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Supermarket solar promises savings of $3,600 a year for Aussie households

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Discount supermarket giant ALDI is expanding its reach beyond groceries, announcing the national roll-out of ALDI Solar for households in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

The retailer has partnered with energy services provider Tempo to deliver solar and battery packages designed to help Australians cut their household energy bills.

The move follows a successful pilot program in Victoria, where early adopters saw strong returns. According to ALDI, one South West Sydney household reported energy bill savings of more than $3,600 in just 12 months after installation. While individual outcomes will vary, the company says the offering has been structured to maximise value and deliver competitive payback periods.

“We know Australians are looking for new ways to ease cost-of-living pressures, and energy bills remain one of the biggest household expenses,” said Simon Padovani-Ginies, Group Director at ALDI Australia. “ALDI Solar is about bringing our customers another service that delivers real value – just like we’ve done with ALDI Mobile, ALDI Insurance and ALDI Holidays.”

As of the 10th September, households can pre-order solar packages via the ALDI Solar website, with installations expected to begin in early November 2025. Craig Handley, General Manager of Energy at Tempo, said the partnership ensures quality installations alongside ALDI’s trademark affordability.

“Our goal is to make solar and batteries accessible for more Australians. Together with ALDI, we can deliver a trusted solution that’s not only cost-effective, but reliable over the long term.”

ALDI Solar packages available:

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Price Battery Panels Inverter Installation and blackout protection
$6,999 10kWh capacity (2 x 5kWh modules) 6.6kW (15 x 440w panels) 5.5kW hybrid Included
$8,499 20kWh capacity (4 x 5kWh modules) 6.6kW (15 x 440w panels) 5.5kW hybrid Included

All packages include a 10-year warranty and a 25-year panel performance guarantee.

How much could solar really save you?

ALDI says households could save more than $3,600 in just 12 months with its new solar and battery packages, based on an example home in South West Sydney. But how much you save depends on your household size, energy use and the size of the system you install.

For an average Australian home:

  • Small households (2 people) could save around $800–$1,200 a year by offsetting daytime electricity use.
  • Medium households (family of 4) coils save up to $1,500–$2,500 annually, especially if paired with a battery.
  • Large households (5+ people) could save upwards of $3,000 a year if power-hungry appliances are shifted to daytime use.

While the upfront cost can be significant, solar panels typically pay for themselves within 5–7 years. Adding a battery may extend that payback period, but it can also boost savings by storing excess energy for use at night. Canstar’s research team have crunched the numbers, revealing the estimated savings on your energy bill by switching to solar:

Estimated lifetime savings with solar

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Household type Typical annual savings (panels only) Typical annual savings (with battery) 20-year estimated savings*
Small (2 people) $800 – $1,200 $1,500 – $2,000 $16,000 – $40,000
Medium (family of 4) $1,500 – $2,500 $2,500 – $3,600 $30,000 – $72,000
Large (5+ people) $2,500 – $3,000+ $3,000 – $4,000+ $50,000 – $80,000+

*Based on a 20-year panel lifespan. Batteries may need to be replaced after 10–15 years, which could affect net savings.

What does solar really cost?

The upfront cost of solar can vary widely depending on the size of the system, whether you add a battery, and who you buy from. As a guide:

  • Solar panels only (no battery): A standard 6.6kW system – suitable for an average family home – usually costs between $4,000 and $7,000 after government rebates.
  • Solar + battery package: Adding a battery (typically 10–13kWh) can lift the total cost to around $12,000–$18,000. Larger systems can go higher.

While adding a battery increases the initial outlay, it allows households to store excess solar energy to use at night, reducing reliance on the grid. This can be particularly valuable as electricity prices continue to rise. Most systems will break even within 5–7 years without a battery, while battery-inclusive packages may take longer — closer to 8–12 years, depending on energy use and tariffs.

ALDI’s foray into solar adds to its growing list of non-grocery services, which already includes telecommunications, insurance and travel. With energy bills continuing to climb, the timing of the launch may appeal to households weighing up the upfront cost of solar against long-term savings.

Compare solar plans and prices

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.

Tara Donnelly
Utilities Editor
Tara Donnelly is Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology. She has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, and has authored over 500 Canstar Blue articles. Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC , The Australian Financial Review, 4BC Radio and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar Blue’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024. She has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident. You can read more of Tara's published articles and follow Tara on LinkedIn.

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