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Solar Installation Cost Melbourne
Understanding solar installation cost is one of the first steps in deciding whether solar is right for your home or business. The good news is that solar has never been more affordable in Australia, thanks to government rebates, falling technology costs, and rising electricity prices that make the payback period shorter than ever.
At Amazon Energy, we believe in complete transparency around solar installation cost. Founded in 2015 by Lee Faisal, we provide itemised, no-obligation quotes that explain exactly what you are paying for, with every rebate already factored in. As a 100% Australian-owned, NETCC Approved Seller, we never use bait-and-switch pricing or hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay.
What determines solar installation cost in Melbourne?
Solar installation cost varies based on a number of factors. Understanding these helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid being misled by unrealistically low advertised prices that do not reflect what you will actually pay.
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System size: Larger systems cost more upfront but typically offer better value per kilowatt, since fixed costs like labour and scaffolding are spread across more panels
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Panel and inverter brand: Tier 1 brands like Aiko, SunPower, Fronius, SolarEdge, and Sungrow cost more than budget imports, but come with stronger warranties and proven long-term performance
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Roof complexity: Multi-storey homes, steep pitches, or roofs requiring tilt frames for flat sections add to installation labour and materials
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Battery storage: Adding a battery like the Tesla Powerwall 3 significantly increases the total cost but also significantly increases long-term savings and backup capability
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Switchboard upgrades: Older homes sometimes require switchboard upgrades to safely accommodate a solar inverter, which adds to the overall cost
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Government rebates: The STC scheme reduces the cost of every eligible solar installation automatically. Battery rebates through the Cheaper Home Battery Program (CHBP) further reduce battery costs where eligible
Typical solar installation cost by system size
The table below shows typical installed costs in Melbourne after STC rebates have been applied. These are general guides only. Your actual cost depends on your roof, components selected, and any additional requirements identified during your free site assessment.
System size
6.6 kW
10 kW
13.2 kW
19.8 kW
13.2 kW + Tesla Powerwall 3sting solar systems
Suitable for
1-3 person household, low to medium usage
Medium household or higher daytime usage
Larger household, EV charging, pool equipment
Large home, high self-sufficiency goals
Maximum self-sufficiency and blackout backup
Typical cost after STC
$4,000 - $7,000
$6,000 - $9,500
$7,000 - $12,000
$11,000 - $17,000
$19,000 - $27,000*
*Before applicable battery rebates through the Cheaper Home Battery Program, which may further reduce this figure.
Why prices vary between quotes: If you receive a quote significantly below these ranges, check the panel and inverter brands carefully. Extremely low prices are often a sign of budget components, undersized inverters, or installers cutting corners on labour and compliance. A cheap installation that fails within a few years, or voids your warranty, costs you far more in the long run.
What is included in your solar installation cost
When Amazon Energy provides a quote, the price covers the complete installation, not just the panels. Here is what your solar installation cost includes:
Tier 1 panels
Aiko or SunPower panels selected for your roof, with a 25-year performance warranty included in the price.
Cabling and components
DC and AC cabling, isolators, protection devices, and all electrical components required for a compliant installation.
Inverter
Fronius, SolarEdge, or Sungrow inverter matched to your system size, with a 10-year product warranty.
Labour
Full installation labour by our own CEC-approved A-grade electricians. No subcontractors, no day labour.
Racking and mounting
All roof mounting hardware, flashing, and sealing materials suited to your specific roof type.
Paperwork and rebates
STC rebate processing, network connection application, compliance certificates, and all documentation.
How government rebates reduce your solar installation cost
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
STCs are the primary rebate mechanism for solar installations in Australia. The number of certificates your system generates depends on its size and location, and each certificate has a market value. Amazon Energy handles all STC processing and the value is already deducted from your quoted price, so the numbers you see are what you actually pay.
Cheaper Home Battery Program (CHBP)
The Federal Government's CHBP provides a subsidy on eligible home battery systems, significantly reducing the cost of adding a Tesla Powerwall 3 or similar battery to your solar system. Eligibility criteria and subsidy amounts are subject to change. Ask Amazon Energy for the current details when requesting your quote.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
While the VEU program primarily applies to hot water heat pumps and air conditioning rather than solar panels directly, many Melbourne households bundle these upgrades with their solar installation to maximise overall savings and rebate value across their whole energy system.
