With electricity prices on the rise and more Australians exploring renewable energy, planning your solar installation carefully has never been more important. The good news? You don’t need to be a solar expert to get started. Thanks to several free online tools, homeowners can now estimate costs, savings, and energy output in just minutes.
Whether you live in Canberra, Sydney, or Brisbane, using the right online resources helps you plan your solar system with confidence — before you even contact an installer.
Why Use Solar Planning Tools
Every property is different. Factors like roof direction, shading, and energy usage influence how much you’ll save with solar. Online solar tools simplify this process by giving you realistic data in advance.
They not only help you estimate your home’s solar potential, but also allow you to:
- Identify the ideal system size and payback period
- Understand available rebates and loan options
- Compare different system configurations
- Evaluate potential energy savings and carbon reduction
As a result, you’ll enter the quoting process informed and prepared — avoiding the risk of overpaying or under-sizing your system.
1. Climate Choices ACT – Solar and Energy Tools
The ACT Government’s Climate Choices website remains one of the most reliable platforms for solar and home energy planning in 2025.
Explore it here: https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/webtools
This comprehensive government resource helps ACT homeowners assess their solar options and energy efficiency opportunities. It features:
- A solar suitability tool that evaluates your roof and potential generation
- An energy performance checker for your household
- Details on rebates and low-interest solar loans
- Direct access to accredited solar installers
Moreover, even if you’re outside the ACT, you can still use the tool to understand how your home compares in solar potential. It’s a great first step toward designing an energy-smart home.
Tip: The Climate Choices platform also includes guidance for heat pumps, battery storage, and insulation — giving you a full picture of home sustainability.
2. ACT Home Energy Assessments – Solar Calculator
Another excellent resource is the ACT Home Energy Assessments (ACT-HEA) Solar Calculator, which helps you model your solar savings quickly.
Try it here: https://act-hea.com.au/solar-calculator/
Unlike general calculators, this tool uses local data for more accurate results. It allows you to:
- Enter your address, roof size, and electricity usage
- See how much power your system could generate
- Estimate your savings and return on investment
- Adjust system size to compare scenarios
Consequently, you’ll get a clear idea of which system size suits your needs best. The ACT-HEA calculator is particularly useful for Canberra residents, but it’s also valuable for anyone planning solar across Australia.
3. ACT Home Energy Assessments – Home Energy Assessment Tool
Before investing in solar, it’s wise to review your home’s energy performance. The ACT-HEA Home Energy Assessment Tool makes this simple.
Check it out: https://act-hea.com.au/home-energy-assessment/
This quick online assessment provides practical feedback about:
- Insulation and heating efficiency
- Lighting and appliance energy use
- Opportunities for reducing energy loss
Furthermore, it suggests how solar can complement your upgrades for better results. For ACT residents, professional on-site assessments are also available, offering even more detailed insights into your home’s performance.
4. Solar Proof – Compare Real Quotes from Trusted Installers
Once you’ve explored your energy tools, the next logical step is to compare real solar quotes.
Get started: https://quotes.solarproof.com.au/
Solar Proof makes comparing easy and transparent. The platform connects you with Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installers, so you can trust that your quotes are legitimate and your system will qualify for rebates.
Additionally, Solar Proof helps you:
- Compare prices, warranties, and components
- See performance estimates for each quote
- Choose from verified and reviewed installers
By comparing multiple options, you’ll ensure you get both value and quality — not just the lowest price.
5. State-Based Solar Tools and Programs
Although the ACT offers the most interactive web tools, other states provide excellent resources too:
- Victoria: Solar Victoria rebate estimator for $1,400 rebates and zero-interest loans.
- Queensland: Energy Efficient Queensland solar guide and comparison tools.
- South Australia: Home Battery Scheme calculator for battery incentives.
- Western Australia: Synergy’s Solar Return Estimator for feed-in tariff comparisons.
Each tool helps residents in different regions assess their solar potential and rebate eligibility. Consequently, combining local and federal information gives you a complete understanding of the benefits.
Plan Your Solar Journey Step by Step
- Start with Climate Choices ACT to check your property’s solar suitability and available government programs.
👉 https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/webtools - Use the ACT-HEA Solar Calculator to estimate system size and projected savings.
👉 https://act-hea.com.au/solar-calculator/ - Complete a Home Energy Assessment to identify additional efficiency upgrades.
👉 https://act-hea.com.au/home-energy-assessment/ - Compare quotes on Solar Proof to find trusted local installers.
👉 https://quotes.solarproof.com.au/
By following these steps, you’ll have a clear plan — from assessing solar potential to securing the best system price.