Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable but one thing is sure: it still receives ample sunshine!
If you’re interested in joining the millions of Australian households that have taken advantage of solar power, our guide to solar panel installation in Melbourne will get you started.
Planning for Solar in Melbourne: 3 Easy Steps
Initial Site Assessment
The first step in solar system installation is a thorough site assessment. At Aus Energy Solar, we perform free, no obligation site assessments to ensure your property is suitable for a custom solar system.
During the assessment, roof structure, roof orientation, shading, and other considerations are evaluated to ensure the most efficient setup.
With Melbourne’s bustling growth, it is also important to consider any future developments.
Are there buildings set to be constructed around your property that may shade part of your roof? Do you plan to upgrade your solar system at some point to support additional energy usage?
Through a comprehensive evaluation, we can design a residential solar system that will meet your needs now and accommodate expansion in the future.
Design Your Solar System
Once the site assessment is complete, we design a solar system that is tailored to your average household energy consumption, budget, preferences, local climate, and lifestyle.
As part of the design process, we also provide a detailed quote that breaks down the total cost of the solar panels and installation so you know exactly what to expect.
Obtain Permits and Approvals
Before installation, you will need to obtain all necessary permits and approvals. We recommend checking with your local council to learn about the necessary permits you’ll need.
At Aus Energy Solar, we are familiar with obtaining permits and meeting local regulations and are happy to help you with this step.
Learn more about solar installation regulations in Victoria.
Existing Building vs New Development
Solar Planning Permits for Existing Buildings in the City of Melbourne
For existing buildings in Melbourne, a solar energy system will require a planning permit if the solar panels are visible from a street or park.
A planning permit is also required for any properties including on the Victorian Heritage or affected by a heritage overlay. If planning permit requirements are not met, you may face penalties.
Solar Planning Permits for New Developments in the City of Melbourne
The Local Policy (Clause 22.19) Energy, Water and Waste Efficiency outlines requirements for solar planning permits in the City of Melbourne.
For more details on solar regulations and processes in Melbourne, we recommend these resources:
Grid Connection Rules and Regulations in Victoria
To connect a solar power system to the grid, you’ll need to know your area’s distributors.
Here is a list of the Distributed Network Service Provider’s (DNSP) in Victoria:
- CitiPower & PowerCor – Melbourne CBD & Western Victoria
- United Energy – South-east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula
- Jemena – Western inner Melbourne
- AusNet – Eastern Victoria
Each distributor in Victoria has varying requirements, making it important to research and understand each provider’s grid connection rules.
At Aus Energy Solar, we are familiar with each distributor’s rules and regulations and can help you understand what to expect.
Here’s a look at some of the more common grid connection rules and regulations to be aware of.
- Network Application – More systems in Victoria are requiring pre-approval from distributors before installation can be started.
- System Installation – Within 10 days of completing the installation, we lodge a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) to Energy Safe Victoria and set up a time for inspection to verify the solar system is compliant.
- Paperwork – Once we receive the receipt from the Certificate of Electrical Safety, we take care of all the paperwork and fine details. We lodge the forms on your behalf, such as an Electrical Work Request (EWR) or a Solar Generator Connection Form.
- Meter Changeover – For many homes in Victoria, the meter doesn’t even have to be physically changed anymore. More distributors are reconfiguring smart meters remotely, allowing convenient export of solar energy to the grid.
- Time to Enjoy Clean, Renewable Energy! – When your meter is installed, the inspection is cleared, and it is connected to the grid, the system is ready! You can now enjoy clean, renewable energy from your fully operational, compliant solar system.
Your electricity retailer will update your account with any adjustments related to the feed-in tariff. You can receive payment for any excess electricity you export back to the grid.
The Melbourne Solar Rebate
If you live in Melbourne or Victoria, you may qualify for certain solar rebates or incentives through the federal government.
Learn More About Solar Panel Installation in Melbourne
Between government rebates for solar in Melbourne and the declining costs of solar technology, now is a wonderful time to consider investing in solar energy for your home.
At Aus Energy Solar, we are dedicated to making the transition to solar as easy as possible for homes and businesses in Melbourne.
We understand that each home or business is unique, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of solar packages from basic to advanced.
Protect yourself from increasing energy costs and support the environment by relying on clean, renewable energy with a custom designed residential solar system in Melbourne.
Get your free quote today for Melbourne Solar Panels and Installations by contacting our team at Aus Energy Solar.
