The short answer: in 2026 a good-quality 6.6 kW home solar system in Melbourne typically costs about $5,500–$7,000 installed, and a 10 kW system about $8,500–$10,500 — after the federal STC discount and including GST. Eligible owner-occupiers can take up to $1,400 more off with the Solar Victoria rebate.
Those are typical market prices, not a fixed price list. Your quote depends on your roof, your switchboard and the equipment you choose — which is why we always quote from a site assessment.
Typical solar prices in Melbourne by system size (2026)
| System size | Suits | Typical price after STCs |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | Small homes, low daytime use | ~$5,000–$6,000 |
| 6.6 kW | The most common Melbourne home system | ~$5,500–$7,000 |
| 8 kW | Larger families, planning a battery | ~$7,000–$8,500 |
| 10 kW | High usage, EV or battery, all-electric homes | ~$8,500–$10,500 |
| 13 kW+ | Very high usage, three-phase homes | Quoted individually |
Ranges are indicative for good-quality installed systems in Melbourne as at October 2026, based on the Solar Choice price index and the quotes we see. They include GST and the STC discount, and exclude the Solar Victoria rebate.
What’s included in the price
A proper solar quote should include everything needed to get your system running:
- Panels and inverter — the brands and models, named on the quote
- Mounting and racking for your roof type (tin, tile or flat)
- Installation by a CEC-accredited installer
- Grid connection paperwork with your electricity distributor and the meter reconfiguration
- Monitoring, so you can see what your system produces
- Warranties — panel product and performance, inverter, and installation workmanship
At Sun Current every quote is itemised, with the STC discount and any Solar Victoria rebate shown as separate lines, so you can see your true out-of-pocket cost.
What makes solar cost more (or less)
- System size. More panels cost more in total, but less per kW — the fixed costs of installation are spread further.
- Panel and inverter quality. Tier-1 panels and a reputable inverter cost more upfront but last and perform better. The inverter is the part most likely to need replacing in a system’s lifetime.
- Your roof. Steep pitches, double storeys, tile roofs, multiple roof faces and shading all add labour and equipment.
- Your switchboard. Older switchboards sometimes need upgrading to safely connect solar.
- Battery-ready or hybrid inverter. If you plan to add a battery, a hybrid inverter now can save money later. See is a home battery worth it in Victoria.
- Single- or three-phase power. Larger systems on three-phase homes can export more, but may need a three-phase inverter.
How the STC discount works
STCs (small-scale technology certificates) are the federal incentive that makes solar affordable. Your installer claims them and takes their value straight off your price — you don’t apply for anything. A 6.6 kW system in Melbourne currently attracts a discount in the low thousands of dollars, and the amount falls each year until the scheme ends in 2030. Read more in our 2026 rebates guide.
How long does solar take to pay back in Melbourne?
For most homes, somewhere around 4 to 7 years. The biggest factor isn’t the system price — it’s how much of your solar you use yourself.
Here’s an illustrative example:
| Assumption | Value |
|---|---|
| System | 6.6 kW, about $6,000 after STCs |
| Yearly production in Melbourne | About 8,500 kWh |
| Share used in the home | 40% (≈3,400 kWh) |
| Value of each kWh you use (avoided grid price) | 30c |
| Feed-in tariff for exported power | 4c |
| Yearly saving | ≈ $1,020 + $205 = $1,225 |
| Simple payback | ≈ 5 years |
Illustrative only. Your saving depends on your tariff, your usage pattern and your roof.
Since Victoria’s minimum feed-in tariff was removed in July 2025, retailers set their own export rates — often only a few cents per kWh. That’s why we design systems to maximise self-consumption: running dishwashers, pool pumps, hot water and EV charging in the daytime, or storing solar in a battery for the evening.
How to compare solar quotes
- Compare the after-rebate price — and check whether the Solar Victoria rebate has already been taken off
- Check the exact panel and inverter models and their warranties
- Ask who installs — the company’s own team or a subcontractor
- Check what’s excluded: switchboard upgrades, tile roofs, extra roof faces, monitoring
- Be wary of quotes far below the market range — the savings usually come from somewhere
Want a real number for your home? Get a free quote — we’ll assess your roof and bills and give you an itemised price with every rebate applied. See also: what size solar system do I need?
Sources
- Solar Choice — solar panel price index
- Clean Energy Regulator — Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
- Solar Victoria — solar panel rebate
- Essential Services Commission — Victorian Default Offer and feed-in tariffs
Prices as at October 2026. General information only — your price is confirmed in a written quote.
