Solar Rebates in Victoria Guide: Costs, Incentives & Rebates

What Are The Solar Rebates in Victoria?

Under the Solar Homes program, eligible residents in Victoria can access discounts of up to $1,400 toward installing solar panel systems. These discounts cater to homeowners, individuals constructing new homes, or those with rental properties.

Even if you relocate after receiving the discount, you're still eligible to apply. Additionally, homeowners with solar panel systems older than ten years can apply for replacement or upgrade under the program.

Qualifying individuals in Victoria can obtain an interest-free loan to reduce installation costs further. This loan amount corresponds to the discount they qualify for. Repayment of the loan is spread over four years, although early repayment is possible. 

1. Federal Solar Rebate

The Australian government solar refund is a countrywide initiative designed to promote the adoption of small-scale renewable energy technologies, such as residential solar panels.

The rebate is determined by your solar system's dimensions, geographical placement, and anticipated electricity production.

To receive the refund, your system will be allocated a specific quantity of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), determined by the anticipated renewable energy generation until 2030. The greater the expected energy output of your system, the higher the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) you will obtain.

In addition to the federal rebate, residents of Victoria enjoy a state rebate aimed at reducing the initial investment cost of solar panel systems. Here are three financial incentive schemes available at the state level:

1. Solar Panel Rebate Up to $1400

This scheme targets Victorians who still need to install a rooftop solar system. Eligible participants can receive up to $1400 off their solar panel system installation. Both homeowners and rental properties qualify for this rebate. To take advantage of this offer, your chosen solar installer must be listed as an authorised provider, and all panels and the entire system must be on the approved product list.

1. Interest-free Loan

In addition to the $1400 rebate, Victorians have access to an interest-free loan option provided by the state government. Those who meet the requirements are given a loan in the amount of the refund, contingent on state government requirements. Borrowers can repay the loan in instalments or with one large payment; the maximum repayment term is four years.

1. Victorian Hot Water Rebate

Hot water systems are widely acknowledged as a significant contributor to household energy consumption, generally accounting for over 20% of total energy usage. The Victorian hot water rebate programme, previously known as the solar hot water rebate, offers returns of up to $1,000 for qualifying heat pumps and solar hot water systems.

How Does The Solar Rebates Victoria Function?

The Victorian government's solar rebate initiative offers qualifying households the chance to receive a rebate of up to 50% or $1,850 for installing solar panel systems. Alternatively, households can receive a $1,000 rebate for transitioning to solar hot water systems. This option is particularly advantageous for households unsuitable for solar panels or those already possessing solar energy setups.

You remain eligible to apply even if you've previously installed a solar energy system without claiming a rebate. Your installer can assist you in gathering the necessary information and documentation for rebate qualification.

Here's a breakdown of how the Solar Rebates Victoria programs operate:

1. The government generates Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
2. Fossil fuel generators are mandated to either develop a certain amount of renewable energy (such as wind or solar power) or purchase the rights to others' renewable energy systems in the form of RECs.
3. Upon installing a solar system on your roof, the government awards you a specific number of RECs based on your system's energy production and installation date.
4. These RECs, known as "Small Scale Technology Certificates" (STCs) for solar systems, are then sold by your installer to fossil fuel generators to offset the upfront costs of your solar system installation.

Benefits of Solar Rebates in Victoria 

The Victorian solar rebates offer numerous benefits to residents of Victoria, including:

Financial Savings: Because of the incentive, installing a solar panel system is now far less expensive up front, making renewable energy more accessible to both businesses and homes. This translates to long-term savings on electricity bills as solar energy generates free electricity from sunlight.

How much you can save with the Victorian solar rebate depends on various factors, but typically, it can reduce the cost of your solar panels by almost 30%. For instance, a 6.6kW system could expect a rebate of around $2,160. However, the exact rebate amount varies based on factors like system size, the solar rating of your area, and the timing of your installation.

You can use our free Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) Calculator to get a precise rebate estimate. It takes into account the specifics of your solar panel system and provides an accurate calculation of your potential rebate amount.

