Solar Installation Melbourne — CEC Accredited Installer
Expert solar panel installation for homes and businesses across Melbourne. CEC accredited, Tesla Certified, Master Electricians member. REC 33210.
Solar Done Properly. No Compromises.
You have seen the ads. $3,999 solar systems from companies that will not exist in two years. Installers rushing three rooftops a day, cutting corners on mounting, cabling, and commissioning. The Australian solar industry has been damaged by thousands of high-volume, low-quality operators chasing government rebates at the expense of homeowners who end up with underperforming systems, voided warranties, and no one to call when something goes wrong.
That is not how we work. Carlin Co is a licensed electrical contractor first and a solar installer second. We bring the same standard of engineering and craftsmanship to every solar installation that we bring to switchboard upgrades, EV charger installations, and commercial electrical projects. We do not chase volume. We do not subcontract. We do not cut corners on components or installation quality to win on price.
Every system we install is designed by our electricians, installed by our electricians, and backed by our name. We use premium-tier panels and inverters from manufacturers with real warranty support in Australia. We engineer every mounting system for your specific roof — not a one-size-fits-all bracket job. We test every circuit, commission every system properly, and make sure it is generating at full capacity before we leave your property.
CEC accredited. Tesla Certified. Master Electricians member. REC 33210.
We hold every accreditation because we take this work seriously — not to tick a box.
CEC
Accredited Installer
Tesla
Certified Installer
110+
Five-Star Reviews
REC 33210
Registered Contractor
Why Melbourne Homeowners Choose Carlin Co for Solar
Not every electrician is qualified to install solar. The Clean Energy Council requires specific accreditation — and for good reason. A poorly installed solar system underperforms, degrades faster, and can void manufacturer warranties. Carlin Co is a CEC accredited solar installer and a Tesla Certified installer, which means our team has completed advanced training in solar design, installation, and Australian Standards compliance.
We are also a Master Electricians member and a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC 33210). Every installation is backed by a Certificate of Electrical Safety, manufacturer warranties on panels and inverters, and our own workmanship guarantee. With over 110 five-star Google reviews, Melbourne homeowners and businesses trust Carlin Co to get their solar installation right the first time.
We do not subcontract our solar work. The licensed electricians who design your system are the same team who install it on your roof and commission it. One team, one point of accountability, no shortcuts.
Residential Solar Installation Melbourne
Most Melbourne homes are well-suited to solar. With an average of 4.5 peak sun hours per day and electricity prices continuing to rise, a well-designed solar system pays for itself within 3 to 5 years and delivers returns for 25 years beyond that.
We design residential systems from 5kW through to 13kW+ depending on your roof space, energy usage, and whether you plan to add battery storage or an EV charger. Every system is custom-designed — we assess your roof orientation, shading, structural condition, and electrical infrastructure before recommending a solution. Common residential system sizes include:
6.6kW system — the most popular choice for Melbourne households. Produces approximately 24–26kWh per day in summer and 12–14kWh in winter. Ideal for households using 15–25kWh per day.
10kW system — suited to larger homes, households with pools or ducted heating, or homes planning to add a battery or EV charger. Produces approximately 38–42kWh per day in peak conditions.
13kW+ system — maximum roof utilisation for homes with high energy consumption or those wanting to export maximum surplus to the grid.
Commercial Solar Installation Melbourne
For Melbourne businesses, solar is one of the highest-return capital investments available. Commercial electricity rates are significantly higher than residential, which means faster payback periods and greater long-term savings. We design and install commercial solar systems for offices, warehouses, retail premises, medical centres, and multi-tenancy buildings.
Commercial systems typically range from 15kW to 100kW+. We handle every stage — from the initial energy audit and system design through to distributor applications, installation, and commissioning. For larger systems, we also manage the connection application to your electricity distributor and coordinate with your energy retailer on feed-in tariff arrangements.
Battery Storage — Store Your Solar Energy
Solar panels generate power during the day, but most households use the majority of their electricity in the morning and evening. A battery storage system lets you store excess solar energy and use it when you need it — reducing your reliance on grid power and protecting you against rising electricity prices.
We install leading battery brands including Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow, and Alpha ESS. Every battery installation includes a hybrid inverter (or inverter upgrade if required), full electrical integration, and configuration of your backup power settings. We are Tesla Certified installers, which means Tesla-trained and approved to install Powerwall systems with full manufacturer warranty support.
Victoria’s Cheaper Home Batteries program may provide rebates on eligible battery installations. We assess your eligibility and handle the paperwork as part of the process. For more detail, see our Home Battery Storage Melbourne guide.
Solar Panel and Inverter Brands We Install
We only install CEC-approved solar components from manufacturers with a proven track record of performance and warranty support in Australia. We deliberately avoid the budget-tier panels and inverters that dominate the high-volume installer market — because cheap components are the number one reason solar systems underperform and fail prematurely.
