Gridly
NSW 2324 · Mid-Coast
Solar Panel Installation in Hawks Nest, NSW
Find a vetted solar installer in Hawks Nest. Compare quotes, check local solar data, and get a system designed for your roof.
Get Free Solar QuotesSolar Snapshot for Hawks Nest
Key data for sizing a solar system in Hawks Nest, NSW 2324.
4.7/day
Peak Sun Hours
9,058
Est. Annual Output (6.6 kW)
$1,404
Est. Annual Savings
3.6 yrs
Est. Payback (6.6 kW)
$3,159
STC Rebate (6.6 kW)
Zone 2
Dwelling Mix in Hawks Nest
Breakdown of dwelling types based on census data — relevant for understanding rooftop solar potential.
Houses
86%
8,427 dwellings
Townhouses
10%
1,033 dwellings
Apartments
1%
128 dwellings
Hawks Nest is predominantly freestanding houses, ideal for rooftop solar installation.
Solar Adoption in Hawks Nest 2324
Installation data from the Clean Energy Regulator, refreshed monthly.
6,084
Solar Systems Installed
Since 2001
6.3 kW
Avg System Size
38.2 MW
Total Installed Capacity
575
Battery Systems
Hawks Nest (2324) has 6,084 registered solar panel installations with a combined capacity of 38.2 MW. The average system size in this postcode is 6.3 kW.
Installations fell 29% in 2025 compared to 2024's 446 systems.
Is Solar Worth It in Hawks Nest?
Hawks Nest gets 4.7 peak sun hours per day — on par with the national average. A 6.6 kW system here would produce roughly 9,058 kWh per year, saving an estimated $1,404 annually and paying itself off in 3.6 years.
At $5,041 after rebates, the upfront cost represents 8% of Hawks Nest's median household income ($65,208/year). Most households finance this over 3–5 years, with loan repayments typically offset by immediate savings.
With a payback under 4 years and 20+ years of remaining system life, solar in Hawks Nest is one of the stronger return-on-investment cases in New South Wales. The question isn’t really whether solar is worth it here — it’s what size system to get.
Why Install Solar in Hawks Nest?
Hawks Nest receives 4.7 peak sun hours per day, which is solid for solar generation. A 6.6 kW system here can produce approximately 9,058 kWh annually, translating to estimated savings of $1,404 per year.
NSW households pay some of the highest electricity rates in Australia at around 35c/kWh, making solar an especially strong investment.
The median household income in Hawks Nest is $65,208 per year. At $5,041 after rebates, a 6.6 kW system represents 8% of annual household income, with savings that continue for 20+ years after the 3.6-year payback.
Estimated Solar Output & Payback in Hawks Nest
Based on 4.7 peak sun hours/day, 35c/kWh electricity, and STC Zone 2 rebate.
| System Size | Annual Output | Annual Savings | Cost After Rebate | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 6,862 kWh | $1,064 | $4,121 $2,379 STC rebate | 3.9 yrs |
| 6.6 kW Most popular | 9,058 kWh | $1,404 | $5,041 $3,159 STC rebate | 3.6 yrs |
| 10 kW | 13,724 kWh | $2,127 | $6,742 $4,758 STC rebate | 3.2 yrs |
| 13 kW | 17,841 kWh | $2,765 | $8,299 $6,201 STC rebate | 3 yrs |
Estimates assume 80% system efficiency, 35% self-consumption rate, 5c/kWh feed-in tariff, and STC Zone 2 ($39/STC, 8-year deeming period). Actual results vary based on roof orientation, shading, and usage patterns.
Solar Rebates in New South Wales
Available incentives that reduce the cost of solar installation in NSW.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) provide an upfront discount worth $2,500 to $4,000 depending on system size and location.
NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme offers incentives for solar-battery systems that reduce evening grid load.
Popular Solar Panels
Top-rated panels available for installation in Hawks Nest.
Solahart Silhouette Series
455W, 22.8% efficiency
$165
Solahart SunCell Series
440W, 22% efficiency
$140
Canadian Solar TOPHiKu 6
440W, 22.5% efficiency
$130
Trina Solar Vertex S+
440W, 22% efficiency
$120
How Solar Installation Works
Site Assessment and Quote
An installer visits your property, assesses your roof, checks shading, and provides a detailed quote based on your energy usage.
System Design and Approval
Your system is designed to maximise output. Council approval may be needed for heritage properties, but most residential installs are exempt.
Installation
A residential solar installation typically takes one day. The team mounts panels, installs the inverter, and connects the wiring.
Grid Connection and Meter
Your installer lodges paperwork with your distributor. Once approved, your meter is upgraded to a bi-directional meter and you start exporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many peak sun hours does Hawks Nest get? ▼
Hawks Nest receives approximately 4.7 peak sun hours per day, based on its warm temperate climate zone. This means a standard 6.6 kW system can generate around 9,058 kWh annually.
What size solar system do I need in Hawks Nest? ▼
The right system size depends on your electricity usage. Average household consumption in New South Wales is 18 to 22 kWh per day. A 6.6 kW system suits most homes, while larger households or those with pools or EV chargers may benefit from a 10 kW or 13 kW system.
How much does solar installation cost in Hawks Nest? ▼
A 6.6 kW solar system in Hawks Nest costs approximately $8,200 before rebates. Hawks Nest is in STC Zone 2, which provides a rebate of $3,159 on a 6.6 kW system. After rebates, expect to pay around $5,041.
What is the payback period for solar in Hawks Nest? ▼
A 6.6 kW solar system in Hawks Nest has an estimated payback period of 3.6 years, based on 4.7 peak sun hours per day and annual savings of $1,404. After the payback period, the system continues generating free electricity for its remaining 20+ year lifespan.
Do I need council approval for solar in Hawks Nest? ▼
In most of NSW, residential solar installations are classified as exempt development and do not require council approval. Heritage-listed properties or conservation areas in Mid-Coast may have additional requirements. Your installer will advise during the site assessment.
How Hawks Nest Compares to Nearby Suburbs
Solar potential compared with neighbouring suburbs in the Mid-Coast area.
| Suburb | Sun Hours | 6.6 kW Output | Payback | Solar Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawks Nest 2324 | 4.7h | 9,058 kWh | 3.6 yrs | — |
| Purfleet 2430 | 4.9h | 9,443 kWh | 3.7 yrs | — |
| Chatham 2430 | 4.9h | 9,443 kWh | 3.7 yrs | — |
| Harrington 2427 | 4.9h | 9,443 kWh | 3.7 yrs | — |
| Nabiac 2312 | 4.7h | 9,058 kWh | 3.6 yrs | — |
All estimates assume a 6.6 kW system. Sun hours, output, and payback are based on the same methodology. Solar adoption shows CER-registered installations as a percentage of dwellings.
Nearby Suburbs
Solar installers in suburbs near Hawks Nest.
Related Products
Data sources: Clean Energy Regulator (installation counts), ABS 2021 Census (population and dwellings), Bureau of Meteorology (solar exposure). Solar output estimates assume north-facing panels with no shading. Electricity rates are state averages and may differ from your retailer's pricing. Get a personalised quote for accurate savings.