Solar Panels Melbourne
Tier-one panels installed by CEC-accredited electricians, with your rebate applied upfront.
Smart Solar Energy installs residential and commercial solar panel systems across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Tier-one panels, CEC-accredited installers, and a 25-year panel warranty with a 10-year inverter warranty — with your STC rebate applied before you pay.
Solar panel systems we install
System size is matched to your roof space, daily usage and grid connection limits. These are the sizes we install most often across Victoria.
- Average family home
- Uses 15–20 kWh a day
- Single phase supply
- 5 kW inverter
- Larger home, high usage
- Uses 25–35 kWh a day
- Battery ready
- 8 kW inverter
- Large home or small business
- Uses 40+ kWh a day
- Three phase supply
- 10 kW inverter
Panel counts assume 440–475W modules. Actual system design depends on roof orientation, shading and available space.
Panel brands we install
We install tier-one panels with established Australian warranty support, so a claim in year twelve is actually honoured. These four cover most of what we install, and we can source others on request.
High-efficiency N-type modules with slower degradation, so output holds up better late in the system's life.
One of the largest panel manufacturers globally. Strong real-world performance in Victorian conditions.
Long-established brand with reliable local service and consistent output over time.
Widely deployed across Australia with strong efficiency ratings and a solid warranty position.
We also install other tier-one panels depending on availability and what suits your roof.
Ask about a specific brandPanels we stock
The modules we install most often. Exact model depends on availability and how much roof space you have to work with.
Specifications are indicative and vary by model within each series. We confirm the exact panel model in your quote.
The inverter determines how well your panels actually perform, and it's the component most likely to need replacing first. If solar battery storage is anywhere in your plans, choose a hybrid inverter now rather than replacing one later.
Compare solar invertersWhat affects solar panel installation cost
The single biggest factor. Cost per kW drops as system size increases, so a 10 kW system costs less per kilowatt than a 6.6 kW.
Tile roofs take longer than tin. Two-storey homes and steep pitches need more safety setup, which adds labour.
Older switchboards often need an upgrade before a system can be connected. We check this during the site assessment.
A hybrid inverter costs more upfront than a string inverter but saves you replacing it when you add a solar battery.
Tier-one equipment costs more than budget alternatives, and lasts the warranty period you were sold.
Melbourne sits in STC Zone 4. The rebate is deducted from your price upfront — check what you qualify for under current Victorian solar rebates.
Estimate your system size, rebate and payback period in about 30 seconds.
Open the calculatorOur installation process
We review your bills and usage pattern to work out what size system actually suits you.
Roof orientation, shading, available space and switchboard condition all get checked before we quote.
You get a panel layout, equipment list and a fixed installed price with your STC rebate already applied.
CEC-accredited installers complete most residential systems in a single day.
We test the system, handle the grid connection paperwork and set up your monitoring app.
Areas we service
We install across Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Cranbourne, Clyde, Dandenong, Frankston, Pakenham, Berwick and surrounding suburbs. Not sure if you're in range? Ask us.
All service areasFrequently asked questions
How much does solar panel installation cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends mainly on system size, roof type and inverter choice. Melbourne falls in STC Zone 4, so your federal solar rebate is slightly lower than northern states, and it is deducted from your price upfront rather than claimed back later. We quote a fixed installed price after a site assessment, so there are no variations added afterwards.
How many panels are in a 6.6 kW solar system?
Usually 14 to 16 panels, depending on the wattage of the modules used. With 440W panels you need 15; with 475W panels you need 14. Higher-wattage panels are useful when roof space is tight.
Which solar panel brand is best?
All four brands we install are tier-one with 25-year warranties, so the difference comes down to fit. Jinko holds output better over the long term, Longi gives you more watts per panel when roof space is limited, Suntech is the strongest all-rounder, and Trina copes better with partial shade. We recommend based on your roof, not on one brand.
Is my roof suitable for solar?
Most Victorian roofs are. North-facing gets the best year-round output, but east and west facing roofs work well too, particularly if your usage is concentrated in the morning or evening. Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings matters more than orientation — we assess this on site before quoting.
How long does installation take?
Most residential systems are installed in a single day. Larger or three-phase systems can take two. Grid connection approval afterwards depends on your distributor and typically takes a few weeks. Our installation process covers what happens at each stage.
Do I need a battery straight away?
No. Many customers install solar first and add solar battery storage later. If that's your plan, tell us now — fitting a hybrid inverter at install time is much cheaper than replacing a string inverter when the battery goes in.
What warranty do I get?
25 years on panels and 10 years on the inverter, plus workmanship cover on the installation itself. We handle warranty claims with the manufacturer rather than leaving you to chase them.
Tell us your address and average usage and we'll send a fixed installed price with your rebate applied.
Request a free quoteFrequently asked questions
Costs, sizing, roof suitability and install times.
How much does solar panel installation cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends mainly on system size, roof type and inverter choice. Melbourne sits in STC Zone 4, so your federal rebate is deducted from your price upfront rather than claimed back later. We quote a fixed installed price after a site assessment, so nothing is added afterwards.
How many panels are in a 6.6 kW solar system?
Usually 14 to 16 panels, depending on module wattage. With 440W panels you need 15; with 475W panels you need 14. Higher-wattage panels are useful when roof space is tight.
How much roof space does a 6.6 kW system need?
Around 25 to 30 square metres of usable roof, ideally on one or two faces. Split across too many small sections and you lose efficiency to extra cabling and shading. We measure this during the site assessment.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days in Melbourne?
Yes, at reduced output. Panels generate from daylight rather than direct sun, so an overcast day still produces power — typically a fraction of a clear day. Melbourne’s annual generation accounts for this, which is why system sizing is based on yearly output, not best-case days.
How long does solar panel installation take?
Most residential systems are installed in a single day. Larger or three-phase systems can take two. Grid connection approval afterwards depends on your distributor and usually takes a few weeks.