What does payback period mean?
You will see it on most solar and battery quotes. It is an estimate of how long your electricity savings take to cover what you paid upfront. After that, the savings are yours to keep.
For how to work it out yourself, see Solar payback in Australia.
What is the average payback in Australia?
EnergyBrain’s Rooftop Valuation Report, Australia (March 2026) modelled more than 8.4 million rooftops, each with an optimised 13.2 kW solar and 30 kWh battery system. It found:
| Metric | Australian average (modelled) |
|---|---|
| Yearly bill saving | $3,104 |
| Payback period | 4.05 years |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) | 24% |
| Return after 10 years | $17,600 |
| Return after 20 years | $46,888 |
What is IRR?
IRR is the yearly rate of return on your investment. Think of it as the interest rate your system pays you. 24% is the modelled national average.
Why a battery matters to the numbers
Feed-in tariffs, what you are paid for exporting power, are now very low in most of Australia (Energy Matters). The value is in using your own solar, and a battery lets you use it in the evening.
What could change your result?
Electricity prices, incentives, how and when you use power, and your roof all move the numbers. Results vary a lot between homes. A proposal is a strong indicator, not financial advice.
See your estimated payback and return
Generic averages cannot account for your roof, your plan or your habits. Emily shows an indicative payback and return for your address, as ranges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does solar take to pay for itself in Australia?
About 4.05 years on average in the modelling. Across the capitals it ranges from 3.14 years (Darwin) to 4.34 years (Melbourne). Your location, usage and local prices all affect it.
How much could solar and a battery return over 20 years?
A modelled average of $46,888 after upfront costs, for a system installed in 2026.
Is a 24% return realistic?
It is a modelled average for optimised systems under 2026 incentives. Your own assessment shows a figure for your address.
Keep reading
Sources
- EnergyBrain (March 2026), The Australian Rooftop Valuation Report, built on GreenSketch rooftop analysis
- Energy Matters (August 2026): Solar feed-in tariff vs home battery: which earns more in 2026?
Editorial note (October 2026): figures in this article are modelled estimates from EnergyBrain’s Rooftop Valuation Report, Australia (March 2026), built on GreenSketch rooftop analysis of 8.4 million Australian homes. They are not quotes or a guarantee of savings, returns or performance for any individual home, and actual results will vary by property. Prices, rebates and incentives must be checked again for the date and location of any installation. This article is general information, not personalised financial advice.