Savings calculator · Worked example

Solar and battery for a $400 quarterly power bill in Brisbane

For a typical household paying $400 a quarter in Brisbane (4122), the system that pays back best is 9.98 kW solar: $5,628 after rebates, about $1,218 saved in the first year, paid for itself in 4.5 years and $7,620 ahead after ten. Worked out 26 October 2026 on current prices, rebates and electricity plans.

Work it out for your own bill

The three worth comparing

Best over ten years

9.98 kW solar

21 × JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 475W N-Type Double Glass Monofacial (JAM54D40-475/LR) + SolaX 7.5kW SP Hybrid Inverter (2 MPPT)

Price after rebates
$5,628
Saving in year one
$1,218
Pays for itself in
4.5 years
Ahead after 10 years
$7,620

On Origin Energy · Origin Battery Starter, plan checked 26 October 2026

Solar only: the lowest outlay

9.5 kW solar

20 × JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 475W N-Type Double Glass Monofacial (JAM54D40-475/LR) + SolaX 7.5kW SP Hybrid Inverter (2 MPPT)

Price after rebates
$5,408
Saving in year one
$1,184
Pays for itself in
4.4 years
Ahead after 10 years
$7,476

On Origin Energy · Origin Battery Starter, plan checked 26 October 2026

Another battery to compare

7.6 kW solar + 29 kWh battery

16 × JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 475W N-Type Double Glass Monofacial (JAM54D40-475/LR) + ESY 30.7kWh 6kW 1-phase

Price after rebates
$10,112
Saving in year one
$1,433
Pays for itself in
6.5 years
Ahead after 10 years
$6,193

On COVAU PTY LIMITED · SolarMax QLD Energex Residential TOU, plan checked 26 October 2026

How this was worked out

  • A $400 quarterly bill, turned into daily use at typical Queensland rates for postcode 4122.
  • A typical household's day: no answers about pools, air conditioning or an electric car. Yours can change the answer, so the calculator asks.
  • Every system size the roof and the grid connection allow, with and without each battery we install, priced after the federal battery rebate and solar STCs.
  • Each system on the retail plan that saves it the most, from every plan published for the postcode.
  • Installed by Sunbridge Energy QLD. An estimate, not a quote: a site inspection and your real bill give exact figures.

Other bills

$300 a quarter$500 a quarter$600 a quarter$700 a quarter

$400 in Western Sydney$400 in Melbourne