Some households may now be eligible for a second solar rebate or interest-free loan from the state government.
As part of an extension to the Solar Homes Program in the state, Victorian households who have already claimed a rebate or loan in this program before may be eligible for additional support when they move properties, or when their system is more than 10 years old.
The Solar Homes Program offers rebates and loans for the installation of solar panels, hot water systems and solar batteries for households. Previously, Victorians were limited to one rebate per household.
Energy and resources minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the state government hoped the program expansion would further drive home electrification.
“By expanding eligibility to early adopters and those moving house, we are further enabling Victorians who are already engaged in the renewable energy transition to shift closer to whole of home electrification,” she said.
The Solar Homes Program was first introduced in August 2018 and has since helped more than 260,000 Victorian households access solar panels, batteries and hot water systems.
The Victorian government claims households can save up to $1000 a year by installing solar panels and a further $2200 a year when fully electrifying a home.
Rebates on offer
Rebates differ depending on the appliance being installed.
• Solar panels: Rebate of up to $1400 available towards the installation of a panel system. Interest-free loan to the same amount is also available. Households must pay this loan off within four years.
• Solar hot water system or heat pump system: Rebates of up to $1000 available.
• Solar batteries: Interest-free loan of up to $8800 for the installation of a solar battery. Households must pay off the loan within four years.
Not in Victoria? See what solar rebates may be on offer to you in Canstar Blue’s state-by-state solar rebate guide.
Have you taken advantage of state government rebates for solar?