Solar potential in South Melbourne
What solar would make on your South Melbourne roof, what it could save, and what to check before you buy.
Updated November 2026 · Litmec Electrical, REC-10383
A 6.6 kW north-facing solar system in South Melbourne makes about 9,500 kWh a year: around 35 kWh a day in midsummer and 15 kWh a day in June. East or west-facing roofs make about 85% of that.
On a $450 quarterly bill, that could save roughly $600–800 a year. South Melbourne ranks 22nd of the 38 Melbourne suburbs we've modelled for solar output, but the spread across Melbourne is only 3%: your roof's direction and shade matter far more than your postcode.
Solar output in South Melbourne
- Output per kW, north
- 1,436 kWh/yr
- Output per kW, east / west
- 1,221 / 1,216
- Best month, per kW
- 5.3 kWh/day (Jan)
- Worst month, per kW
- 2.3 kWh/day (Jun)
- Council
- City of Port Phillip
- Postcode
- 3205
- From Litmec, Newport
- about 7 km
- Site visit
- Free, no obligation
| System | North-facing, kWh/yr | East-facing, kWh/yr | West-facing, kWh/yr | June, kWh/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW | 9,480 | 8,058 | 8,024 | 15.0 |
| 8 kW | 11,490 | 9,767 | 9,726 | 18.2 |
| 10 kW | 14,363 | 12,209 | 12,158 | 22.7 |
| 13.2 kW | 18,959 | 16,116 | 16,049 | 30.0 |
These figures use satellite and weather data for South Melbourne from 2005 to 2023 and already allow for heat, wiring and inverter losses. They don't know your roof: shade, pitch and the faces available decide the real number, which is what the site visit checks. Try the roof calculator for your own direction and pitch.
Homes and roofs in South Melbourne
Victorian terraces and cottages, much of it under heritage overlays. Narrow terrace roofs and shared walls mean a smaller, carefully placed system is typical.
Heritage streets
Many South Melbourne streets sit under heritage overlays administered by City of Port Phillip. Panels on rear and side roof faces that can't be seen from the street are usually the simplest route, mounted flush with all-black panels. We check the overlay for your address before quoting. Solar on heritage homes.
Older switchboards
A lot of South Melbourne housing pre-dates the 1980s, so ceramic fuses, missing safety switches and old fibrous switchboard backings are common. These have to be fixed before solar connects. We're electricians: we check the board on the visit and price any work in the quote. Check your switchboard.
What solar could save in South Melbourne
For a home paying $450 a quarter with someone in some days, the calculator suggests a 6.6 kW system saving about $600–800 a year, or $1,000–1,400 with a 10 kWh battery. Your own bill gives a better answer: use the calculator below.
How it works with Litmec
Litmec Electrical is a registered electrical contractor based in Newport, about 7 km from South Melbourne. We sell the system, design it from your bills, organise the paperwork and rebates, and stand behind the whole system with a 5-year warranty. Accredited installers we subcontract and supervise fit the panels, and our own electricians do any switchboard work. Not sure what size you need? Try the system finder.
Nearby suburbs
Check your bill: solar for your South Melbourne home
A few quick questions, using South Melbourne's solar output. See the system that fits and what it could save, then get a free design and quote.
Building a new home? Skip the bill and send us your plans
Solar in South Melbourne: questions
How much power do solar panels make in South Melbourne?
Each kW of north-facing panels in South Melbourne makes about 1,436 kWh a year, so a 6.6 kW system makes about 9,500 kWh a year, or 26 kWh a day on average. East or west-facing panels make about 85% of that. (PVGIS satellite data.)
Is solar worth it in South Melbourne?
For most owner-occupied homes with a typical bill, yes. On a $450 quarterly bill with someone home some days, a 6.6 kW system could save roughly $600 to $800 a year. Small bills and heavily shaded roofs save less; the site visit tells you honestly.
Do I need council approval for solar panels in South Melbourne?
Many South Melbourne properties are under heritage overlays with City of Port Phillip, where panels visible from the street may need a planning permit. Panels on rear and side faces are usually simpler. We check your address before quoting.
Does Litmec do solar in South Melbourne?
Yes. South Melbourne is about 7 km from our base in Newport and well within our 100 km service area. Site visits are free, and your contract and 5-year whole-of-system warranty are with Litmec Electrical.
What size solar system suits a South Melbourne home?
Size follows your power use. Most homes paying $350 to $600 a quarter suit 6.6 to 10 kW on single phase. Narrow terrace roofs and shared walls mean a smaller, carefully placed system is typical.
See what your South Melbourne roof can do
Free site visit from a licensed electrician: roof, shading and switchboard checked, options walked through.