How solar installation cost compares to ongoing electricity costs
The most useful way to think about solar installation cost is not as an expense, but as a prepayment for electricity at a fixed, much lower rate than the grid. Once your system is paid off, typically within 3 to 5 years, your electricity generation is essentially free for the remaining 20-plus years of your panels' warranted lifespan.
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Average Melbourne households spend $1,500 to $2,500 or more per year on electricity
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A well-sized solar system can reduce that bill by 50% to 80%
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Adding a battery can push self-sufficiency even higher, further reducing grid reliance
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Over 25 years, the total savings from a solar installation typically far exceed the original installation cost, often by a factor of five or more
Why choose Amazon Energy for solar batteries in Australia
Transparent, itemised quotes
Every cost is explained in writing. No vague line items, no surprises after the deposit is paid.
Rebates already included
STC value is deducted from your quote upfront. The price you see reflects what you actually pay.
Melbourne-based since 2015
A local company that will be here to honour your warranties for decades, not a name that disappears after the sale.
NETCC Approved Seller
Authorised by the ACCC, you are protected by peak industry consumer standards from the first interaction.
Tier 1 components
Aiko and SunPower panels, Fronius, SolarEdge, and Sungrow inverters. Quality that justifies the investment.
No-pressure consultations
We explain your options honestly and let you decide. Call 03 7045 5322 with any cost questions, no obligation.
Common cost-related questions and concerns
01.
Why is one quote so much cheaper than another?
This is the most common question we hear. Significant price differences usually come down to component quality, inverter sizing, warranty terms, and whether the installer uses their own employed electricians or subcontractors. A lower price is not always a better deal if it means lower quality components or no support after installation. We are happy to review any competing quote and explain the differences honestly.
02.
Can I finance my solar installation?
Many Melbourne homeowners choose to finance their solar installation through personal loans, green loans, or buy-now-pay-later style energy financing products offered by various lenders. Amazon Energy can discuss financing options during your consultation, though the specific terms and providers depend on your circumstances and current market offers.
03.
Are there extra costs I should budget for?
Our quotes are itemised and comprehensive. The most common additional cost that may arise is a switchboard upgrade, which is sometimes required for older homes to safely accommodate a solar inverter. If this applies to your home, we identify it during the free site assessment and include it in your quote upfront, not as a surprise after installation has started.
04.
Does a more expensive system always mean better value?
Not necessarily, but extremely cheap systems often cut costs in ways that affect long-term performance and reliability. The best value comes from a system that is correctly sized for your home, uses Tier 1 components with strong warranties, and is installed by a company that will still be around to honour those warranties in 10 or 20 years.
Frequently asked questions
01.
Is the STC rebate already included in the price I am quoted?
Yes, with Amazon Energy the STC value is deducted upfront and reflected in your quoted price. You do not need to apply for or claim anything separately. We handle all the paperwork as part of your installation.
02.
Why do solar installation costs vary so much between companies?
Differences usually come down to component quality, warranty terms, inverter sizing, and whether the company employs its own installers or uses subcontractors. Extremely low prices often reflect budget components or reduced labour quality. We recommend comparing what is actually included, not just the headline price.
03.
Does solar installation cost include the network connection process?
Yes. Amazon Energy's quoted price includes managing your network connection application with your local distribution network operator. This is a necessary step to legally connect your system to the grid and is included as standard.
04.
What is the payback period for a typical solar installation?
Most Melbourne residential solar systems achieve payback within 3 to 5 years, depending on system size, your energy usage patterns, and whether a battery is included. Systems with batteries typically take longer to pay back the additional battery cost but provide greater long-term savings and backup capability.
05.
Will I need a switchboard upgrade, and does that add to the cost?
Some older homes require a switchboard upgrade to safely accommodate a solar inverter. We assess this during your free site visit and include it in your quote if needed, so there are no surprises once installation begins.