Applying for a solar panel (PV) rebate

We've updated the rebate process to make it even easier for Victorians to take up solar.

Watch a video walkthrough of the Solar Victoria customer rebate application process.

Step 1: Inform yourself

Before you sign a contract for the installation of solar panels, you should be sure that you understand the process and eligibility criteria.

Once you have researched and identified the authorised solar retailer you want to use – contact them to obtain a quote.

If you are applying as a property owner with a home under construction talk to your builder early, while planning your build about your preference for solar. Discuss how and at what stage of construction an authorised solar retailer will be able to install a system.

You will need the builder's consent for the solar installation to occur during the build.

Step 2: Get a written quote from an authorised solar retailer

Your authorised solar retailer will need to provide you with a written quote that contains the information you need to make an informed decision. They will also upload your quote into the Solar Victoria Portal (the Portal) which will enable you to start the online eligibility process.

You will receive an email notification from the Portal informing you that your quote has been uploaded.

Solar Victoria does not recommend signing a quote acceptance or paying a deposit prior to receiving your rebate eligibility confirmation. As a minimum you should confirm with your retailer that any deposit is fully refundable.

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

While it’s not part of the eligibility criteria for the solar panel (PV) rebate, if customers are interested in connecting and exporting to the grid it’s a good idea to make sure that your installation has Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) pre-approval.

Retailers agree to obtain approval from the DNSP when they upload a quote and complete the Provider Statement on the Portal.

DNSPs are the organisations that affect whether your solar panels or solar battery can be connected to the grid. Find out what that means by reading Distributors – what are they and why are they important?.

Applicants should check with their retailer that pre-approval has been given and whether any solar export constraints have been imposed. Solar export constraints can change the amount of savings available to you so it is important to be informed about this.

Step 4: Get your eligibility number and QR code

To start your application for eligibility, you can access your quote via the notification email from the Portal.

Once you have accessed the Portal, you can select the quote provided to us by your retailer and use that as the starting point to assess your eligibility.

Once you are confirmed as eligible, Solar Victoria will provide you a unique eligibility number and QR code that must be scanned by your installer to proceed with your installation. Installation should be finalised within 120 days of allocating the QR code for an existing home.

Without this eligibility number and QR code, the installation cannot proceed.

If you are applying as a property owner with a home under construction, seek advice from your builder and your authorised solar retailer about the best time for you to apply so that all installation can occur within the extended application timeframe for homes under construction, of 240 days.

There is no maximum/minimum size for solar PV systems eligible for the rebate. The maximum value of the rebate is $1,400. You should speak to your authorised solar retailer to ensure the size of your system meets any other restrictions that may be in place.

Documentation required to prove eligibility

You will need to provide proof of identity, income and property ownership when you apply via the Solar Victoria Portal, so be sure that you have your paperwork handy when you’re ready to apply.

Once your application is completed, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Hold on to this as you will need to show it to your installer when your system is installed.

Step 5: Arrange your installation

Contact your retailer to confirm that you're proceeding with their quote and to book the installation with them. On the day of installation, your installer is required to scan the QR code contained in your eligibility confirmation email.

If your home is under construction and you are unable to attend the site on the day of installation you may need to send the QR code to your installer electronically on that day.

Once installation is complete, pay the retailer the amount you owe them. This is the total amount minus any deductions, including the rebate and the loan (if applicable). We'll pay the remainder.

Following your installation, you will receive an email from Solar Victoria confirming the start date for repayments on your interest-free loan (if applicable).

Step 6: Apply for the hot water rebate

Households that have received a solar PV rebate can also apply for a hot water rebate to save even more on energy bills. Hot water rebates are available to replace existing systems and may not be suitable for customers who received a solar PV rebate while their home was under construction and now have a recently completed home.