Solar is one of the cheapest ways to cut your power bills in Melbourne, but prices vary a lot from quote to quote. In this guide we explain what solar panels cost in 2026, what changes the price, and how long a system takes to pay for itself.
Key points
- An average 6.6 kW system in Melbourne costs about $6,555 before the Solar Victoria rebate.
- An average 10 kW system costs about $9,932 before the rebate.
- Eligible homes can take up to $1,400 off with the Solar Victoria rebate.
- Many homes pay back their system in about 3 to 6 years.
Average solar prices in Melbourne in 2026
Solar Choice publishes a price index from installer quotes across Australia. Its July 2026 figures for Melbourne are below. These prices include panels, inverter, installation, GST and the federal STC discount, but not the Solar Victoria rebate.
| System size | Average price | After $1,400 Solar Victoria rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | about $6,555 | about $5,155 |
| 10 kW | about $9,932 | about $8,532 |
Averages hide a wide range. A budget system can cost less, and a premium system with microinverters or high-end panels can cost much more. The best value is a quality system that is sized correctly for your home.
What changes the price?
Panel and inverter brands
Tier 1 panels from brands like Trina Solar are great value. Premium panels such as REC cost more but offer higher efficiency and longer warranties. On the inverter side, a standard string inverter costs less than a hybrid inverter, optimisers or microinverters. See the products we install.
Your roof
Single-storey tin roofs are the quickest to install on. Tiled roofs, steep pitches, two-storey homes and panels spread over several roof faces all take more time and equipment.
Shade
If trees or nearby buildings shade your roof, you may need microinverters or optimisers so each panel works on its own. They add cost but can make a big difference to output.
Switchboard and wiring
Some older homes need a switchboard upgrade before solar can be connected. A good installer will check this at the quote stage, not on install day.
Battery-ready inverters
If you plan to add a battery later, a hybrid inverter costs a little more now but can make a future battery cheaper and simpler.
How long does solar take to pay for itself?
Here is a simple example for a 6.6 kW system in Melbourne. Your own numbers will be different, but it shows how the maths works.
- A 6.6 kW system makes about 24 kWh a day on average across the year.
- If your home uses about half of that as it is made, that is 12 kWh a day you do not buy from the grid. At around 30 cents per kWh, that saves about $3.60 a day.
- The other 12 kWh goes to the grid. At a feed-in tariff of around 3 cents, that earns about 36 cents a day.
- That adds up to roughly $1,400 a year.
- At about $5,155 after the rebate, the system pays for itself in under four years.
You get a faster payback if you use more of your solar during the day, for example if you work from home, run a pool pump or charge an EV in the daytime. Exporting most of your solar slows the payback, because Victorian feed-in tariffs are now low. That is why many homes are now adding a battery.
How to compare solar quotes
- Check the exact panel, inverter and battery models, not just the system size.
- Ask who will do the install. Is it the company’s own electricians or a subcontractor?
- Check the workmanship warranty. Ours is 15 years.
- Make sure the rebate and STC discount are shown clearly.
- Read reviews from local customers.
Our solar installer checklist lists the questions to ask before you sign.
Get a fixed price for your home
We give every customer a written quote with the exact equipment and a fixed price after checking the roof. We install across the Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Bayside and Melbourne’s south-east. See our home solar installation page or call us on 1300 374 786.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 6.6 kW solar system in Melbourne?
About $6,555 on average in July 2026, or about $5,155 after the Solar Victoria rebate for eligible homes.
How much is a 10 kW solar system in Melbourne?
About $9,932 on average in July 2026, or about $8,532 after the rebate.
Is it worth paying more for premium panels?
It can be if your roof space is limited, you are close to the coast, or you want a longer warranty. For a large, unshaded roof, good Tier 1 panels are often the best value.
