Solar Panels in Melbourne
VIC · STC Zone 4 · 4.1 sun hrs/day
A 6.6 kW solar system in Melbourne produces around 8,395 kWh/yr, costs about $5,800 after the STC rebate, and pays back in roughly 4.7 years. Compare quotes from accredited local installers.
Solar in Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne (3000) sits in STC Zone 4 and averages 4.1 peak sun hours per day. Rooftop solar is connected via CitiPower / Powercor / Jemena / United Energy / AusNet and exports earn a feed-in tariff around 4.9 c/kWh. For a typical 6.6 kW install, that works out to ~8,395 kWh/yr of generation and roughly $1,237 in combined bill offset and export credits each year.
| Location | Melbourne, VIC (3000) |
|---|---|
| Distributor (DNSP) | CitiPower / Powercor / Jemena / United Energy / AusNet |
| STC rebate zone | Zone 4 |
| Avg peak sun hours | 4.1 hours/day |
| Typical 6.6 kW output | ~8,395 kWh/yr |
| Installed cost (6.6 kW) | ~$5,800 after STC rebate |
| Federal STC rebate | ~$2,402 off install |
| Typical feed-in tariff | 3.3–6.7 c/kWh (≈ 4.9 c/kWh used) |
| Est. annual savings | ~$1,237/yr |
| Payback period | ~4.7 years |
Solar system sizes & prices for Melbourne
Output and savings are estimated using Melbourne's 4.1 peak sun hours/day and 4.9 c/kWh feed-in tariff.
| System | Annual output | Installed (post-STC) | Est. annual savings | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | 8,395 kWh | ~$5,800 | $1,237/yr | Most popular AU system size — matches the 5 kW inverter rule and maximises STC rebate. |
| 10 kW | 12,720 kWh | ~$9,400 | $1,874/yr | For larger households (4–6 people) or homes with batteries planned. |
| 13.2 kW | 16,791 kWh | ~$11,600 | $2,474/yr | Large-roof / EV charging households. May need DNSP approval to export full output. |
Solar rebates for Melbourne households
Federal STC rebate
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are issued under the federal Renewable Energy Target. VIC sits in Zone 4, worth about $2,402 off a 6.6 kW install. Your installer claims it on your behalf as a point-of-sale discount.
VIC state programs
Solar Victoria rebate (up to $1,400 off panels) plus an interest-free loan of the same amount, and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Solar battery storage in Melbourne
With grid power at ~33 c/kWh and Melbourne's feed-in tariff around 4.9 c/kWh, every kWh you store instead of export is worth an extra 28.1 c. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 2025) takes approximately 30% off battery installation costs, dramatically improving payback for VIC households.
Solar in Melbourne — common questions
How much does solar cost in Melbourne?
A standard 6.6 kW solar system in Melbourne typically costs around $5,800 installed, after the federal STC rebate of approximately $2,402 (VIC is in STC Zone 4). A 10 kW system runs about $9,400. Final price depends on roof complexity, inverter brand and panel quality.
How much energy will solar generate in Melbourne?
Melbourne averages around 4.1 peak sun hours per day, so a 6.6 kW system will produce roughly 8,395 kWh per year after performance losses. A 10 kW system produces around 12,720 kWh/yr.
What's the payback period for solar in Melbourne?
For a typical Melbourne household, a 6.6 kW system pays itself back in around 4.7 years — based on $5,800 installed, ~$1,237/yr in combined bill savings and feed-in credits, and a feed-in tariff of ~4.9 c/kWh on the CitiPower / Powercor / Jemena / United Energy / AusNet network.
What rebates apply to solar in VIC?
Melbourne households can claim the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate, worth approximately $2,402 on a 6.6 kW install in Zone 4. Solar Victoria rebate (up to $1,400 off panels) plus an interest-free loan of the same amount, and the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Who is the distributor for solar connections in Melbourne?
Solar installations in Melbourne connect to the grid via CitiPower / Powercor / Jemena / United Energy / AusNet. Your installer lodges the connection application and notifies the distributor of the export limit — no separate paperwork required from you.
Is a solar battery worth adding in Melbourne?
With Melbourne's feed-in tariff sitting around 4.9 c/kWh and grid power at ~33 c/kWh, storing solar instead of exporting it now pays back faster than it did when FiTs were higher. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 2025) takes ~30% off battery install cost, dramatically improving battery payback in VIC.
Also compare energy plans in Melbourne.
Indicative figures. Updated .