Both solar STCs and battery rebates reduce on 1 January 2027
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Independent. Not owned by an installer or an energy retailer.

Up to $7,000 in solar and battery rebates. One Why Solar Approved installer. One expert call before you sign.

We match you with one installer who has passed all six of our checks. Then a solar expert walks you through your rebate and your quote before you sign: what it should include, what to push back on, whether a battery makes sense. It's the call we never had, and it comes with every match.

What we look for in an installerHow to vet one yourself

60 seconds. Free. The installer never cold-calls you; your expert calls at a time you choose. See how we calculate this

Andy McMaster, founder. Went solar with no independent source to check the quote against. Built Why Solar to be the one he needed. Prefer to read first? Browse our 26 free guides.

Already have a quote? Get it checked before you sign. We review what is included and send you a written summary.

Andy McMaster at his off-grid solar and battery system
Andy McMaster, founder. At the off-grid system that powers his home and this business.
  1. Your rebate in 60 seconds

    Postcode, a few questions, and the federal and state figures for your home. No account, no sales call.

  2. One Why Solar Approved installer

    Not three quotes. One installer who has passed all six of our checks and never cold-calls you.

  3. Your expert call before you sign

    Fifteen minutes with a solar expert on your quote, at a time you choose. Part of every match.

Why we exist

We paid close to $100,000 for solar and got ripped off. So we built the site we needed.

We set out to power our own home with the sun. We did our homework, we trusted the installer who seemed different from the rest, and we paid close to $100,000. We were charged for German batteries and handed cheap knock-offs. The system couldn't get through a normal week, and we spent five years putting it right.

Then we realised our story wasn't rare. Around one in three Australian solar systems is now an orphan, abandoned by the company that installed it.

So we built Why Solar. We don't sell solar. We vet the installers, we match you with one, and we tell you the truth even when it earns us nothing.

Andy McMaster, founder of Why Solar

Andy McMaster, Founder

Your expert call

Before you sign, talk to the expert we never had.

When we went solar we had no one independent to ask, and it cost us dearly. So every Why Solar match includes a 15-minute call with one of our solar experts before you sign anything. Not a sales call. We don't sell solar.

You pick the time. The installer never cold-calls you.

See my rebate

60 seconds, then you pick a time for the call.

On the call

What we go through with you

  • Your rebate, and what the installer has to show for it on the quote
  • Your quote, line by line: panels, inverter, battery, the workmanship warranty
  • What to push back on before you sign
  • Whether a battery makes sense for your home, or not yet

Fifteen minutes. Not a sales call. Part of every match.

The approval

Installers earn the Why Solar approval. They can lose it.

No retainers. No installer owns a piece of Why Solar. That matters, because it means we can drop them.

An installer earns the Why Solar approval by passing six checks before they see a single homeowner. After every match, one of our team calls you to make sure they turned up, quoted what they said they would, and treated you properly. Installers who don't measure up are removed from the network. Some already have been.

See my rebate
“We hold installers responsible for what they promise. If they won't be, they don't get our homeowners.”
Andy McMaster, Founder
The Why Solar Approved standard

Six checks. Every installer. No exceptions.

A warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Before an installer earns Why Solar approval, they pass every one of these. Most don't.

Credentials

Accreditation and licensing, current and genuine, checked rather than assumed.

Staying power

Years actually trading, and the financial stability to still be here in a decade to honour what they promise.

Proof of work

Real installations we can examine, not a folder of stock photos and slogans.

The actual hands

Who physically turns up to do the job, not the cheapest available subcontractor.

What goes in

Genuine, traceable components that match the quote exactly. No quoting German and fitting Chinese.

How they handle trouble

How they behave when something goes wrong. That, not the sales call, is the true measure of a company.

What you get

What every match includes.

Not a list of quotes. One approved installer, an expert on your side, and someone checking the installer did what they promised.

