Guide to Solar Panel Rebate in Melbourne [2024 Update]

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Guide to Solar Panel Rebate in Melbourne [2024 Update]

If you're a Melbourne householder, you may be eligible for a solar rebate and interest-free loan, thanks to the Victorian Government solar energy program. The solar panel (PV) rebate helps Victorian households and rental providers install solar PV systems.

 

Solar panel (PV) rebates of up to $1,400 are available for eligible Victorians with existing homes, homes under construction and rental properties, with the option to apply for an interest-free loan equivalent to their rebate.  

 

This article will explain the solar panel rebate in Melbourne, including all the types of solar rebates and incentives and how to apply them in detail. If you want to use solar energy with a limited budget, we recommend Jackery Solar Generators, portable solar systems for your home or outdoor activities.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Several rebates and incentives are available through the Melbourne Solar Homes Programme for landlords, prospective homeowners, and homeowners.

Understand eligibility criteria and application processes for solar rebates in Melbourne, ensuring you capitalise on available financial support.

Plan your solar panel installation confidently, leveraging comprehensive insights into costs, incentives, and rebates to maximise long-term energy savings and environmental benefits.

Explore the benefits of incorporating the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and 1000 Plus into your solar setup to maximise energy efficiency and cost savings.

Solar Rebates & Incentives in Melbourne

Solar electricity is one of the most well-liked and affordable solutions to lower energy costs and carbon impact.

The Victorian Government is helping the people of Victoria take charge of their energy costs, address climate change, and create a future powered by renewable energy sources. Regarding solar and solar battery rebates, Victoria is among the states that give the most advantages to households wanting to transition.

Several rebates and incentives are available through the Melbourne Solar Homes Programme for landlords, prospective homeowners, and homeowners.

solar rebates melbourne overview

A. Solar Panel (PV) Rebate

According to the Victorian government, incentives for putting solar panels on your house might total up to $1,400. Each month, different amounts of refunds are announced on the second Wednesday of the month.

You can still apply if you relocate to a new home after receiving a discount in the past. Similarly, you can use it to update or replace your current solar system if it is older than ten years.

How does a solar panel rebate work?

Homeowners can qualify for an interest-free loan equal to their rebate amount to minimise installation expenses. The loan may be repaid in full now or over four years. This can pay up to 50% of a solar system's cost. Since high-quality solar systems often cost more than $3000, all Melbourne clients who meet the requirements will receive a $1400 reimbursement.

While your home is being built, you may apply for interest-free financing and solar rebate. As soon as you move in, you may start saving money on solar energy and installation.

The greatest thing about Solar Victoria's solar rebate is that it will enable more homes to get high-quality solar systems and avoid the problems presently associated with the less expensive end of the solar industry.

Several types of solar rebates are available for different people and scenarios, but keep in mind only a specific number of each rebate is available, and they only last for a while. The value of this Victorian rebate as of March 2024 is 'up to' $1,400 or 50% of the price, whichever is lowest.

Who is eligible for this solar panel rebate?

  • Ÿ if you buy a solar system for $2,400, you can apply for a $1,200 rebate
  • Ÿ if you purchase a system for $4,500, you can apply for the maximum $1,400 rebate
  • Ÿ You can apply for a $1,400 rebate if you buy a system for $7,000.

The Victorian government also offers a refund in addition to the federal programme. If you pay $6,600 for a 6.6kW solar system, you will receive a system worth $10,000 when considering the $1,400 Victorian rebate (subsidy) plus the roughly $2,000 federal subsidy value.

Solar rebates may be offered to eligible Victorians for existing homes, homes under construction, rental properties, and upgrades to solar PV systems that are over ten years old. You might also be eligible if you have received a rebate at your old address and have moved.

For residential customers, you may be eligible for the Solar Panel (PV) rebate in Victoria if you:

  • Suppose all owners' combined household taxable income is less than $210,000 per year, and the property value is less than $3 million (for an existing home or when construction is completed). In that case, you are the owner-occupier of the house where the system will be placed, whether an existing property or one being built.
  • The property address last installed a solar panel system in the last ten years.
  • You obtained a Solar Homes loan and refund, but you relocated. The property address still needs a solar panel or battery rebate under this programme. If the property has never gotten these rebates, you, as the owner-occupier, can apply for another incentive at your new location.

For small business customers, You may be eligible for the Solar for Business Program if you:

  • Have a company that employs less than 20 people.
  • Operate from places not classified as residential.
  • Operate from a facility that is billed separately.
  • A solar merchant certified by Solar Victoria will install the system.
  • Install a solar system with a maximum PV capacity of 30kW, utilisingcomponents from the Solar Victoria-approved product list.

Last but not least, early adopters who installed a solar power system more than ten years ago are qualified to upgrade or replace it. If a new system is established, those on the old Premium Feed-in tariff will no longer be eligible.

