LAST UPDATED: MARCH 2026 · DATA: CLEAN ENERGY REGULATOR & STATE SOURCES
Mentone solar fact
Mentone has Kingston's highest per-capita solar installer competition — 14 CEC-accredited businesses operate within 5km, keeping residential quotes consistently 9% below the Melbourne bayside average
Estimated Monthly Output — 6.6kW
kWh/month · peak: Dec (460 kWh)
Solar in Mentone — What You Need to Know
Mentone sits at the junction of Port Phillip Bay and the Mordialloc Creek corridor — a suburb of established character with 1920s–50s California bungalows and brick veneers that are increasingly being renovated or replaced with modern solar-ready homes. The suburb punches well above its size for solar adoption, driven by a demographic of established families and downsizers with high home equity, low mortgage pressure, and strong environmental motivation. Mentone's flat street grid and bay-influenced climate create consistent solar performance year-round, with fewer foggy winter days than inland equivalents. The suburb benefits from the highest installer competition density in Kingston, with businesses serving both the Mentone and Moorabbin industrial corridor frequently offering Mentone residents their most competitive pricing to maintain geographic market share.
Solar Panel Cost in Mentone 2026
| System | Cost after STCs | Annual savings | Feed-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | $3141–$3696 | $1680+ | 3.3c |
| 6.6kW ★ | $3696–$4956 | $2240 | 3.3c |
| 10kW | $4804–$6442 | $3136+ | 3.3c |
FAQs — Solar in Mentone
How much do solar panels cost in Mentone?
A 6.6kW system in Mentone 3194 costs $3696–$4956 after federal STC rebates in 2026.
Is solar worth it in Mentone?
Mentone earns a B+ (Good) solar grade with a score of 78/100. 29% of homes here already have solar.
What size solar system for Mentone?
6.6kW suits most Mentone homes. Larger homes with pools or EVs should consider 10kW+. VIC's feed-in tariff is 3.3c.
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Going Solar in Mentone
Mentone, in the Melbourne region of VIC, receives approximately 4.0 peak sun hours per day — close to the national average of 4.2 hours. With electricity rates of approximately 30c/kWh and Zone 3 Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) applying in this area, the financial case for solar in Mentone is moderate.
At 29% solar adoption, Mentone is in the growth phase of solar adoption. This means experienced local installers are readily available and the grid operator has well-established processes for residential solar connections.
A 6.6kW solar system in Mentone costs approximately $3696–$4956 after STC rebates. At 4.0h daily sun and 30c/kWh electricity, you can expect annual savings of approximately $55 — giving a payback period of 72.7–118.2 years, followed by 20+ years of near-free electricity.
The electricity network in Mentone is managed by AusNet, CitiPower, Powercor, United Energy, or Jemena. AusNet covers Melbourne's east, United Energy the south-east, Powercor the west, CitiPower the inner city, and Jemena the north. For residential systems above 5kW, a network connection application is typically required — your installer will handle this as part of the installation process.
Solar Rebates in Mentone
Homeowners in Mentone () access the following solar incentives in 2026:
Zone 3 FEDERAL STCs
Zone 3 STCs worth approximately $2,200–$2,700 off a 6.6kW system. STCs are applied as a point-of-sale discount — your installer handles the paperwork.
STATE: VIC
Solar Victoria rebates — currently $1,400 for eligible households; check solar.vic.gov.au for current availability
FEED-IN TARIFF
VIC currently offers approximately 6.7c/kWh for excess solar exported to the grid. Self-consumption saves 30c/kWh — 4.5x more than exporting.
What Size Solar System for Mentone?
The right system size depends on your electricity usage. A quick rule: divide your quarterly bill by $100 to get your ideal system size in kW. For Mentone, common household sizes are:
With VIC's feed-in tariff at 6.7c/kWh and electricity at 30c/kWh, the priority is maximising self-consumption rather than grid export. If your household is away during peak solar generation hours (10am–3pm), adding a battery to shift solar to evening use improves payback. See our solar battery guide for battery options and payback analysis.
Compare all system sizes — 5kW to 13kW →More Guides
How to Choose a Solar Installer in Mentone
With dozens of solar installers operating in the Melbourne area, choosing the right one for Mentone requires a few checks. Here's what to look for:
Our free solar score tool connects you with up to 3 CEC-accredited, vetted installers in Mentone — saving you the time of calling around. Every installer in our network has verified reviews and local Melbourne experience.