On 11 Feb, 2026 There is a saying that “where there is life, there is hope.” Well, at Solargain, we say that where there is light, there is solar!
In Australia, we are fortunate to experience extended periods of sunny weather all year long, with solar generation output steadily climbing from mid-August to its peak around late December. On average, no matter which time of year it is, Australia receives around eight hours of sunlight per day. That means there are plenty of opportunities for you to harness its power via solar energy solutions!
However, since solar panels utilise light rather than pure heat, the higher temperatures of Australian summers do not necessarily correlate to higher energy yields. In fact, rather than boosting the performance of solar panels, very hot days may actually damage your solar panel’s ability to generate excess power.
An overheated panel does not equal an efficient panel, so it is important to keep the temperature and direction of the sun in mind when deciding what time of year you want to install your panels. Here is everything you need to know about which time of year may be best for installing your new rooftop solar panels based on your needs!
How Solar Panel Installation Fares Year-Round
What time of year you choose to install your rooftop solar system will depend mainly on what you are trying to get in return quickly from your solar system. Whether you are looking for an easy and convenient installation experience or looking to save money and earn back as much money as possible as soon as possible, here is some general information about what to expect when installing solar panels in different seasons.
Spring (September to November)
Spring is always a good time to install solar panels, as the weather is often mild with less rainfall. During spring, Australia gets on average around 12 hours of sunlight. This gives your panels more than enough time to soak up the sun’s rays with the added benefits of better solar deals and faster installation times just before summer.
However, the sun is not shining as consistently as it will be in summer, and pollen counts can be at their highest. This means that while installation in spring is ideal, peak energy production is not. But summer is just around the corner, so if you install between September and November, then your system will start working towards earning back money soon enough!
Summer (December to February)
Summer is the peak season for solar panel installations in Australia. The sun is shining brightly throughout most of the day, and there is much less rainfall on average.
However, summer is also the busiest time of year for solar installers, so you may need to wait longer for your installation. It is best to get a quote in spring and book your solar installer in advance to make sure you make the most of the summer sun; otherwise, you may miss your chance and have to wait until next year.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn is another good time to install new solar panels. The weather is mild, and there is less rainfall than in the spring and summer.
However, the sun is not shining as consistently as it will be in the warmer months. You will have to wait a while to see the immediate benefits of your rooftop solar panels.
Winter (June to August)
Winter is generally the least popular time to install solar panels in Australia. The sun is not shining nearly as consistently, and there is far more rainfall. Rooftop panels usually reap the lowest energy yields of the whole year in winter.
However, you may benefit from decreased demand and get your panels installed quickly! In fact, you may be able to get a discount on your installation if you install solar panels in winter.
| Season | Months | Installation Conditions | Sunlight & Performance | Pros | Cons |
| Spring | Sept–Nov | Mild weather, low rainfall, generally smooth installation | ~12 hours of sunlight; good (but not peak) energy production | • Ideal installation conditions • Faster installer availability before summer rush • Good sunlight and strong upcoming summer returns | • Sun not as consistent as summer • High pollen can affect panel cleanliness |
| Summer | Dec–Feb | Peak installation season; hot, dry conditions | Very high sunlight but extreme heat can reduce panel efficiency | • Maximum daylight hours • Strong immediate energy returns | • Installers are busiest—longer wait times • Must book early to secure preferred dates |
| Autumn | Mar–May | Mild temperatures, lower rainfall than early seasons | Sunlight decreasing; slower immediate performance gains | • Comfortable conditions for installation • Moderate installer availability | • Less consistent sunlight • Slower return on investment at first |
| Winter | Jun–Aug | Least popular season; wettest conditions | Lowest annual energy yields due to short, inconsistent sunlight | • Quickest installation turnaround • Potential off-season discounts | • Lowest production of the year • Not ideal if immediate returns are the priority |
So while winter is not ideal for energy production, it may be the best time for you to install your new rooftop solar system quickly and with little delay. And if you are keen to start seeing great returns straight away, then you may want to consider installing your new panels in spring.
Factors to Consider When Installing Rooftop Solar Panels
In addition to the season, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing the best time of year to install solar panels in Australia. From government incentives to location and cost, here are some other factors to consider when choosing to install your new rooftop solar system.
Location
If you live in a region with high rainfall, it may be better to wait until the dry season before installing solar panels. Heavy rain could impact your new panels as well as drive up the installation price.
Cost
Solar panels can be expensive, so it is important to compare prices from different installers before making a decision. Get a free quote from us today to see where you can save!
Government Rebates
There are a number of government rebates and incentives available to help offset the cost of solar panel installation in Australia. Ask your installer which programs you may qualify for to save money on new rooftop solar panels.
Availability
The demand for solar panel installations can fluctuate seasonally. Scheduling installation during off-peak seasons might result in better pricing and availability.
Which Season Is Best for Rooftop Solar Panel Installation
At the end of the day, the “best” season to install solar panels comes down to a property owner’s priorities. If the goal is to maximise energy production as soon as possible, then both spring and early summer offer the perfect balance of mild temperatures, abundant daylight, and strong solar output heading into peak season. If convenience, faster turnaround, or lower installation costs matter most, then autumn and winter both present excellent opportunities to secure a quicker booking with a reliable solar installer, sometimes with off-season discounts.
No matter when you choose to install, the most important step is simply getting started. Solar is a long-term investment that rewards you year after year, and the sooner your panels are on your roof, the sooner they can start working for you and generating clean, renewable energy while reducing your electricity bills.
With Australia’s generous sunshine and steadily advancing solar technology, there’s never a bad time to make the switch. Get in touch with our solar experts today at Solargain and start earning money with your very own rooftop solar panel system!