Solar panels: We install premium-tier panels from brands including SunPower, REC, Q Cells, Jinko, Trina, and Canadian Solar. Every panel we use carries a minimum 25-year performance warranty and is rated for Australian conditions. We help you choose between standard, premium, and high-efficiency panels based on your budget and roof space.
Inverters: The inverter converts DC power from your panels into usable AC power. We install Fronius, SMA, Enphase, Sungrow, and Goodwe inverters. For homes planning to add batteries later, we recommend hybrid inverters from the outset — this avoids the cost of swapping inverters down the track. Enphase microinverters are an excellent choice for roofs with partial shading, as each panel operates independently.
Our Solar Installation Process
We have streamlined our solar installation process to minimise disruption and ensure every system is designed and installed to the highest standard.
Step 1 — Site assessment and design. We inspect your roof structure, orientation, and shading. We review your electricity bills to understand your usage patterns. From this, we design a system sized to your needs — not an oversized system you do not need, and not an undersized system that underdelivers.
Step 2 — Fixed-price quote. You receive a detailed, itemised quote specifying panels, inverter, mounting hardware, and all electrical work. The price includes GST, installation, connection paperwork, and your Certificate of Electrical Safety. No hidden extras.
Step 3 — Installation. Our licensed electricians install your system — typically in a single day for residential systems. We mount the panels, run DC and AC cabling, install the inverter, connect to your switchboard, and commission the system. We test every circuit and ensure the system is generating power before we leave.
Step 4 — Grid connection and handover. We lodge your connection application with your electricity distributor and register your system for any applicable feed-in tariff. We walk you through your monitoring app so you can track production and consumption in real time. Your STC rebate is applied at point of sale — you pay the reduced price upfront.
Solar Rebates and Incentives in Victoria
The Australian Government provides a significant upfront discount on solar installations through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When you install an eligible solar system, you receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) which reduce the purchase price by $2,000 to $3,500 or more depending on your system size and location. Carlin Co applies this discount at point of sale — you do not need to claim it separately.
Victorian homeowners may also benefit from the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, which provides additional incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. For battery installations, the Victorian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program offers rebates on eligible systems. Eligibility criteria and rebate amounts change periodically — we keep across the latest programs and advise you on what you qualify for during your consultation.
Feed-in tariffs allow you to earn credit for excess solar energy exported to the grid. While feed-in rates have decreased in recent years, a well-designed system that maximises self-consumption still delivers strong financial returns — particularly when paired with a battery.
Ready to Go Solar?
Get a free, no-obligation solar assessment and fixed-price quote from a CEC accredited Melbourne installer. Call us or request a quote online.
Solar Installation FAQs
How much does solar panel installation cost in Melbourne?
A standard 6.6kW residential solar system in Melbourne typically costs between $4,500 and $8,000 after the federal STC rebate. Premium systems with microinverters or optimisers sit at the higher end. The final price depends on panel brand, inverter choice, roof complexity, and system size. Carlin Co provides fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs — the price we quote is the price you pay.
What solar rebates are available in Victoria in 2026?
Victorian homeowners can access the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate, which reduces the upfront cost of solar by $2,000–$3,500 depending on system size. The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program may also provide additional incentives. Battery storage systems may qualify for the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate. Carlin Co handles all rebate paperwork as part of every installation.
How long does a solar installation take?
Most residential solar installations are completed in a single day — typically 4 to 8 hours depending on system size and roof access. Larger commercial systems may take 2–5 days. After installation, we handle the connection application to your electricity distributor. Grid connection approval typically takes 5–10 business days.
Do I need a CEC accredited installer for solar in Melbourne?
Yes. To be eligible for the federal STC rebate, your solar system must be installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer using CEC-approved components. Carlin Co is a CEC accredited solar installer — this accreditation means our electricians have completed specialised solar training and adhere to CEC installation guidelines and Australian Standards.
Will solar panels work on a south-facing roof in Melbourne?
North-facing roofs produce the highest output in Melbourne, but east and west-facing panels still generate excellent returns — typically 80–85% of north-facing output. South-facing panels produce less and are generally not recommended for a primary array. We assess your roof orientation, shading, and tilt during our site inspection and design a system layout that maximises your return on investment.
Can I add a battery to my solar system later?
Absolutely. We design every solar installation to be battery-ready, which means selecting a hybrid inverter or ensuring your inverter is compatible with future battery integration. When you are ready to add storage, the installation is straightforward and does not require replacing your existing system. We install Tesla Powerwall, BYD, Sungrow, and other leading battery brands.
Related Services
Home Battery Storage Melbourne — costs, brands, and rebate information
EV Charger Installation — home and commercial charging solutions
Switchboard Upgrades — often required before solar or battery installation
Three Phase Power — required for larger solar and commercial systems