Solar panels and home batteries in Melbourne

Who installs and services solar

Solar and battery systems are electrical installations. Energy Safe Victoria says servicing must be done by a licensed A-grade electrician employed by a Registered Electrical Contractor, and suggests checking that they're accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia, the Clean Energy Regulator's accreditation scheme operator.

Energy Safe also warns that a poorly installed battery can carry severe safety risks, and that electrical work isn't a DIY job: see how to check a tradie's licence.

Inspected before it's switched on

Solar and battery systems are “prescribed” electrical work in Victoria. Before a system can be switched on, a licensed electrical inspector must assess and sign off the work. The installer is responsible for arranging that inspection; Energy Safe doesn't arrange or carry them out. In May 2026 Energy Safe said inspectors were handling a higher volume of bookings, so waits may be longer in some areas: ask your installer to confirm the inspection is booked, and when.

After the inspection, you should get a Certificate of Electrical Safety. Keep it with the invoice and the warranty documents.

Solar Victoria's rebate and retailer rules

Solar Victoria's solar panel rebate (up to $1,400, with an optional interest-free loan) is for owner-occupiers (rentals have a separate rebate) with a combined household taxable income under $150,000 and a property valued under $3 million, at an address that hasn't had solar installed in the past 10 years or a previous rebate under the program. Rebates are released each month in limited numbers, and Solar Victoria says solar support moves into the Victorian Energy Upgrades program from 1 July 2027.

To get a Solar Victoria rebate or loan, you must use one of its authorised retailers, whose installers must hold the right licence. Its advice for anyone buying solar: get at least three quotes, avoid businesses that pressure you or create urgency, ask for warranty details and who to contact if something goes wrong, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Door-to-door offers

Solar Victoria banned door-to-door sales for its Solar Homes Program in 2021. If someone comes to your door uninvited and you agree to a deal worth more than $100, you have 10 business days to change your mind, and they can't take payment or start work in that time. See paying a tradie.

Looking after it

Energy Safe suggests having the system serviced by a licensed electrician at least every two years, keeping the area around inverters and batteries clear of flammable materials, keeping the isolator switches easy to reach, and making sure the emergency shutdown steps are clearly displayed.

Before you add solar or a battery

• Whether your switchboard can take it. See switchboard upgrades
• The roof's condition, and any repairs to do first. See roof leaks
• In a home built or renovated before 1990, whether the roof or eaves could contain asbestos. See asbestos
• Where a battery will go, and what's around it

What the quote should list

• Panel, inverter and battery brands, models and sizes
• Installer accreditation and the electrician's licence
• Switchboard work, if any
• The inspection, who books it, and expected timing
• Any rebate or discount, and who applies for it
• Warranties on the products and the installation
• The Certificate of Electrical Safety

Before you sign

• A licensed electrician, accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia
• Inspection booked before switch-on
• Three quotes, and no pressure selling
• An authorised retailer if you want a Solar Victoria rebate
• Serviced at least every two years

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