However, as the tariff expires on November 1, 2024, it could be better to forfeit it now rather than run the chance of the Victorian rebate being discontinued or reduced at the beginning of the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

B. Hot Water Rebate

On average, according to Your Home, hot water systems consume 21% of the energy used in your home. You may build a solar hot water system or an efficient heat pump to reduce expenses and conserve energy. Using the Solar Homes hot water rebate, you can defray some of the costs.

Check if you are eligible. You could qualify for a hot water rebate if:

  • If you own a property in the Victorian era and live in it, and all owners' total yearly taxable income is below $210,000, you are eligible to have the system installed.
  • The property is worth less than $3 million.
  • The property address under the Solar Homes Programme still needs a hot water or solar battery rebate.
  • The hot water system that has to be updated is at least three years old as of the date of purchase. You relocated but were given a loan or rebate by Solar Homes.
  • If the property has never gotten these rebates, you, as the owner-occupier, can apply for another incentive at your new location.
jackery solar generator

C. Solar Rebate for Rental Properties

By offering eligible rental providers a return of up to $1,400 for solar panels (PV) installation, the Solar for Rentals initiative decreases the upfront costs associated with solar energy installation while increasing the value and appeal of rental properties.

Rental businesses that fit the conditions can also apply for an interest-free loan of up to $1,400, which would further reduce the initial cost of the solar system.

This refund is available to landlords in Victoria who fulfil the following requirements:

  • Less than $210,000 is your tenants' annual aggregate household taxable income.
  • The worth of your property is less than $3 million.
  • Under the Solar Homes Programme, there is currently no solar panel (PV) or solar battery rebate for your property address.
  • It has been tenyears since solar panels were placed on your property.
  • A signed copy of the Solar Homes Programme Agreement from you and your tenants is available.

D. Solar Rebates for Community Housing

Not-for-profit community housing groups can apply for a refund of up to $1400 per tenancy on behalf of their tenants to install photovoltaic (PV) systems on the homes they oversee. For Victorians with modest incomes, this will lessen the strain of rising living expenses.

Check if your organisation is eligible:

A not-for-profit organisation that offers low-income households affordable rental housing may be eligible for a solar panel (PV) rebate if it meets the following requirements:

  • It must be a Registered CHO listed as a community housing provider on the Housing Registrar Public Register, OR it must be registered with the Not-for-Profits Commission and Australian Charities, and it must be able to show that providing affordable housing is one of the organisation's primary activities.
  • Its properties must be owned or managed by the community housing
  • It must engage an authorisedsolar retailer who uses products on our product lists.

E. Loans for Solar Battery

With interest-free loans of up to $8,800, the solar battery loans programme seeks to reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar battery.

Homes with a solar system that is 5kW or greater and those that plan to install a 5kW+ system and a solar battery are eligible to apply for the loan. The intended battery must have a capacity of 6 kWh or more to be eligible.

If you fit any of the following requirements, you may be qualified for a solar battery loan as a Victorian homeowner:

  • You own and occupy the current property where the system will be installed.
  • All proprietors' combined household taxable income is less than $210,000 annually.
  • The property is worth less than $3 million.
  • The property's address has never been rebated for solar batteries.
  • The property will either erect an inverter by installing solar batteries or have a solar panel system with an inverter capacity of at least 5kW.
  • The property does not currently have an energy storage systemin place. Still, the energy storage solution is listed on Solar Victoria's battery product list, with a capacity of at least 6kWh.
  • The owner(s) consents to receive information from their Distribution Network Service Provider on participating in battery trials to optimise the value households gain from them. Pre-approval is sought from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) to securely connect a battery to the grid.

It is important to note that only some families or circumstances will benefit from battery storage. As such, research is the first step in determining whether a battery is correct for you. Homes still under construction are not eligible for the solar battery incentive.

You should begin your research now and contact an authorised retailer when you are confident a battery is a suitable investment for your home.

How to Apply Melbourne Solar Panel Rebates? 

The process is simple. But it would help if you appointed a government-approved retailer and used all the approved components (solar panel, battery, inverter) to claim the rebate.

Solar Victoria has revised the refund procedure to make it more user-friendly for prospective consumers. After conducting due diligence and locating the authorised solar store of your choice, contact them to get a price.

If you think you are eligible, follow the step-by-step process:

Step

Detail

Step 1

Request an estimate from the solar supplier of your choice.

Step 2

The provider will upload your quote to the Solar Victoria Portal, initiating the online eligibility screening.

Step 3

After you have finished, upload your income documentation and council rates notification to verify your information.

Step 4

You will receive an eligibility number and a QR code when your eligibility has been confirmed. Give your solar supplier the eligibility number and QR code so they can begin the installation.

Step 5

The provider will collect the refund on your behalf after deducting the subsidy amount from the total cost of your system.

Step 6

You immediately pay your provider the remaining cost once your solar power system is installed.

Your solar power system will begin to save you money as soon as it is installed. Anytime the sun shines, your drastically discounted investment will yield profits. Your annual power costs may be reduced by up to $2000 with an average-sized 6.6kW system, and you can save even more money with a bigger system.

Furthermore, according to a study from Monash University, the City of Melbourne could produce 2,354 gigawatt hours of energy annually by adding additional solar panels to its walls, rooftops, and windows. This is equal to 74% of the city's current power use.

