Darwin — common questions
How much does solar cost in Darwin?
A standard 6.6 kW solar system in Darwin typically costs around $6,800 installed, after the federal STC rebate of approximately $2,930 (NT is in STC Zone 2). A 10 kW system runs about $10,800. Final price depends on roof complexity, inverter brand and panel quality.
How much energy will solar generate in Darwin?
Darwin averages around 5.8 peak sun hours per day, so a 6.6 kW system will produce roughly 11,876 kWh per year after performance losses. A 10 kW system produces around 17,995 kWh/yr.
What's the payback period for solar in Darwin?
For a typical Darwin household, a 6.6 kW system pays itself back in around 3.3 years — based on $6,800 installed, ~$2,076/yr in combined bill savings and feed-in credits, and a feed-in tariff of ~9.13 c/kWh on the Power and Water Corporation network.
What rebates apply to solar in NT?
Darwin households can claim the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate, worth approximately $2,930 on a 6.6 kW install in Zone 2. NT Home and Business Battery Scheme (closed 2023). Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is the current support — NT also has the highest sun hours in the country.
Who is the distributor for solar connections in Darwin?
Solar installations in Darwin connect to the grid via Power and Water Corporation. 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 Darwin?
With Darwin's feed-in tariff sitting around 9.13 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 NT.
Also compare energy plans in Darwin.
Indicative figures. Updated .