Why Is Bunnings Offering Solar and Battery Packages?
Bunnings has built its reputation on making home upgrades simple and affordable. Now, it’s extending that approach to energy solutions through a partnership with Zelora, a solar and battery provider that manages the full process from system design to installation.
- A solar and battery system sized to your home
- A hybrid inverter and smart energy gateway
- Standard installation by an accredited team
- Optional energy monitoring and optimization
- One provider for hardware, installation, and finance
Bunnings brings household brand recognition, while Zelora delivers the technical solution behind the scenes.
Is This a Subscription or Ownership Model?
Zelora describes the offer as a “subscription,” but it functions as a finance-to-own model. After the 10-year repayment term, the system belongs to the homeowner.
What Brands Are Included in the Packages?
When it comes to solar and battery systems, the brands behind the components matter. Bunnings and Zelora have confirmed the following hardware in their bundled packages:
Battery: Sigenergy SigenStor
Sigenergy is an emerging battery platform known for its smart, modular design. The SigenStor system integrates a battery, hybrid inverter, and energy controller into one unit. It’s scalable from 5 to 48 kilowatt-hours, supports blackout protection, and can be managed via the mySigen app with intelligent automation features.
Inverter: GoodWe Hybrid Inverter
GoodWe is a well-established brand in the solar industry, with a strong track record for both residential and commercial systems. Their hybrid inverters are Clean Energy Council–approved and commonly used in Australian homes. They also support integration with solar batteries, energy management platforms, and some Virtual Power Plant programs.
Solar Panels: DAS Solar
What’s on Offer in the Solar and Battery Packages?
Zelora offers a range of solar and battery packages through Bunnings, sized to suit different household energy needs. Each package includes a solar system, hybrid inverter, battery storage, and standard installation. You can choose to pay upfront or spread repayments over 10 years, with a small annual increase built into the finance plan.
Solar and Battery Bundles (10-Year Finance)
These bundles are designed around household usage, from small homes to large families with high electricity demand.
| Package | Solar Size | Battery Size | Monthly Repayment | Total Over 10 Years | Upfront Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 3.96 kW | 7.8 kWh | $112/month | $15,058 | $11,159 |
| Medium | 6.6 kW | 10.4 kWh | $136/month | $18,284 | $13,982 |
| Large | 8.8 kW | 13 kWh | $157/month | $21,108 | $16,268 |
| X-Large | 10.56 kW | 15.6 kWh | $174/month | $23,393 | $18,016 |
| XX-Large | 13.2 kW | 23.4 kWh | $202/month | $27,157 | $21,376 |
The finance plan is fixed over 10 years, with a small annual escalation. All systems are Clean Energy Council–approved and include standard installation.
Battery-Only Packages
For households that already have solar panels installed, Zelora offers battery-only upgrades using the same Sigenergy platform.
| Battery Size | Monthly Repayment | Total Over 10 Years | Upfront Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.8 kWh | $80/month | $10,756 | $8,739 |
| 10.4 kWh | $102/month | $13,713 | $11,159 |
| 13 kWh | $115/month | $15,641 | $12,369 |
| 15.6 kWh | $126/month | $16,940 | $13,176 |
| 23.4 kWh | $144/month | $19,360 | $15,192 |
Solar-Only Packages
If you’re not ready to add a battery, standalone solar packages are also available:
| Solar Size | Upfront Price |
|---|---|
| 3.96 kW | $4,470 |
| 6.6 kW | $5,510 |
| 8.8 kW | $6,500 |
| 10.56 kW | $6,980 |
| 13.2 kW | $7,940 |
These packages include system design, product supply, and installation. Monitoring and “Optimised Energy” services are available as add-ons.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Like any bundled solar and battery offer, the Bunnings and Zelora packages come with advantages and trade-offs. While the convenience and financing will appeal to many households, others may prefer more flexibility or lower upfront pricing.
✅ Pros
1. Trusted Retail Brand
Bunnings is a household name in Australia, and its involvement may give homeowners more confidence in the purchase process compared to lesser-known solar retailers.
2. All-in-One Simplicity
From hardware to finance to installation, everything is managed under one roof. This reduces the complexity of dealing with multiple quotes, providers, or finance applications.
3. Modern Battery Technology
The use of Sigenergy batteries brings smart functionality, modular design, and built-in backup capability — which is not always standard at this price point.
4. Fixed Monthly Payments
⚠️ Cons
1. Higher Long-Term Cost
Although the repayments are fixed, the total paid over 10 years is significantly higher than the upfront price. This reduces the return on investment unless offset by strong bill savings and rebates.
2. Add-Ons Not Included
Monitoring services, smart controls, and export limitation features are not part of the base price. These extras may be essential for some users but come at an additional cost.
3. Limited Installer Choice
Buyers can’t compare different quotes, brands, or installation teams. The system is delivered by Zelora only, which may not suit those who want more control or multiple opinions.
4. Brand Familiarity Varies
While GoodWe and Sigenergy are known in the industry, DAS panels are still building recognition in Australia. This may be a consideration for buyers focused on long-term bankability.
How Does It Compare to Other Options in the Market?
- You’re selecting from predefined system sizes
- Pricing is fully transparent for both upfront and financed options
- Installation, hardware, and coordination are all handled through one provider
- Can I choose different brands of panels, inverters, or batteries?
- Am I getting access to any Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs or grid incentives?
- Are rebates already factored into the price, or applied separately?
- How does the warranty and support process work if something goes wrong?
- Is the system sized appropriately for my actual usage and future needs?
Ultimately, the Bunnings model prioritizes ease, speed, and predictability. Other providers may offer more customization or slightly lower prices, but they may also require more research, coordination, and upfront decision-making.
Who Might This Suit?
The Bunnings and Zelora solar and battery packages are designed with simplicity in mind. They’re likely to appeal to homeowners who value a bundled approach with minimal complexity.
Best suited for:
Homeowners who prefer a one-stop solution
If you don’t want to chase multiple quotes or coordinate between different installers, this model offers a straightforward way to get a system installed without hassle.
People without upfront savings
The 10-year repayment plan makes it possible to access solar and batteries without needing to pay thousands upfront. This can be helpful for families managing other expenses or mortgages.
Households looking for a balance of modern tech and brand-backed service
Less suited for:
Buyers who want full control over system design
If you prefer to choose your own panel brand, inverter type, or battery model, a custom quote from an independent installer may be a better fit.
Those optimizing for shortest payback period
The total cost over time is higher with financing. If your goal is maximum return on investment, especially with rebates or VPP participation, it may be worth comparing other models.
Homeowners in remote or complex properties
While the packages are priced for standard metro installations, rural or complex jobs may require additional costs or adjustments.
