Solar energy in Melbourne, Australia
Average irradiation 4.52 kWh/m²/day · ~1320 kWh per kWp per year
Monthly solar irradiation & temperature in Melbourne (NASA POWER)
| Month | Irradiation (kWh/m²/day) | Avg temp (°C) | Est. production per kWp (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.22 | 20.0 | 176 |
| Feb | 6.28 | 19.9 | 153 |
| Mar | 5.05 | 18.5 | 123 |
| Apr | 3.50 | 15.6 | 85 |
| May | 2.38 | 12.6 | 58 |
| Jun | 1.86 | 10.3 | 45 |
| Jul | 2.04 | 9.5 | 50 |
| Aug | 2.87 | 9.9 | 70 |
| Sep | 4.09 | 11.7 | 100 |
| Oct | 5.42 | 13.8 | 132 |
| Nov | 6.36 | 16.4 | 155 |
| Dec | 7.14 | 18.1 | 174 |
Solar potential of Melbourne explained
Melbourne receives an average of 4.52 kilowatt-hours of solar energy per square metre per day, measured over four decades of satellite observation. In practical terms, every kilowatt-peak of installed PV capacity yields about 1320 kWh of electricity per year here, assuming a well-oriented system with a typical 80% performance ratio. This places Melbourne among the stronger solar locations globally — comparable to southern Spain or California.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Melbourne?
With 4.52 kWh/m²/day of average irradiation, a 1 kWp system in Melbourne produces roughly 1320 kWh per year. That is an excellent solar resource — payback periods are typically among the shortest worldwide.
How much electricity would a 5 kW system produce in Melbourne?
Approximately 7,000 kWh per year — enough to cover a large share of a typical household's consumption.
What data is this based on?
Long-term satellite observations from NASA POWER (1981–present) and the PVGIS SARAH3 database, assuming a performance ratio of 80%.
Compare with nearby cities
Sydney (4.7) · Perth (5.4) · Auckland (4) · Brisbane (5.4) · Adelaide (4.7) · Gold Coast (5.3) · all cities →