Victoria is the state with the largest solar uptake in Australia – which is somewhat ironic, given the amount of rain we get!
The enthusiastic uptake of solar power is at least partly because Solar Victoria offers generous incentives to encourage households to install energy-efficient solar panel systems. This blog demystifies the Victorian solar rebate landscape.
What is a Solar Rebate?
Solar rebates are government-funded incentives at state and federal levels that help homeowners install solar energy systems. These schemes involve offering monetary benefits, usually in the form of credits or grants, that contribute to lowering the cost of installing solar panels.
The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program provides solar rebates in Victoria. This includes a $2,225 rebate off the upfront cost of installing a solar panel system if you establish a solar system after 1 July 2019. The rebate has an annual cap of 5,000 systems per financial year, so it pays to apply early to secure your position.
Benefits of Solar Rebates
- Reduces installation costs of a solar system.
- Savings on electricity bills
- Reduced environmental impact
- Increase in home value
Types of Rebates Available for Homeowners in Victoria
In addition to the $2,225 Solar Homes rebate, many Victorian households can benefit from additional Victorian Government incentives. These include:
- Solar Hot Water Heater Rebate: A grant of up to $1,000 toward the purchase and installation of a solar hot water system.
- Grid Connect Battery Rebate: An incentive of up to $4,838 towards the purchase and installation of a grid connect battery storage system.
- Interest-Free Solar Loan: Interest-free loan to cover the upfront cost of installing a solar panel system. The loan is repaid over four years by way of a charge on the household’s quarterly electricity bill.
Eligibility Requirements for Solar Rebates
To apply for the Solar Homes Program rebate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You own or are purchasing a home in Victoria.
- You must have an eligible solar panel system installed.
- You must be an existing or new customer of an approved Victorian distributor or retailer.
- Your total household income must not exceed a specified limit.
How to Apply for the Solar Rebate
Applying for the Solar Homes Rebate is a simple online process. Prospective applicants must go to the Solar Victoria website and fill out an application. Once your application is accepted, you will need to find a Clean Energy Council approved installer such as Poslec to install and configure your solar panel system.