One Why Solar Approved installer
One quote, from an installer who passed all six of our checks. Not a bidding war for your phone number.
Your expert call
Fifteen minutes with one of our solar experts before you sign: your rebate, your quote line by line, what to push back on, and whether a battery makes sense for your home. Part of every match.
No cold calls
The installer never cold-calls you. Your expert calls at a time you choose.
The Why Solar Approved standard
Six published checks. Most installers don't pass them. The ones that do are the only ones you'll meet.
A check-in after the install
One of our team calls you afterwards to make sure the installer delivered what they promised.
Owners who live on solar
Two people you can name, running their own home and this business on solar and batteries, not a marketing company.
Free for you
The installer pays us a fee when you choose them. You never do.
The Why Solar property, powered entirely by solar and batteries

Who we are

We don't sell solar. We live on it.

Every other solar comparison site in Australia is a marketing company. They sell your details, take a fee, and go home to a house on the grid.

We don't have a grid connection. Our home, our office and this website are built and run from a property that is 100% solar and battery powered. When our system underperforms, our lights go out. So we learned what works, what fails, and which installers stand behind their work, because we had to.

That's the difference between advice from someone who sells solar and advice from someone who depends on it.

  • 100% off-grid. No mains power, no gas.
  • Every word on this site was written on solar power.
  • Two people you can name, not a call centre.

Over 270 solar companies have collapsed. One in six solar homes has no workmanship warranty left.

In July 2026 the Clean Energy Regulator suspended 21 more companies from the rebate scheme. This is why we check staying power before we check price.

Real numbers

What's actually happening on roofs near you

Real installs from the Clean Energy Regulator's postcode data, your state's top-up and the best feed-in rate we can find. Type your postcode.

5.0 on Google

Real reviews from Australians who used Why Solar to find their installer.

  • Finally, solar advice I can actually trust. No pressure, no pushy sales stuff, just straight up honest info.

    Jasmine, Marlborough

  • Spent a few weeks going through this site before installing. Now charging the car off the sun most days. Setup's paying for itself faster than I expected.

    HLR Photography

  • They're completely independent, so I felt like I was getting advice that was actually in my best interest.

    Alice, Marlborough

  • Really great business to deal with, they saved me so much time and hassle. Would recommend!

    Addy A.

26

In-Depth Guides

5

Free Calculators

2,800+

Postcodes Covered

10,000+

Aussies Helped

Where to start

What Are You Looking Into?

Whether you're starting fresh or adding storage, we'll point you to honest information first, and one Why Solar Approved installer when you're ready.

Australian brick home with a full rooftop solar panel array

Solar Panels

A new system or replacing an old one. Most Australian homes pay $5,000 to $15,000 after rebates. We size it to your usage, not the biggest system a salesperson can sell you.

Check my rebateSee real panel costs first
Wall-mounted home battery beside its controller in afternoon light

Battery Storage

Store daytime solar for the evening peak and blackouts. A battery does not stack up for every home, so we help you run the numbers before anyone quotes you.

Check my rebateIs a battery worth it?
Brick home with rooftop solar panels and a wall-mounted battery by the garage

Solar + Battery

The complete system in one install. Combine the federal solar and battery rebates and get a single quote covering both, from one accredited local installer.

Check my rebatesEstimate your savings

Takes 60 seconds. Free. The installer never cold-calls you.

Read first

Explore by Topic

Start with what interests you. Every guide is written in plain language with Australian data.

Solar Basics

7 guides

How solar works, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes.

View all

Batteries

4 guides

Home battery storage explained: when it makes sense and what to expect.

View all

Costs & Rebates

8 guides

Understand pricing, government incentives, and what affects your bottom line.

View all

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Australia in 2026?

A quality 6.6 kW solar system costs $5,000 to $9,000 after federal STC rebates. Prices vary by state, panel brand, and installer. Premium systems with micro-inverters or panels from Tier 1 manufacturers like Jinko, Trina, or LONGi sit at the higher end. Make sure your installer is SAA-accredited and has a strong track record.

What solar rebates are available in 2026?

The federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate provides $1,480 to $2,010 off a 6.6 kW system depending on your zone. The Cheaper Home Batteries program offers around $2,584 off a 10 kWh battery (tiered rates apply since 1 May 2026; the first 14 kWh receives 100% of the STC factor, then 60%, then 15%). Some states offer additional rebates: the ACT has interest-free loans and SA runs the REPS VPP scheme. STC values decrease each year, so acting sooner locks in a larger discount.

Is a solar battery worth it in Australia?

A battery is worth it if your electricity rate is above 30 c/kWh, your feed-in tariff is below 8 c/kWh, and you use most of your power in the evening. A 10 kWh battery typically costs $10,000 to $14,000 before rebates and can save $1,000 to $1,800 per year by shifting solar energy to peak hours. Payback is usually 6 to 9 years, and most batteries carry a 10-year warranty.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Most Australian households see payback within 3 to 5 years for a standard 6.6 kW system. The exact timeframe depends on your electricity usage, feed-in tariff rate, self-consumption ratio, and system cost. Homes that use more power during the day pay off faster. Adding a battery extends payback slightly but increases long-term savings.

What feed-in tariff can I get for excess solar?

Feed-in tariffs in 2026 range from 3 c to 12 c per kWh depending on your state and retailer. Queensland and NSW typically offer 5 c to 8 c, Victoria 4.5 c to 7 c, and South Australia 5 c to 10 c. Rates change regularly, so compare plans on the Why Solar feed-in tariff comparison page for the latest rates in your area.

How do I choose a good solar installer?

Look for SAA (Solar Accreditation Australia) accreditation, strong Google reviews (4.5+ stars), at least five years in business, and Tier 1 panel brands in their quotes. Ask for a site-specific design, not a generic package. Avoid door-to-door salespeople and anyone demanding large upfront deposits. A quality installer will stand behind their work for the long term.

How many solar panels do I need for my home?

A typical Australian household uses 15 to 25 kWh per day and needs a 6.6 kW system (16 to 20 panels). Larger homes, pools, or electric vehicle owners may need 10 kW or more. The right size depends on your roof space, orientation, shading, and how much you want to offset. A good installer will size the system based on your actual electricity bills.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on overcast days, typically producing 10% to 30% of their rated output. Australia averages 4 to 6 peak sun hours daily depending on location, which is more than enough for strong returns. Modern panels are designed to perform well in diffuse light. Rain also helps by keeping panels clean.

Will I get sales calls?

Not from installers. One Why Solar Approved installer receives your details, and only after you've seen your rebate estimate. They don't cold-call you. The one call you get is from our solar expert, at a time you choose.

What does Why Solar Approved mean?

An installer has passed all six of our checks: credentials, staying power, proof of work, who actually turns up to do the job, what goes in, and how they handle trouble. They earn it before they see a single homeowner, and they lose it if they let one down. Installers who don't measure up are removed from the network.

Who owns Why Solar?

Andy McMaster and Bec Ramirez. We're not an installer, we're not owned by one, and we're not owned by an energy retailer. We live off-grid on solar and batteries, and we built this site from that property. Our service is free for homeowners; the installer pays us a fee when you choose them, and they lose their place in the network if they let you down.

What happens on the call?

Fifteen minutes with one of our solar experts, and it's part of every match. We go through your rebate, your quote line by line, what to push back on, and whether a battery makes sense for your home. No selling, because we have nothing to sell you.

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About Why Solar

Independent, off-grid, and on your side.

Why Solar is an independent guide to solar and batteries for Australian homeowners, run by two people who live off-grid on their own system. We are not an installer, and no installer or energy retailer owns a piece of us.

Our numbers come from the Clean Energy Regulator's installation data for every Australian postcode and the Australian Energy Regulator's plan registry, and our rebate figures are worked from the current certificate rules. Up to $7,000 in federal rebates alone; here is the working.

When you are ready, we match you with one Why Solar Approved installer for your home and roof, and a solar expert takes you through the quote before you sign. The service is free for homeowners; the installer pays us a fee when you choose them.

Your rebate, one Why Solar Approved installer, and an expert call before you sign.

60 seconds. Free. Your expert calls at a time you choose.

Up to $7,000 in federal rebatesFederal rebates step down in 112 daysSee how we calculate this