Environmental Impact: The rebate helps lessen dependency on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions and mitigating climate change by encouraging the use of solar energy. One clean, renewable energy source that helps create a more sustainable future is solar power.

Boosting the Economy: Jobs in the solar business are created by the increased demand for solar systems brought about by the rebate, which spans from manufacture and installation to maintenance and support services. This boosts local economies and adds to economic growth.

Energy Independence: By enabling individuals and companies to produce their electricity, solar power lessens reliance on outside energy sources and increases energy security, particularly in times of emergency or power outage.

Property Value: Putting in solar panels can raise a home's value and appeal to more prospective purchasers. Solar-powered homes sell more quickly and for more money than homes without solar power.  

Community Benefits: The widespread adoption of solar energy contributes to building resilient communities by diversifying energy sources and promoting energy independence at the local level. 

Am I Eligible for Solar Rebates in Victoria? 

For Victorian homeowners to be eligible for the Solar Homes Programme and perhaps obtain a refund for their solar panels, they must fulfil the following requirements:

Household Income: Household tenants' combined annual taxable income should be less than $210,000.

Rental Property: In the current fiscal year, you are entitled to a maximum of two rebates if you own a rental property. In addition, the renter(s) and the rental provider must have a signed Solar Homes Programme Agreement.

Property History: The property address should not have received any subsidies for solar panels or batteries up to this point. Photovoltaic (PV) systems should have been installed at a location different from this one in the previous ten years.

Property Value: The property should be valued at less than $3 million. If a house is being built, the ultimate cost of ownership ought to be under $3 million.

Installation Site: A solar panel system should have been installed at a location different from the installation site within the last ten years. You must be the owner and occupant of the existing property where the solar panel system will be installed. 

Hot Water System: To be eligible for the hot water reimbursement, the hot water system must have been used for at least three years after the original purchase.  

Under the Solar Homes Programme, the property address shouldn't have gotten a hot water or solar battery reimbursement. Furthermore, if a household has already obtained a hot water refund for the same property, they are not eligible for another one. 

Before qualifying for the solar rebates in Victoria, you must ensure you fulfil these specific requirements.

How Do You Apply for Solar Rebates in Victoria? 

The following are the steps for applying for the solar rebates in Victoria:

Step 1: Inform yourself and access the eligibility.  

Before diving into the process of applying for a solar panel rebate, take the time to educate yourself about the eligibility criteria, rebate amount, and requirements set by the government or relevant authority. Research various solar panel options, installation procedures, and potential energy savings to make informed decisions.

Step 2: Obtain a documented quotation from an officially approved solar retailer. 

Reach out to accredited solar retailers to obtain written quotes for installing a solar panel system. Ensure the quote includes system specifications, costs, warranties, and applicable rebates or incentives. Comparing quotes from multiple retailers can help you make a well-informed decision and secure the best deal for your needs. 

Step 3: Get pre-approval from the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP).

Contact your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) for pre-approval for connecting your solar panel system to the electricity grid. The DNSP will assess your proposed installation to ensure compliance with safety and technical standards. Pre-approval is typically required before the installation to avoid any issues or delays.

Step 4: Get your eligibility number and QR code.

Once you proceed with solar panel installation and have obtained pre-approval from the DNSP, apply for the solar panel rebate through the relevant authority or government program. Upon approval, you will receive an eligibility number and a QR code, which is essential for claiming the refund. Keep these codes handy for the subsequent steps of the installation process.

Step 5: Arrange your installation.

With your eligibility number and QR code, coordinate with your chosen solar installer to schedule your solar system installation. Provide the installer with the necessary documentation, including the eligibility number and QR code, to facilitate the rebate claim process.

Ensure that a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer carries out the installation and complies with all relevant regulations and safety standards. Once the installation is complete, your installer will assist you in claiming the rebate using the provided codes, allowing you to start enjoying the benefits of solar energy.

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.

Additionally, investing in energy-efficient appliances and implementing energy-saving practices further maximises the benefits of solar energy.

Moreover, integrating energy storage solutions such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus or 1000 Pro 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. Practically all essential household equipment is energised.

