Solar Hunter Valley

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system converts sunlight directly into electricity. Panels on your roof produce direct current (DC), which an inverter converts to the alternating current (AC) your home runs on. Any surplus you generate can be exported to the grid for credits, stored in a battery, or both.  The Hunter Valley delivers strong solar irradiance year-round, with the inland areas in particular receiving more peak sun hours than many coastal regions further south — so your panels produce more energy per kilowatt installed. 

With NSW residential electricity prices sitting in the 30 to 40 cents per kWh range, every kilowatt-hour you generate and use yourself delivers real, measurable savings. The conditions do vary across the region, from hot, clear Upper Hunter summers to salt-laden air along the coast and lake, and a local installer designs each system for the specific spot it's going on.

Battery storage captures the excess your panels produce during the day and makes it available at night or during peak pricing. Adding a battery lifts your self-consumption — the share of your own generation you actually use — from around 35 to 45% without one to 70% or higher with one.  

Across the Hunter, the combination of rising electricity rates and the region's summer storm season makes a strong case for storage and backup. Entire Trades installs the Tesla Powerwall 3, which provides 13.5 kWh of storage, and Sungrow batteries from 6.4 to 40 kWh depending on your property's needs. Many customers start with a grid-tied solar system and add a battery later as their needs evolve, particularly when preparing for EV charging or wanting to reduce their reliance on the grid.

Here's a straightforward breakdown based on current Hunter Valley pricing after STC rebates are applied.   

3 to 5 kW system: $3,500 to $5,500+. Suits smaller homes with lower daily energy use, typically one to two person households or properties with modest appliance loads. A practical entry point where roof space is limited.   

6.6 kW system: $4,500 to $6,500+. The most popular choice across the Hunter. It pairs a 6.6 kW array with a 5 kW inverter, an efficient and well-proven configuration that suits most three to four bedroom homes. STC rebates are factored into this range.   

8 to 10 kW system: $7,500 to $11,000+. If you're running a pool, charging an EV or managing higher consumption, this size offsets those loads meaningfully. Increasingly popular on newer estate homes across the region.   

13 kW and above: $11,000 to $16,000+. Larger systems suit premium residential properties with high demand, or commercial-ready setups. These pair well with battery storage for near-complete energy independence.   

All pricing reflects installed costs after STC rebates on standard single-storey roofs. Roof complexity, component tier, battery additions, heritage requirements and coastal salt-resistant hardware can all affect final pricing. We provide a transparent, itemised quote after every on-site assessment.