Solar panels in Ballarat are still the most important part of any solar energy setup, even with all the recent focus on batteries — even with all the buzz surrounding batteries. With panel prices dropping dramatically, solar panels have essentially become commodities. These days, most of the system cost in Ballarat comes from labour, racking, and electrical components. Batteries are still the most expensive item, but that’s expected to change as prices fall and installation becomes easier.

Let’s talk numbers. The wholesale cost for most popular brands — like JA Solar, Jinko, Suntech, Longi, Aiko, Trina, and Risen — sits around $100 per panel plus GST. For anyone pricing solar panels in Ballarat, this is good news. The region is actually well-placed for solar generation, despite its reputation for colder, cloudier days. Ballarat receives a strong allocation of STCs per kilowatt installed — often more than some other parts of Victoria — which significantly reduces the net system cost. In many cases, this means the solar panels Ballarat systems use are effectively free once government incentives are factored in.

That said, there are still premium options. Panels from brands like REC, LG, SunPower, Q-Cells, and Australian-made Tindo can add up to $100 extra per panel. But for some, the long-term efficiency and warranty coverage justify the higher upfront spend.

Bottom line? We’re at the lowest point we’re likely to see in terms of solar system pricing. Labour, aluminium framing, and copper cabling continue to rise in cost, making it unlikely that full system prices will drop further. The only component we can reasonably expect to fall in price going forward is the battery.