Comparisons
Pi vs buying solar outright: which is better?
Updated 12 June 2026
Quick answer
- Buying outright: high upfront cost ($18,000–$25,000 for premium), you own the asset and carry maintenance and replacement.
- Pi: no equipment cost, no maintenance risk; you pay a flat $0.26/kWh and Pi keeps the system running.
- Outright suits those with capital who want to own the asset; Pi suits those who want the outcome without the cost or hassle.
Buying solar and a battery outright and going with Pi solve the same problem in opposite ways. Here's the honest comparison.
Pi vs buying outright — at a glance
| Buy outright | Pi | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $18,000–$25,000 (premium installed) | $0 for equipment & install |
| Maintenance & repairs | Your responsibility | Included — Pi owns the system |
| Equipment replacement | Your cost | Included |
| Energy rate | You self-supply; buy top-up from a retailer | Flat $0.26/kWh |
| Ownership | You own the asset | Pi owns the asset |
When does buying outright make sense?
If you have the capital, want to own the asset, and are comfortable carrying maintenance and replacement risk over 10+ years, buying can work — especially if you maximise self-consumption.
When does Pi make sense?
If you want the full solar-plus-battery outcome without the upfront cost, the maintenance, or the risk of a failed inverter or degraded battery, Pi removes all of it for a fixed $0.26/kWh. Currently available across the Gold Coast to Brisbane corridor.
Frequently asked questions
Buying avoids an ongoing energy rate but costs $18,000–$25,000 upfront plus maintenance over time. Pi has no upfront equipment cost and no maintenance, with a flat $0.26/kWh. Which is cheaper depends on your capital, usage and how you value removing maintenance risk.
See if your home qualifies
Pi's no-cost solar & battery offer currently serves the Gold Coast to Brisbane corridor on the Energex network, with expansion planned.