Solar Panels in Eltham VIC — Cost & Rebates 2026

Solar Panels cost in Eltham

Typically $4,000–$12,000 installed before rebates.

Who connects your solar in Eltham: AusNet Services

Eltham is on the AusNet Services network, which covers Melbourne's outer north-east and eastern Victoria. All five Victorian distributors share the same export rules.

AusNet applies the Victoria-wide 5 kW per phase export limit. Single-phase homes can install up to a 10 kW inverter (5 kW export); three-phase homes can export up to 15 kW.
You can fit more panels than inverter capacity — useful for offsetting tree shading.
AusNet runs a large network into the bushy north-east; on some blocks site-specific connection checks apply.
Bushfire-prone, treed blocks make a battery with backup and careful component placement worth discussing.

How much solar generates in Eltham

Eltham is in STC Zone 4 (rating 1.185), so it earns fewer federal STCs than NSW. On a clear north-facing roof a 6.6 kW system generates around 8,300–8,800 kWh a year, but Eltham's tall gums and bush blocks can cut into that, so real output depends heavily on your specific site.

A good installer models the shading across the day and seasons and may recommend microinverters or optimisers so one shaded panel doesn't drag down a whole string.

What a 6.6 kW system actually saves here

Self-consumption is decisive in Victoria: the minimum feed-in tariff is just 0.04c/kWh flat for 2025–26, while you pay roughly 28–32c/kWh to buy power back. Use your own solar during the day rather than exporting it for a few cents.

Run the dishwasher, washing machine and a hot-water heat pump in the middle of the day, or add a battery for the evening peak and bushfire-season outage cover.

Worked annual saving for a 6.6 kW solar system in Eltham
Solar generated	~8,500 kWh/yr
Used at home (~33%)	2,805 kWh × 30c = ~$842 saved
Exported (~67%)	5,695 kWh × 4c = ~$228 earned
Indicative annual benefit	~$1,070

Estimate only, not a quote. Range across 28–38% self-consumption: roughly $900–$1,200 a year. Last verified 2026-06-17.

Getting it right in Eltham

Shading is the key issue: get a proper shade assessment, and consider microinverters or optimisers so trees don't cripple a whole string.
On bushfire-prone, treed blocks, discuss component placement and a battery with backup for outages.
Working around or trimming tall gums can lift output — weigh it against canopy and council rules.
With near-zero feed-in, design for self-consumption rather than export.

Rebates for Eltham homes

Unlike NSW, Victoria has a state solar rebate. The Solar Homes program offers eligible owner-occupiers up to $1,400 off a solar PV system (plus an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400), on top of the federal STC discount. An income test applies (under $210,000, reducing to $150,000 from 1 July 2026), the property must be worth under $3 million, with no previous solar rebate at the address.

Victoria is STC Zone 4, so the federal discount is a little smaller than in NSW, and the feed-in tariff is even lower. For batteries, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (~30% off) applies — backup is worthwhile on bushfire-prone blocks.

up to $1,400 rebate (plus an optional interest-free loan of up to $1,400)

Solar Homes Program — Solar PV rebate

Solar Victoria

~$2,300–$2,400 off a 6.6kW system (more for larger systems; declines each year to 2030, with the deeming period stepping down on 1 January)

Federal STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)

Clean Energy Regulator

small and retailer-set — the 2025–26 Victorian minimum is just 0.04c/kWh flat (time-varying plans pay up to ~6.57c/kWh at the evening peak, ~0c during the day)

Solar feed-in tariff

Essential Services Commission / your electricity retailer

Figures last checked 2026-06-17.

Full Victorian solar panels rebate guide →

Eltham solar panels questions

Is solar worth it in Eltham with all the trees?

Often yes, but the roof assessment matters more here than almost anywhere. Eltham's tall gums and bush blocks can shade panels through the day, so a clear north-facing roof might make 8,300–8,800 kWh a year from a 6.6 kW system while a heavily shaded one makes far less. A good installer models the shading and may use optimisers. Eligible owner-occupiers take up to $1,400 off via Solar Victoria on top of the federal discount, and on bushfire-prone blocks a battery with backup is worth costing.

How much do solar panels cost in Victoria?

A quality 6.6kW system typically costs $4,000–$6,500 after the federal STC discount, with larger 10–13kW systems running higher. The Solar Homes Program rebate can reduce the price further for eligible households.

Is solar worth it in Victoria?

For most homes, yes. A 6.6kW system commonly saves $1,000–$1,600 a year and pays for itself in three to five years, then keeps saving for the 25-year life of the panels.

What size solar system do I need?

It depends on your usage and roof. 6.6kW suits many homes; go larger (10kW or more) if you're all-electric, plan to add a battery or EV, or use a lot of power during the day.

Sources & last checked

Figures on this page were checked against the issuing authorities and industry sources below on 2026-06-17. Rebates, tariffs and network rules change — confirm current values before you buy.

Solar Panels near Eltham

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Solar Panels in Eltham, VIC — Costs, Rebates & Quotes