Australian Solar Systems Interest Index – November 2018

Solar installations broke records again in Australia last month, and interest remained strong throughout October from potential solar buyers. Here’s what they were looking for.

Solar Power System Capacity Preference

Preference for systems of 6kW capacity and greater crept up again in October, making up 54% of quote requests where a system size was specified (53% in September). Many Australians continued to request advice on system size, with 32% unsure of what capacity system they require.

Solar Installation Timeframe

There’s an ongoing sense of urgency among Australians to start taking control of their power bills – right now. 19% of submitters wanted solar panels on their rooftop immediately – back in July it was just 16%. 82% were wanting solar installed anytime from now to within 3 months.

Price Vs. Quality

Around 82% of Australians using our solar quote service were interested in a system that was “a good mix of quality and price”.  As in September 12% were wanting a “top quality (most expensive)” system  those wanting a “good budget system” represented approximately 7%.

Battery Ready Solar Interest

There’s been increasing chatter about solar batteries, but battery-ready system interest in October was a touch over 30%, a figure that hasn’t changed much in the last 5 months. While most solar power systems  are “battery-ready”, this question is on our quoting form to help inform system design.

Solar + Battery Installation

Those wanting to have battery storage  installed at the same time as their solar panels inched up again to around 9% (8% in September and 7% in August).

We mentioned last month that increased battery interest was expected in SA in October as a result of the launch of South Australia’s Home Battery Scheme, which also offers low interest loans to assist with a new solar installation. However, applications opened  very late in the month, so November should be interesting. Also on the horizon are battery subsidies in Victoria – if the Andrews Government is returned to power after the Victorian State election  on Saturday 24 November.

Battery Capacity Preference

Interest in big capacity battery systems dropped back significantly in October, with 30% wanting pricing on 10kWh+ systems (where a system size was specified). In September, that figure was 38%.  A slightly higher percentage of submitters (55%) weren’t sure on system size (54% in September).

Home Battery Use

Nothing much changes here – 2% were wanting storage primarily for backup applications, 46% for minimising grid electricity use and 52% for both.

What Australians Pay For Electricity

47% reported quarterly electricity bills averaging $500 – $1,000, up slightly on September (46%). 11% reported bills of $1,000 or more (same as September) and 6% didn’t know what they were paying on average each quarter.

About The auSSII

The auSSII report is based on information provided by thousands of Australians who use SolarQuotes’ free service each month.

Potential solar purchasers receive up to 3 obligation-free quotes via our service from carefully pre-vetted installers accepted into the SolarQuotes network.

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Solar quoting services come and go, but we’ve been providing quality leads to quality Australia installation companies consistently since 2009. Learn more about our solar sales lead services.

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