The Victorian Government will help Victorian households cut their electricity bills through the Solar Homes Package which will be delivered by the newly established Solar Victoria.

Eligible households can claim a rebate up to $2,225 on the cost of a solar PV system or a $1,000 rebate for the replacement of hot water systems with solar hot water. 

Households will only be eligible for one rebate under the Solar Homes Package (i.e. a household that accesses a solar hot water rebate cannot claim a solar PV rebate). Rebates are available for systems installed from 19 August 2018.

For all general enquiries please contact us on 1300 363 744 or at enquiries@solar.vic.gov.au

Election commitments

The Andrews Labor Government have made a number of election commitments relating to the Solar Homes program, supporting additional rebates for:

• Solar PV
• Solar hot water
• Batteries
• Renters to install solar PV
• Interest free loans to further subsidise the installation of solar in more Victorian homes.

Solar Victoria will be working on providing further details on these commitments over the coming months. You can register for updates to receive further information on each rebate program as it is released.

True Value Solar, Energy Matters/Flextronics leaving Australian market

Solar Victoria is aware that True Value Solar and Energy Matters / Flextronics intend to wind-down their Australian operations. Some applicants to the Solar Homes Package have appointed these companies as their solar retailer.

They each have obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (Vic) which includes honouring all existing contracts and workmanship.

If customers opt to choose a new preferred installer, they should contact Solar Victoria at installers@solar.vic.gov.au to provide a new Solar Provider Statement with the details of their new installer.

Your consumer rights

If you have problems with a solar system from True Value Solar, or any other company, see the Solar energy page on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

There is also information from Consumer Affairs Victoria about requesting a chargeback if:

• you pay for products or services with a credit card, or select 'credit' on a debit card, and:
• the products or services received are not as described
• you do not receive the products or services at all or within the agreed timeframe.
• the business you purchased products or services from stops operating and you did not get what you paid for.

Things you can do

If you have a problem with a product, service or unfulfilled contract from True Value Solar, try to resolve it directly with the company first. Putting your complaint in writing gives you records of your dealings with it.

If you are unable to contact the business, or you do not receive a satisfactory response within a reasonable time, you could lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria, who may be able to assist.

You may also choose to take your complaint further by applying to a court or tribunal, such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), or seek your own independent legal advice.

We have received alerts that scammers have been targeting Victorian households.

Be alert to callers claiming to be from the Victorian Government or Solar Victoria requesting bank account details. We will never ask you to provide personal details such as banking information over the phone.

If you believe you are being contacted by a scammer or have been contacted by someone engaging in fraudulent of dishonest activities relating to solar rebates please report to ScamWatch and contact Solar Victoria on 1300 363 744. For more information on scams visit the Consumer Affairs website. 

Consumer protection and improving Industry standards

Solar Victoria is working with industry to develop a comprehensive system to improve consumer protections and the standards of the solar industry.

The Solar Homes program requires solar panel installers to be accredited by the Clean Energy Council and only install products approved by the CEC. Accredited installers are bound by an installers’ Code of Conduct, which acts to guide the behaviour of accredited installers, and the standards of conduct and professionalism expected of them. 

The Clean Energy Council also maintains a Solar Retailer Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct is voluntary, and aims to lift the bar higher than the minimum requirements set by government and regulators and improve professionalism in the solar industry by encouraging solar businesses to show their commitment to responsible sales and marketing activities and solar industry best practice. The Code is authorised by the ACCC. People using companies who’ve signed on to the code can be confident that they're working with a reputable retailer.  

The Smart Energy Council also provides helpful information regarding the quality of solar panels at https://www.smartenergy.org.au/about