Does Solar Increase Property Value in Shoalhaven? The Numbers Speak for Themselves

If you’ve been wondering whether solar panels add value to your home, let’s get straight to the point: yes, they do—and significantly. In Shoalhaven, with its sunny climate and eco-conscious community, solar panels are more than just an upgrade. They’re an investment that adds value, reduces running costs, and appeals to buyers looking for sustainable living.

Recent findings reveal sustainable homes are commanding premium prices nationwide, and solar is a key driver of this trend. Let’s explore how much value solar panels can add, why buyers love solar, and how you can make the most of this upgrade.

How Much Value Can Solar Panels Add to Your Shoalhaven Home?

While fully energy-efficient homes (those with features like insulation, design improvements, and water tanks) can attract premiums of up to 16.9%, research specifically on solar panels shows a more moderate—but still meaningful—boost to property value.

Here’s what the data tells us:

• 2.3–3.2% premium: Academics Chunbo Ma, Maksym Polyakov, and Ram Pandit found homes with solar PV systems in Perth achieved this price increase. You can view their detailed findings here.

• $10,000 premium: A 2022 Origin Energy survey found that 57% of Australians would pay up to $10,000 more for a solar-equipped home (Origin Energy Study).

• 16.9% premium for fully energy-efficient homes: According to Domain’s Sustainability in Property Report, energy-efficient homes command significant price increases, particularly in NSW (Domain Study).

What Does This Mean for Shoalhaven Homes?

For a median-priced Shoalhaven property valued at $850,000 (source):

• 2.3% premium: $19,550

• 3.2% premium: $27,200

• Minimum increase (Origin Energy): $10,000

Net ROI on Solar Investment

With the cost of a 6.6kW solar system averaging around $4,500 in Shoalhaven (6.6kW System Package), the return on investment is clear:

• At a 2.3% premium: Net ROI = $15,050

• At a 3.2% premium: Net ROI = $22,700

• At the minimum $10,000 increase: Net ROI = $5,500

Solar panels alone may not deliver the full premium seen in fully energy-efficient homes, but they still provide a tangible boost in value while delivering years of electricity savings.

Why Shoalhaven Homes with Solar Are in High Demand

1. Lower Power Bills

With energy costs continuing to rise across NSW, solar panels offer immediate savings on electricity bills. A 6.6kW system can save Shoalhaven homeowners up to $2,000 annually—a key selling point for buyers looking to reduce ongoing expenses (6.6kW Solar System).

2. Faster Sales and Greater Buyer Interest

Solar panels make your home more appealing to potential buyers, which can help it sell faster.

• Homes with energy-efficient features attract 8.7% more online views and sell 4% faster, according to Domain’s Sustainability in Property Report.

• Buyers increasingly factor in solar as a feature that delivers both financial and environmental benefits.

3. Sustainable Living

Shoalhaven is known for its natural beauty—from the pristine beaches of Jervis Bay to the rolling hills of Kangaroo Valley. Buyers are drawn to homes that contribute to preserving this environment. Solar panels help reduce your carbon footprint, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable living.

Factors That Impact the Value Solar Adds to Your Home

The value that solar adds depends on several key factors:

1. System Size and Quality:
   Larger, high-quality systems (e.g., 6.6kW–10kW) provide better energy savings and resale value (6.6kW Package Details).

2. Battery Storage:
   Adding a solar battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall, allows homeowners to store excess energy and use it at night, further increasing buyer appeal (Tesla Powerwall).

3. Home Location:
   Shoalhaven’s sunny climate ensures solar systems perform at their best, maximising both savings and value.

4. Marketing and Presentation:
   Highlighting solar savings, system size, and environmental benefits in property listings can make a big difference to buyers.

How to Leverage Solar to Attract Buyers

To make the most of your solar investment when selling your home:

1. Highlight the Savings:
   Show how much your solar system saves on electricity bills annually—this is a major draw for budget-conscious buyers.

2. Promote Sustainability:
   Appeal to eco-conscious buyers by emphasising the environmental benefits of solar panels.

3. Showcase Solar Features in Listings:
   Work with a real estate agent to feature your solar system prominently in online listings, brochures, and social media. Homes with energy-intensive features like pools or air conditioning will particularly benefit from this focus.

By showcasing the financial and environmental advantages, you can attract more interest, sell faster, and secure a higher price.

Solar Panels Add Real Value to Shoalhaven Homes

The evidence is clear: solar panels are a smart, future-proof investment for Shoalhaven homeowners. While solar alone may not match the full premium of a completely energy-efficient home, they still deliver:

• A 2.3–3.2% boost in property value, adding $19,550–$27,200 to a median-priced $850,000 home.

• A minimum $10,000 increase for buyers willing to pay extra for solar systems (Origin Energy Study).

• A net ROI of $15,050–$22,700, far exceeding the cost of installation.

Combine this with energy bill savings of up to $2,000 annually, and it’s easy to see why buyers are prioritising homes with solar. Whether you’re selling soon or planning for the future, solar panels add tangible value, reduce costs, and position your home as a smart, sustainable choice.

Ready to increase your home’s value with solar? Contact Shoalhaven Solar today for a free consultation. Call us at (02) 4464 1597 or request your quote online.

FAQs

1. How much value can solar panels add to a Shoalhaven home?
Solar panels may increase property value by 2.3–3.2%, equating to $19,550–$27,200 for a median-priced $850,000 home. According to one study, a conservative estimate would be around $10,000.

2. How much does it cost to install solar in Shoalhaven?
A 6.6kW solar system costs approximately $4,500 - $5,000 (6.6kW Package).

3. Will buyers pay more for a home with solar panels?
Yes. A 2022 Origin Energy survey found 57% of buyers would pay up to $10,000 more for a home with solar panels (Origin Energy Study).

4. Do solar panels help homes sell faster?
Absolutely. Homes with solar attract 8.7% more views and sell 4% faster than comparable non-solar homes.

5. What size solar system do buyers prefer?
Most buyers look for systems between 6.6kW and 10kW, especially when paired with a solar battery for energy independence (Tesla Powerwall).