Calculate recommended solar panels and battery bank for your Australian off-grid system.
Calculate recommended solar panels and battery bank for your Australian off-grid system. MyCalcTools calculators are designed for quick everyday estimates with clear inputs, instant results and no account required. Results are provided for general information and planning, not as professional financial, medical, legal or trade advice.
This calculator estimates the solar panel system size and battery storage you need for your home or off-grid setup, based on your daily energy consumption and your location's average peak sun hours. It is designed for Australian conditions and provides a starting point for conversations with solar installers.
Australia has some of the world's best solar resources — particularly in Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, where peak sun hours regularly exceed 5–6 hours per day. The typical Australian home uses 15–20 kWh per day and suits a 6.6 kW solar system with an optional 10 kWh battery. Federal and state government rebates apply through the Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) scheme, which reduces upfront installation costs. Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) paid for excess electricity exported to the grid vary by state and retailer — compare your options at Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au).
The typical payback period for a residential solar system in Australia is 3–6 years, depending on system size, your electricity usage pattern, local electricity prices, and whether you receive government rebates. High daytime electricity users (running appliances during the day rather than at night) see the fastest payback. Adding battery storage extends the payback period but increases self-consumption and provides backup power during outages.