As urban myths go, the one about solar panels being a luxury enjoyed mostly by the wealthy with poorer households left out has endured well beyond reality.

In a research first, the Victoria Energy Policy Centre analysed electricity bills of 10,051 households provided by CHOICE, a fifth with solar power, in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Researchers then used socio-economic data and house prices from Domain.com.au to profile the owners.

Solar panels are not just mainstream, they even turn up more often on lower and middle-income homes that you might expect. Credit:Nick Moir

Contrary to public perceptions, solar panel uptake is proportionally more common in roofs of those with lower- to middle socio-economic standing, the study - commissioned by Solar Citizens - found.

“People are reaching for ways to get control over their energy costs and for millions of low- and middle-income households, solar is the best way to do that," Solar Citizens's national director, Joseph Scales, said.