Power prices have doubled in a decade, and with few signs of retreating and panel prices sinking, "you'd be mad not to put solar on", Renate Egan, an associate professor at the University of NSW, told Fairfax Media.

Add in federal energy policy uncertainty after the demise of the federal government's National Energy Guarantee and consumers are keener than ever to take control of their electricity.

Last month saw a spike in installations in Victoria and NSW, with both overtaking Queensland. All three topped 35 megawatts of new capacity. 

Nationwide, the 158MW of rooftop solar added in October eclipsed all previous months and ensured 2018 would easily top other years.

Experts in the industry, such as Jordy Beeckmans and Anthony Williamson from SolarBright Port Macquarie, said locals can not afford not to have solar.

"With the upcoming decreasing of the STC rebates on solar now is the time to invest for the future," Mr Williamson said. 

"Over the past few years solar has become more affordable. Manufactures have continually improved the price point and the better manufacturers are offering much better technology.

"The overall performance out of the solar system has increased and therefore improving the economics or pay back of the system." 

In some cases payback periods are within 2-3 years. Mr Williamson, who has been involved in the solar industry for ten years, has seen the solar business grow from nothing to a significant industry. 

"I have seen the level of quality and technology improve and we have now seen a dramatic decrease in product failure," he said. 

"We prefer to supply premium products like LG as it gives consumers peace of mind knowing the high quality products rarely fail.”

Amit Narang, an IT expert working for NSW Health, told Fairfax Media the choice to put solar panels on his roof was partly to cut carbon emissions but mostly because the financials had become conclusive.

Mr Narang had a 6.5-kilowatt photovoltaic system installed on his home. By his calculation, the family's annual electric bill will dive from $1400 to $400.