Solar System Upgrades & Inverter Replacement in Melbourne
Old inverter playing up, or a solar system that’s stopped pulling its weight? Sunstainable’s in-house team assesses whether to repair, replace, or upgrade — and can add a battery to the job at the same time.
Should you repair or replace a failing solar inverter?
If your inverter is more than 8–10 years old, repair costs are often close to what a new inverter costs outright, and a straight repair doesn’t fix an undersized system that was designed for a much smaller household bill. Sunstainable assesses each system individually and will always tell you honestly when a repair is the better option. In many cases, though, replacing an ageing inverter is the moment to upgrade the whole system and add battery storage, rather than paying to keep an outdated setup limping along.
Value Proposition Grid
Honest repair-vs-replace advice
We’ll tell you straight whether your system needs a repair, a part replacement, or a full upgrade (not whichever answer sells the biggest job).
Installed by our own team, not a subcontractor
The same Coburg-based crew that assesses your system does the install. No handover gap, no call centre.
Add a battery while we're already on your roof
Adding a Tesla Powerwall or battery storage is most
cost-effective when done during a solar upgrade
Local to Coburg and Melbourne's north since 2010
We’ve been upgrading and replacing solar systems across Melbourne’s northern suburbs for over 15 years, plus larger jobs further out.
Signs Your Solar System Needs an Upgrade or Inverter Replacement
Solar has been common on Melbourne roofs for well over a decade, and a lot of those early systems are now reaching the point where the inverter is the first thing to fail. Some signs it’s time to get your system looked at:
- Your inverter is displaying an error light or fault code, or has stopped producing power altogether
- Your power bills have crept up even though your usage hasn’t changed
- Your system is more than 8–10 years old and was sized for a much smaller household setup than you have now
- You’ve had a quote for a straight inverter repair or replacement and want a second opinion on whether upgrading makes more sense
- You’re considering adding a battery and want to know whether your existing system can support one
If any of that sounds familiar, book a free solar assessment with our team before committing to a like-for-like repair.
Repair, Replace, or Upgrade?
Here's How We Assess It
A failing inverter doesn’t always mean you need a whole new system, but it’s the right moment to check. Here’s the practical difference:
| Straight repair/replacement | Full system upgrade | |
| Best when | Inverter has failed but panels and system size still suit your usage | System is old, undersized, or you want to add a battery |
| Typical trigger | Inverter fault, error code, sudden output drop | Rising bills, growing household usage, planning for an EV or battery |
| What you get | Like-for-like inverter replacement | New panels and inverter sized to current usage, battery-ready |
| Feed-in tariff impact | Usually unaffected | May change your tariff arrangement |
We’ll always recommend the option that fits your system and your bills, not the bigger job by default. That’s the same in-house honesty behind every quote we give.
What's Involved in a Solar System Upgrade?
- Assessment: we check your existing panels, inverter, switchboard capacity and usage before recommending anything.
- Sizing: we design the replacement system around your actual household usage today, not the smaller system that made sense when it was first installed.
- Battery option: if you want to add a solar battery at the same time, we scope that as part of the same job rather than a separate visit.
- Install and commissioning: our own in-house team carries out the work and handles the paperwork for rebates and grid connection.
Solar System Upgrades Across Melbourne's North
Sunstainable has installed and upgraded solar systems from our Coburg base since 2010, working across Coburg, Coburg North, Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Thomastown, Fawkner, Preston, Strathmore, Reservoir and Oak Park, plus larger upgrade jobs in Glen Iris, Camberwell and Balwyn.
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CEC - Accredited
Sunstainable has been designing and installing solar systems from Coburg since 2010 - the same in-house team sizes, quotes and installs every system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair my solar inverter or replace the whole system?
It depends on the age and size of your existing system. If your panels still suit your household’s usage and only the inverter has failed, a straight replacement is often the right call. If your system is more than 8–10 years old or undersized for your current usage, upgrading the whole system usually makes more sense than repairing a setup that’s already behind what you need.
How much does solar inverter replacement cost in Melbourne?
It varies by inverter size, your existing system, and whether you need a straight replacement or a full upgrade, which is why we don’t quote a flat rate. Request a free assessment and we’ll give you an exact price for your home once we’ve seen your setup.
Can I add a battery when I upgrade my solar system?
Yes. Upgrading is often the most cost-effective time to add a battery, since our team is already on-site designing and installing your new system. See our solar battery storage options page for what’s involved.
What happens to my feed-in tariff if I upgrade my solar system?
Upgrading can affect your feed-in tariff arrangement, depending on your retailer and when your current system was connected. We’ll talk you through what to expect for your specific setup — see our guide to Victoria’s current feed-in tariff rates for background.
Not Sure If You Need a Repair or a Full Upgrade?
Book a free site assessment and our in-house team will give you an honest answer – repair, replace, or upgrade, plus the option to add a battery while we’re there. No system pricing is published on this page. Every quote is based on your home, not a generic package.