Is Solar Worth It in WA?

Written by Jacob, Last reviewed 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only — see methodology.

Western Australia has some of the best solar resources in the country. Perth gets more sunshine than any other Australian capital city. But the solar economics here look different because of Synergy's very low feed-in tariff — around 3c per kWh.

Solar Conditions in WA

Perth is in STC zone 3, which means the upfront discount from the federal scheme is similar to what you get in Sydney. The real advantage in WA is the solar irradiance — more kilowatt-hours per kilowatt of panels every year than any other capital^[1].

The challenge is the feed-in tariff. Synergy pays roughly 3c per kWh exported on the South West Interconnected System^[2]. That is among the lowest export rates nationally. It means you cannot rely on export income to make solar worth it — you need to use the power yourself.

System Costs in WA

A quality 6.6kW system in Perth typically costs between $4,500 and $7,000 installed. There are fewer installers in WA compared to the eastern states, which can push prices up slightly and stretch wait times. The federal STC scheme provides the standard upfront discount based on your zone^[3].

WA has no state-level rebate to add on top, but also no means test or income cap to navigate. The application process is relatively simple compared to states with additional rebate requirements.

The Self-Consumption Imperative

With a feed-in tariff of just 3c, WA households need to maximise self-consumption to get good value. Every kilowatt-hour used directly saves you the retail rate — around 25c to 30c. That is roughly eight to ten times what you would earn by exporting it.

Homes where someone is home during the day, or that can shift appliances like air conditioning and pool pumps into daylight hours, do much better. If most of your usage is in the evening, solar will take longer to pay off.

Worked Example: A Perth Home

Consider a Perth household using 18 kWh a day with a 6.6kW system costing $5,500 after STCs. With 50% self-consumption and a 2c off-peak feed-in tariff for daytime exports:

That works well because of strong self-consumption. Drop to 25% daytime usage and the annual benefit falls to about $855, pushing payback past 6 years. Daytime usage is everything in WA.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Solar savings estimates vary by household. Always consider your own circumstances and consult a qualified professional before making a purchase decision.