Victoria’s track record for the renewable energy transition is clear, with our state establishing itself as a leader - nationally and around the world - over the last decade. Driven by strong targets of 95 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, we’re getting on with the job of transitioning to clean energy.
Victorian households are continuing to play a vital role in meeting our renewable energy target, thanks to the rebates and loans provided through our 10-year $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program. It is one of the largest sustainability and renewable energy programs in the country, accelerating uptake of solar and electrification, and helping Victorians take control of their energy bills. The program has been hugely successful in driving and responding to consumer demand. Over 385,000 rooftop solar PV, energy efficient hot water, and solar battery systems have been installed across Victoria with the support of the Solar Homes program.
Since launching in August 2018, we have developed innovative programs that bring more renewable energy to more Victorians and support more electric homes. The Commonwealth and Victorian governments’ jointly funded Solar for Apartments Program has installed solar PV systems in more than 900 multi-unit dwellings and apartments. The Residential Electrification Grants Program is delivering innovative projects that boost residential solar and support more electric homes at scale, and to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Homeowners and renters are excited to benefit from lower energy bills through self-generated solar electricity. Authorised retailers and installers are just as committed to ensuring they deliver on the highest standards of safety and quality, which is at the heart of the Solar Homes Program.
The Solar Victoria Notice to Market commits everyone involved in the delivery of the Solar Homes Program to improving safety and quality standards and protecting workers and customers. Key to continuous improvement is a collaborative compliance approach with regulators.
Our partnership with the solar electrical industry through the Solar Victoria Training and Workforce and Development program has seen more than 600 electricians and fourth-year apprentices gain the skills and knowledge to become qualified designers and installers in PV or battery storage systems. And our work with the plumbing industry has resulted in more than 1,000 plumbers and fourth-year apprentices being able to design and install heat pump hot water systems and have a better understanding of the energy efficiency requirements of 7-star energy efficiency building standards.
New requirements and recommendations in this Notice to Market focus on products and systems installed through the Solar Homes Program being fit-for-purpose and future-ready. They also seek to further strengthen consumer protections and the safety of workers and Solar Homes customers across Victoria.
We thank the many industry colleagues Solar Victoria has engaged to develop and refine the program requirements and recommendations within this Notice to Market. Our shared commitment to delivering the best outcomes for Solar Homes customers is playing a significant role in Victoria’s clean energy transition.
Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP
Minister for Energy and Resources
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