| Typical system size | 6.6 kW |
| Stacked rebate | $1,386 |
| STC zone | Zone 2 (rating 1.382) |
| Peak sun hours | 4.9/day average |
| State | Queensland rebates |
Solar pricing in Cairns
A typical 6.6 kW system in Cairns retails for around $ 7,260 before rebates. After the federal STC rebate (1,386) and QLD state programs (where applicable), most Cairns households pay around $ 5,874 out of pocket.
Premium tier-1 panels (Trina, JA Solar, REC) with a Sungrow or Fronius inverter sit at the top of that range. Budget tier panels with a generic inverter sit at the bottom. We don't recommend the bottom of the range for Cairns — premium panels are warranted for 25 years; budget gear often falls over at 10–15.
Cairns suburbs we cover
We have CEC-accredited installer partners covering every Cairns suburb. Most-installed areas in our network include:
- Edmonton
- Smithfield
- Trinity Beach
- Mooroobool
If your suburb isn't listed above, that doesn't mean we don't cover you — these are just the most active postcodes in our network. The 30-second check confirms installer availability for your specific postcode.
The QLD rebate stack on a Cairns install
Cairns households can stack the federal STC rebate with QLD's state programs: Battery Booster Program (Closed); Solar Bonus Scheme (regional QLD only) (13.351 c/kWh ongoing). See the Queensland rebate page for full eligibility details.
Choosing the right system size for a Cairns home
- 5 kW — small home or apartment. Quarterly bill under $300. About 15 panels.
- 6.6 kW — typical family home. Quarterly bill $300–$600. About 19.799999999999997 panels.
- 10+ kW — larger home, pool, ducted air-con, EV. Quarterly bill over $600. About 30 panels.
Feed-in tariffs available in Cairns
South-east Queensland (Energex network) has no regulated minimum; rates are set by retailers. Regional Queensland (Ergon) has a regulated 13.351 c/kWh Solar Bonus rate for customers enrolled before 2012.
See the Queensland feed-in tariff comparison for current retailer rates. We'll flag the most competitive plan for your install when we get in touch.
See your Cairns rebate amount
We'll match you with a CEC-accredited installer who works Cairns.
How to get a Cairns solar quote
- Take the 30-second eligibility check (postcode, ownership, bill, roof).
- Hear from your specialist within 24 to 48 hours.
- Matched with one CEC-accredited installer who works your suburb.
- Fixed-price quote with every rebate applied at the invoice.
- Install in 4–6 weeks. Done.
Common questions about solar in Cairns
How much do solar panels cost in Cairns?
A typical 6.6 kW system in Cairns costs around $7,260 retail before rebates. After the federal STC rebate (~$1,386) and QLD state programs (where applicable, ~$0), the typical out-of-pocket is around $5,874.
Which solar installer is best in Cairns?
There's no single "best" installer in Cairns — the right one depends on your roof type, panel preference, and how quickly you want to schedule. We match you with one CEC-accredited installer in our network who covers your specific suburb and roof type. All our installer partners are rated 4.5/5 or higher across our customer base.
How long does solar installation take in Cairns?
From signing the quote to install day, the typical timeline in Cairns is 4–6 weeks. About 1–2 weeks of that is DNSP (network operator) approval; the rest is scheduling. The install itself is usually completed in one day.
What's the best feed-in tariff in Cairns?
South-east Queensland (Energex network) has no regulated minimum; rates are set by retailers. Regional Queensland (Ergon) has a regulated 13.351 c/kWh Solar Bonus rate for customers enrolled before 2012. See our Queensland feed-in tariff comparison for the current rates by retailer.
Do solar panels work well in Cairns's climate?
Yes — Cairns gets about 4.9 peak sun hours per day on average, which is well above the Australian baseline. Solar panels degrade slightly faster in extreme heat but are warranted for 25 years of useful output.