Solar Power in Victoria

Leon Siebel
Nov 6 · 3 min read

Australia is going through one of the greatest energy system transformations since the 1950s. The country is seeing a change in consumer preference as well as changes in the economic climate, engineering and technological space. The pressing concern for environmental and climate protection has also added to the push for change in where we get our energy from.

In Victoria, there is plenty of change happening in the energy industry. Victoria gets plenty of sun, especially in the summertime. There are plenty of reasons and sunshine to justify installing solar power systems for Victorian homes and many households have already hopped on board with the aid of the Solar Homes Program.


Solar in Victoria

In Victoria, there are both State and Federal rebates available for solar users. Eligible Victorian households can claim a discount on the cost of a solar panel system of up to $2,225, which is in addition to the federal solar rebate claim that you can make as many times as you like (for multiple properties or new installations).


Solar Homes Program

The Victorian Government has introduced the Solar Homes Program, which is on track to seeing a record year of solar installations. This is to be achieved with an additional 23,000 rebates from 2019 to 2020.

This significant boost is a result of the Victorian Government making a major move to reach 50% of its goal for renewables by 2030. Currently about 15% of the state has already installed solar, which translates to 375,000 Victorian households. The Solar Homes Program aims to assist an additional 770,000 households to switch to solar.

Other additions to the Solar Homes Program include:

  • The ability for providers to lodge final quotes online through Solar Victoria
  • Expansions of industry briefings and webinars available
  • Further increasing the emphasis on safety with more post-installation audits

Solar Hot Water Rebate

Solar Victoria is also providing a rebate of up to $1,000 on solar hot water systems, which may be a great option where solar panels cannot be installed or may not be as suitable. It is also an option for households that have already installed solar panels or have already collected the Solar Homes Program rebate.


Solar Battery Rebate

The Solar Battery Rebate scheme is now being piloted by Solar Victoria to help identify demand for solar battery usage. This rebate is designed for those who already have installed solar panels but have not yet accessed a solar rebate. 1,000 rebates of up to $4,838 for a solar battery system are available.


Check Your Eligibility

Victorians are eligible for a solar rebate or subsidy if they:

  • Own or occupy the property
  • Have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000 per year
  • The property is existing and valued at under $3 million
  • Your property does not have an existing solar panel system.

It must be noted that if you have an existing system that was installed earlier than November 2009, you are eligible to replace or expand your existing system.


Claiming the Victorian Solar Rebate

To claim the rebate available, you should first speak to the knowledgeable and trusted team at Sunbank Solar. We will be able to help you decide which program is the best for you and quote you for your solar panel or other installation choice and you can begin the online process for eligibility assessment through the Solar Victoria Portal. You will be asked to show proof of income and council rates and then given an eligibility number.


Leon Siebel

Written by

With 10+ years of experience in the solar industry, I have been one of the key players in the growth and development of the renewable energy market in Australia

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