What Government Solar Rebates and Incentives Are Available in Victoria?

The time has arrived: Victoria is embracing a brighter, more sustainable future through the Solar Homes Program, a Victorian government incentive designed to help homeowners save on energy bills, combat climate change, and foster a cleaner, renewable energy landscape.

The Victorian Solar Homes Program currently comprises three main categories of rebate:

• Solar panel rebate
• Hot water rebate (solar hot water and heat pump hot water), and
• The solar battery loans program

With multiple solar rebate categories available, it’s now possible for Victorians to confidently embark on a journey towards energy efficiency, lower costs, and reduced environmental impact.

In this article, we’ll explore these Victorian solar rebates, the nature of eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What solar rebates are available in Victoria?

Let’s take a look at the three main categories of rebate available in our state:

Victorian solar panel rebate

Status at time of publishing: OPEN

Victorians can more readily harness the immense power of the sun by installing solar panels (Photovoltaic or PV) on their homes. By doing so, you’ll reduce energy bills, lower your carbon footprint, and contribute to a sustainable future for everyone.

With rebates of up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan available for existing homes and those under construction, the Victorian solar panel rebate is designed to make purchasing quality, long-lasting panels more achievable for a greater number of households.

Solar Victoria has also recently opened a new opportunity for renters, making the installation of solar panels a more achievable reality for those who do not own a home.

Victorian hot water rebate

Status at time of publishing: OPEN

Hot water systems are widely regarded to be one of the largest energy consumers in a home, typically accounting for over 20% of a household’s total energy usage.

The Victorian hot water rebate program (formerly the solar hot water rebate) provides rebates of up to $1,000 on eligible heat pump and solar hot water systems.

Victorian solar battery loans program

Status at time of publishing: OPEN

To encourage the adoption of solar battery systems, Solar Victoria now provides interest-free loans to eligible households. Recently announced in the state budget, these loans are specifically designed to make it easier for Victorians to embrace battery technology, further enhancing their energy independence and grid resilience.

These loans offer up to $8,800 interest-free to eligible customers and products.

Understanding Victorian solar rebate eligibility criteria

Before you start planning the installation of your new solar products, it’s important to check your eligibility for the rebates you intend on exploring.

Here are a few of the things you should consider before applying for a Solar Victoria rebate. Confused? We can help you check your eligibility! Just give our friendly G Store team a call on 1300 137 567.

• You should be the owner-occupier of an existing property where the products are to be installed
• The combined taxable income of all property owners should be less than $210,000 per year
• The property’s value should be under $3 million
• The property should not have previously received a solar rebate
• Your property must have a solar panel system with an inverter capacity equal to or greater than 5kW, or you plan to install one alongside the solar battery
• The energy storage solution should have a capacity equal to or greater than 6kWh and be listed on Solar Victoria’s battery product list
• You should obtain pre-approval from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) to safely connect a battery to the grid
• You must be willing to receive information from your DNSP about participating in battery trials to maximise the value households can derive from them

What is the application process for a Solar Victoria rebate?

Like any available rebate, there’s a process involved in applying for it. Check out the steps below, then feel free to get in touch with us at G Store for some help by contacting us on 1300 137 567

Note that this is a condensed version of the eligibility criteria for the rebates described above. Check out Solar Victoria’s website for the full description of all criteria that need to be met.

Step 1: Do your research and assess your eligibility

The first step in this process is to assess whether or not solar panels, batteries and solar or heat pump hot water systems are right for you. It’s important to consider your home’s patterns of energy consumption, your particular energy needs (especially during a power outage or strain to the grid), and whether or not your home is suitable for an all-electric setup including these products.

Step 2: Research and select your authorised solar retailer, and obtain quotes

To access Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program rebates, your solar sale and installation must be completed by a Solar Victoria authorised solar retailer. We suggest gathering at least three quotes for roughly the same product specifications.

It’s important to research the companies you’re considering, check customer reviews, and ask questions regarding sustainable and ethical practice before making any commitments.

Step 3: Complete your initial application for the rebate

Upon receiving your quote from an authorised solar retailer, you’ll need to select your preferred quote and retailer. Following this, you’ll need to complete your initial eligibility application via the Solar Victoria Portal, available online.

Make sure you have access to proof of identity documents, evidence of your income, and evidence of ownership for the property for which you’re applying.

Step 4: Arrange your installation

Once approved, you’ll need to coordinate with your chosen retailer to schedule the installation of your solar products.

Then, it’s time to get to know – and enjoy using – your new, all-electric products!

What if I’m moving house?

Solar Victoria aims to make life easier for those moving house. If you’ve received a solar PV rebate at your old address and have moved house away from this address, you can apply for multiple incentives for your new property – that is, provided you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Solar Victoria.

Conclusion
Victoria’s Solar Homes Program opens a world of opportunities for residents seeking to save on energy costs, contribute to environmental sustainability, and embrace renewable energy.

With multiple rebates now open, you can choose to join over 250,000 Victorians who have already made the switch to solar and are enjoying the benefits.

Wrapping up

Want to know more about the ways in which solar rebates can make high quality solar products more affordable for you and your household?

Learn more about rebates at our Learning Centre or give our award-winning team a call today on 1300 137 567 for free, generous advice and the right guidance.

We can’t wait to speak with you.