Many homeowners wonder if solar panels are still worth installing in 2025, especially after reports that some electricity companies were considering charging fees instead of offering feed-in tariffs (FITs) for excess power. While some energy providers have introduced small export fees, the reality is that solar remains an excellent financial investment.

Modern solar systems typically pay for themselves within about three years—sometimes even faster if electricity prices continue rising. Most systems come with a minimum 10-year warranty, meaning homeowners enjoy years of pure savings once the system is paid off. The biggest financial benefit of solar is reducing the amount of power you buy from the grid, not relying on FITs. Let’s explore why solar is still one of the best investments you can make in 2025.

Electricity Prices Are Rising – Solar Shields You From High Bills

One of the strongest arguments for installing solar panels in 2025 is that electricity prices have been steadily increasing. In many areas, power costs have surged due to factors like network upgrades, increased demand, and market fluctuations.

By generating your own energy, you protect yourself from these rising costs. Even if export fees slightly reduce the financial return from selling excess power, the savings from self-consuming your solar energy far outweigh the small fees introduced by some retailers.

Installing the solar system for a homeowner in Coomera, QLD

How Do Solar Savings Work in 2025?

To understand why solar is still worth it, let’s break down the key ways it saves you money:

• Self-Consumption Savings – Every kWh of solar energy you use directly means one less kWh you need to buy from your energy provider.

• Feed-in Tariffs & Export Fees – While FITs have dropped, they still provide some return on excess energy. Some retailers have introduced small export fees, but these typically don’t outweigh the benefits of solar.

• Government Incentives – Rebates and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) continue to reduce the upfront cost of installation.

• Battery Storage for Extra Savings – A solar battery lets you store excess energy instead of exporting it, maximizing self-consumption and avoiding export fees.

Our electricians Grant & Andy installing a 10kWh Sonnen Battery in Bangalow, NSW

Payback Period: How Long Until Solar Pays for Itself?

With a typical system paying for itself in about three years, solar remains an excellent financial decision. The exact payback time depends on your system size, energy consumption, and electricity rates, but here’s a rough breakdown:

• Average cost of a 6.6kW solar system: $6,000 - $7,500

• Average annual savings with solar: $2,000+

• Time to recover costs: 3 years or less

Even if electricity prices stabilize, solar panels are well and truly paid off within their warranty period, meaning everything beyond that is pure savings.

What About Export Fees? Should You Be Worried?

Some energy retailers have introduced small charges for exporting excess power to the grid, but here’s why this shouldn’t discourage you:

1. The fees are relatively small – They typically amount to just a few cents per kWh.

2. Self-consumption is the main savings driver – The biggest savings come from using your own solar power, not selling excess back to the grid.

3. Battery storage offsets the issue – Adding a battery allows you to store excess energy instead of exporting it.

4. Solar is still highly profitable – Even with export fees, solar panels drastically reduce your electricity costs.

If you’re concerned about export fees, it’s best to focus on designing a system that matches your household’s daytime energy use, rather than oversizing your system solely for FIT credits.

A happy customer with their newly installed solar system and battery.

How to Maximize Your Solar Savings in 2025

To get the most out of your solar system and reduce reliance on the grid, consider these strategies:

• Optimize System Size – Install a system that matches your household’s energy needs.

• Use Power During the Day – Run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and pool pumps when the sun is shining.

• Consider Battery Storage – A battery allows you to store excess energy for nighttime use, further reducing grid reliance.

• Compare Energy Plans – Some providers still offer higher FITs or lower export fees, so shopping around can help boost savings.

The Verdict: Are Solar Panels Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. Despite some minor changes like export fees, the core benefits of solar remain: lower electricity bills, protection from rising energy costs, and a fast payback period. Most homeowners see their system fully paid off within three years, and with warranties lasting 10+ years, the long-term savings are undeniable.

If you’re ready to take control of your energy costs and start saving, now is the perfect time to go solar.

Get a Free Quote Today

Thinking about installing solar? Find out exactly how much you can save with a free solar assessment from FirstSunSolar. Our team will help you design the perfect system for your needs so you can maximize your savings and energy independence.

Get your free solar quote here.