If you’ve been considering solar for your home or business, it’s important to understand how current market conditions may affect your plans. Rising solar panel prices and a shortage of skilled installers are creating both cost and timing pressures for Australian homeowners. By knowing what’s happening and planning ahead, you can make smarter decisions and potentially secure better pricing and installation schedules.
- Solar panel costs are rising: China’s removal of VAT export rebates from April 2026 and record-high silver prices are expected to increase solar panel prices in Australia.
- Skilled installation labour is limited: A shortage of qualified solar installers is extending installation timelines and may increase labour costs for homeowners and businesses.
- Early action is essential: Planning and booking solar installations now can help secure current pricing, avoid delays, and ensure a smooth installation process.
Solar panel prices are set to increase throughout 2026. China, the world’s largest supplier of photovoltaic (PV) modules, will remove value-added tax (VAT) export rebates on solar products from April 1, 2026, which will raise manufacturing and export costs. At the same time, the price of silver—a key material in solar panels—has reached a record $83.62 per ounce, up 181% from last year. These factors are expected to increase the cost of solar panels in Australia, making early planning more important than ever [PV Magazine, Jan 2026][PV Magazine, Dec 2025][McKercher Corp, Jan 2026].
Australia is also experiencing a shortage of qualified solar installers. Rapid growth in renewable energy demand has outpaced the supply of trained electricians and technicians, leading to longer installation timelines and higher labour costs. Homeowners and businesses may face delays of several weeks or even months if they wait to book their solar installation. [PSW Energy, Jan 2026]
The combination of higher panel prices and limited installer availability compounds the impact on consumers: systems cost more upfront and may take longer to be installed. To avoid these challenges, homeowners and businesses should:
Request a quote early to secure current pricing.
Reserve an installation date to avoid extended delays (ensure a date, not an estimated timeframe).
Consider flexible financing options to manage costs.
Discuss panel and system options with an experienced local provider to find solutions suited to your home or business.
Use this as primary indicator to take action sooner rather than latter in 2026. While the market pressures may seem daunting, taking proactive steps can help you lock in pricing, secure timely installations, and start saving on energy sooner. Perth Solar Warehouse works with trusted suppliers and a skilled installation team to help customers navigate these challenges efficiently.
Rising solar panel costs and labour shortages are real factors affecting the Australian solar market, but informed planning and early action can help homeowners and businesses still achieve their renewable energy goals. The key is to act now, work with experienced professionals, and secure your solar installation before prices climb and availability tightens at current subsidised rates.