For this reason, many homes are including battery storage to enhance their energy independence and lower their electricity costs even more. Using solar power for most of the day and into the evening will only affect you if energy rates climb. With extra money at the end of each month, live the lifestyle you've always wanted.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

When maximising solar savings, it's essential to consider the rebate and other factors that can increase efficiency and affordability. Beyond the refund, optimising your solar panel system's size and placement can enhance energy production and savings over time.

Jackery is a renowned manufacturer in the solar industry, focusing on producing top-notch solar equipment like solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery Solar Generators offer a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for your household appliances.  

how jackery solar generator works

Moreover, integrating energy storage solutions such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Plus can complement your solar panel system by storing excess energy generated during the day during peak demand or at night. This ensures an uninterrupted power supply and enables greater self-sufficiency, ultimately enhancing your solar savings and reducing reliance on the grid.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks and fulfil all the power needs associated with outdoor adventure or professional activity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day. Jackery Solar Panels generate more energy over their lifespan due to their exceptional solar conversion efficiency, reaching up to 25%.

  • Multiple Usages: With gigantic capacity and massive power output, it can power a typical household for weeks and satisfy all the power needs of outdoor exploration or professional work.
  • Expandable Capacity: 2 kWh large capacity with up to 12 kWh extended power elevates off-grid living to the next level.
  • Ultra-Long Standby: Out of sight, out of mind. The 2000 Plus has an ultra-long standby mode with a 50% charge for up to 2 years!  
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best portable power supply due to its exceptional output. It can aid in home emergencies and other outdoor activities. It is the all-in-one solar generator for your life due to its versatility and size.

Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, household appliances, and outdoor electronics, bringing comfort and convenience. 

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

  • Higher Capacity with Smaller Size: With a capacity of 1264 Wh and a 2000W output, the 1000 Plus has the maximum output among similar-level products, supporting 99% of devices.   
  • Expandable Capacity: Up to 5 power levels, providing three days of home emergency backup. Versatile for outdoor, household, and emergency scenarios.
  • Battery Safety: Boasting a durable 10-year lifespan with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Battery, the Jackery 1000 Plus provides a constant voltage and pure sine wave, ensuring safety for all your electrical appliances.   
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Are Solar Rebates Melbourne Worth It?

Eligibility for solar panel rebates in Melbourne enhances affordability for households, substantially reducing the installation cost of solar systems. Further government incentives and the provisioning of interest-free loans amplify the accessibility for myriad Victorians, bolstering solar uptake across the state.

Navigate the process with government guidance. Financial relief is not alone - ancillary support is offered. Homeowners benefit from a streamlined application process to minimise bureaucratic impediments, offering a smoother transition to solar energy.

The symbiosis between state and federal support optimises savings. The Victorian Solar Homes Program augments financial advantages for adopters in concert with federal initiatives. Coupled with solar feed-in tariffs and technology costs trending downward, genuine value is imbued into the investment, transcending the rudimentary utility bill savings. Rebates align with a progressive environmental agenda.

By 2030, the state government of Melbourne wants to use 50% renewable energy; solar energy is anticipated to contribute to this goal significantly. Melbourne's use of solar energy is expected to increase even further due to the state government's Solar Homes programme, which offers financial incentives for installing battery storage and solar panels.

Solar Panel Rebate in Melbourne FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar panel rebate in Melbourne.

  1. Is the solar rebate still available in Victoria?

Yes, the solar rebate is still available in Victoria. The Victorian Government offers the Solar Homes Program, which includes rebates for solar panel (PV) system installations for eligible households and small businesses.

  1. What is the Victorian solar rebate for 2024?

The specific rebate amount for solar panel installations in 2024 under the Solar Homes Program may vary. Check the official Solar Victoria website or consult with accredited solar providers for the most up-to-date rebate information.

  1. Is it worth installingsolar panels in Melbourne?

Yes, installing solar panels in Melbourne can be worth it for many households. Solar panels can help lower electric bills, lower reliance on grid power, and contribute to environmental sustainability by generating clean energy. Factors such as available sunlight, energy usage patterns, and eligibility for rebates can influence the financial benefits of solar panel installations.

  1. What is the solar deal in Melbourne?

Solar deals in Melbourne typically involve discounted pricing or special offers from solar installation companies.

These deals may include discounted installation rates, additional warranties, or financing options to make solar panel installations more affordable for homeowners. It's advisable to compare offers from reputable solar providers and consider solar energy's long-term benefits and savings.

Final Thoughts

2024 is an ideal year to invest in solar energy in Victoria, with robust government rebates making it more affordable than ever. There are several benefits to installing solar power, and with the public being eligible for numerous incentives, the cost of using this greener energy source is now lower.

Installing solar panels on your property or at your business is a great way to reduce your energy bills in the long term, and the government may even give you a discount for your trouble. If you don't want to install an extensive solar system, you may invest in a Jackery Solar Generator for your home or outdoor activities. Take advantage today. 

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