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%.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro, which consists of the Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station and SolarSaga 80W solar panels, can power multiple devices simultaneously during a power outage or outdoor activity. You can charge your appliances using the Explorer 1000 Pro, which has a battery capacity of 1002Wh. The BMS stands out as the industry leader due to its 94V-0 fire certification, foldable handle, and utilisation of pure sine wave technology.

The Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station includes three ports: one DC car port, two USB A connectors, and two 1000W AC outlets. It can supply electricity for more than 93% of the camping electrical needs, such as portable stoves, freezers, phones, and other devices. It can supply electricity to a 20W light for 40.1 hours, plenty of time to illuminate an area. It can supply electricity to a television with a power consumption of 100 watts for 8 hours.

The collapsible design of the handle allows for easy transportation and storage. This lightweight power source is perfect for camping trips and can be charged up to one thousand times. A pure sine wave inverter, which offers a clean and uninterrupted electrical signal, can reliably provide your gadgets with stable power without any variations in voltage. This product, regulated by a Battery Management System (BMS) and operates at an ultra-quiet noise level of 46 decibels, maintains a long-lasting battery life.

Are Solar Rebates in Victoria Worth It?

Whether the solar rebates in Victoria are worth it depends on various factors, including your location, the size of your solar system, and the available incentives and rebates in your area. Here are some points to consider:

Financial Savings: Rebates can accelerate the payback period and raise the return on investment for solar installations by offsetting some installation expenses. They can also drastically reduce the initial cost of solar system installation, which lowers the cost of solar energy for both businesses and homes.

Incentive Programs: Many governments and utilities offer solar rebates and incentive programs to encourage the adoption of renewable energy.

These initiatives could consist of tax credits, cash refunds, or performance-based rewards based on how much electricity the solar system produces. Researching available incentives in your area can help determine the potential financial benefits of installing solar.

Environmental Impact: Besides financial savings, installing a solar energy system can contribute to ecological sustainability. By generating clean, renewable energy from sunlight, solar systems help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,  supporting efforts to combat climate change.

 Long-Term Savings: Investing in solar energy can result in long-term savings on electricity bills, as solar systems generate free electricity from sunlight. Over time, the savings from decreased energy expenses can surpass the initial expenditure, particularly when electricity tariffs persistently increase.

Considerations: It is essential to consider the specific terms and conditions of solar rebate programs, including eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and funding availability.

Additionally, factors such as the size and orientation of your roof, local weather patterns, and available sunlight should be evaluated to assess solar's potential energy generation and financial benefits.  

Solar Rebates in Victoria FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the solar rebates in Victoria.

1. Is there a rebate for solar panels in Victoria?

Indeed, Victoria offers a subsidy for solar panels. The rebate program aims to increase the affordability and accessibility of solar power for state residents and enterprises.

2. What is the Victoria Solar Rebate 2024?

The details of the Victoria Solar Rebate 2024 may vary depending on government policies and programs. It's essential to check with local authorities or relevant agencies for the most up-to-date information on available rebates and incentives.

3. What is the federal solar rebate for 2024?

In some countries, the federal solar rebate, or the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), may vary depending on government policies and legislation. For precise information on federal solar rebates for 2024, it is advised to speak with the appropriate authorities or tax experts.

4. Is the solar rebate worth it?

The value of the solar rebate is contingent upon several factors, including your energy usage, the cost of installing solar panels, the availability of incentives and rebates, and your long-term energy objectives. Solar rebates frequently result in a significant upfront cost reduction for solar panel installation, making them excellent long-term power bill savings and renewable energy investment.

Final Thoughts

This guide is a beacon of hope for those looking to embrace solar energy in Victoria. By delving into the world of Victoria's solar rebates, you've uncovered many opportunities to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.

Remember, the journey to solar adoption may seem daunting initially, but it's entirely achievable with the correct information and support. As you navigate the rebate landscape, keep your eyes on the prize: a cleaner, more sustainable future for Victoria and beyond. Embrace the sun's power, seize the available incentives, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow in Victoria.