How much solar saves in Melbourne
Savings depend less on the panels than on you: how much power you use, and when. Here is what the calculator shows for common Melbourne bills.
Updated November 2026 · Litmec Electrical, REC-10383
A Melbourne home paying $450 a quarter, with someone home some days, could save roughly $600 to $800 a year with a 6.6 kW solar system.
The biggest factor is how much solar power you use yourself. Every kWh you use saves around 30c; every kWh you export earns about 4c.
Savings by bill and lifestyle
| Quarterly bill | Out all day | Home some days | Home most days |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300 | $400–550 | $450–600 | $500–700 |
| $450 | $500–700 | $600–800 | $650–900 |
| $600 | $600–800 | $700–1,000 | $850–1,150 |
| $800 | $750–1,050 | $950–1,300 | $1,100–1,550 |
| $1000 | $1,000–1,350 | $1,200–1,650 | $1,450–1,950 |
The same system saves more in a home where someone is in during the day, because more of the solar is used directly. A home that is empty from 8 to 6 exports most of its midday power and buys it back at night.
Where a battery fits
| Quarterly bill | System | Solar only | Solar + battery | Own power covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $450 | 6.6 kW + 10 kWh | $500–700 | $1,000–1,400 | 23% → 77% |
| $600 | 6.6 kW + 15 kWh | $600–800 | $1,350–1,850 | 23% → 77% |
| $800 | 8 kW + 15 kWh | $750–1,050 | $1,550–2,150 | 23% → 64% |
| $1000 | 10 kW + 20 kWh | $1,000–1,350 | $2,000–2,800 | 22% → 65% |
A battery stores the midday surplus for the evening. It lifts savings most for households that are out all day and use a lot at night. For low evening use it rarely pays. Is a battery worth it?
What solar can't save
The daily supply charge, typically over a dollar a day, stays on the bill whatever you generate. That is why savings flatten out on small bills, and why we tell low-use households honestly when solar won't pay.
Payback
Payback is the net price on your quote, after rebates, divided by the yearly saving. We don't publish prices because every roof and switchboard is different, so the quote after your site visit shows both figures for your home.
Related
Check your bill, then get a free system design
A few quick questions show you the system that fits your home and what it could save each year. Send it through and we'll design it for your roof, with a written quote. No sign-up to see your result, and no pushy follow-up.
Building a new home? Skip the bill and send us your plans
Questions
How much does solar save per year in Melbourne?
For a typical $450 quarterly bill, roughly $600 to $800 a year with solar alone, depending on how much of the power you use during the day.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bill?
Rarely completely. Solar cuts the usage part of the bill, but the daily supply charge remains, and night-time use still comes from the grid unless you have a battery.
Why are my solar savings lower than expected?
Usually because most of the solar is exported while you're out, and exports earn only a few cents. Shifting dishwashers, washing, hot water and EV charging into the middle of the day lifts savings without spending anything.
Check it on your roof
One minute online, then a free visit from a licensed electrician who checks your roof and switchboard.