Here’s Why Solar in Australia is Cheaper than the U.S.

Here’s Why Solar in Australia is Cheaper than the U.S.

From The Energy Show by Barry Cinnamon

May 6, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

Barry discusses the reasons why solar and battery system costs in Australia are significantly lower than in the U.S. and suggests policy changes to improve affordability in the U.S.

Barry' been bashing his head against the wall for over two decades to reduce solar and battery system costs in the U.S. So on his recent “vacation” to Australia, he did a deep dive into solar costs Down Under. As Jigar, Saul and Birchy have observed, solar and battery system costs in Australia are one fourth the price of comparable systems in the U.S. But the REAL reasons for these high costs are not what you may think. • It’s not greedy installers — although there are still too many sleaze bags. • It’s no longer permitting — although improvements can still be made. • It’s not because we don’t manufacturer the equipment in the U.S. — although we can and should. It’s because we have lousy energy policies in the U.S. -- from the Federal government down to local city councils. Barry identifies four specific policy changes that will make solar much more affordable in the U.S. So tune into this week’s Energy Show for a detailed solar and battery cost breakdown, capped off with the changes we need to make in the U.S. to reduce solar and battery costs for homes and businesses.

People in this episode

Host: Barry Cinnamon

Topics covered

  • solar costs
  • battery systems
  • energy policies
  • Australia
  • U.S. solar market

Keywords

  • solar
  • battery systems
  • cost comparison
  • energy policy
  • Australia
  • U.S.

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Australia, U.S.

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