1.1 About the Notice to Market
The Solar Homes Program is a discretionary program. Participation is governed by the requirements set out in this Notice to Market as well as Solar Victoria's terms and conditions, such as those for retailers and installers.
Retailers, installers, and other workers and industry participants must comply with the requirements in this notice for Solar Homes incentives to apply to solar PV and hot water systems. Practices and installations must always comply with the requirements, including at the time of quoting and at installation.
The Notice to Market provides retailers and installers with a clear statement of business and workforce requirements, and system and product requirements. The requirements are outcome-focused, based on the principles in the Solar Victoria Technology Guidelines.
The energy transition continues to gather pace. To successfully administer the program and embrace the benefits of emerging technologies and market developments, Solar Victoria interprets the Notice to Market requirements through the lens of the Technology Guidelines.
This edition of the Notice to Market and all new requirements come into effect on 1 July 2026.
This Notice to Market also applies to the Solar for Apartments program, ensuring that all requirements outlined in this document are met for apartment-based installations.
1.2 New and updated requirements and recommendations in this edition
There are 2 new mandatory requirements in this edition of the Notice to Market.
New requirements seek to help customers realise their investments in distributed energy resources, maintain our focus on consumer protections, and continue to uplift the safety and quality of products and systems installed under the Solar Homes Program
Solar Victoria will continue to explore opportunities to uplift the safety and quality of products and systems installed under the Solar Homes Program via consolidation and streamlining of the Notice to Market.
1.2.1 New mandatory requirements
The new mandatory requirements effective from 1 July 2026 relates to:
| New requirement | Section |
|---|---|
| Effective supervision of apprentice electricians | Section 3.1.1 Section 3.1.3 Section 4.1.1 |
| Original Equipment Manufacturers complying with the Cyber Security (Security Standards for Smart Devices) Rules 2025. | Section 3.2.1 Section 4.2.1 |
1.2.2 Updated mandatory requirements
The updates we have made to existing mandatory requirements relate to:
| New requirement | Section |
|---|---|
| Updated course codes for White Card/construction induction training. | Section 3.1.1 Section 3.1.3 Section 3.1.5 Section 4.1.1 Section 4.1.3 Section 4.1.5 |
| Configuration of emergency backstop. | Section 3.1.3 |
| The functions of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) have been absorbed into the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). This is now reflected in the terminology used in the Notice to Market. | Section 4.1.3 |
We have also made minor updates to other requirements to ensure the Notice to Market remains current and relevant.
1.2.3 New recommendations
There are no new recommendations in this edition of the Notice to Market.
1.3 About our incentives
For more detailed information about our incentives, including values and eligibility criteria, see Solar Homes Program.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades Program also helps Victorians upgrade their homes and businesses with energy-efficient products and services by offering discounts and rebates.
For more information on the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, see About Victorian Energy Upgrades.
1.3.1 Solar PV rebate
We provide rebates and interest-free loans to eligible homeowners with existing homes, homes under construction, rental properties, and community housing providers towards the cost of installing an eligible solar PV system, up to a maximum amount listed on our website.
See Solar panel (PV) rebate
See Solar for community housing
See Solar rebates for rental properties
We also provide rebates to eligible apartment households toward the installation of eligible solar PV systems.
See Solar for Apartments program
1.3.2 Solar battery loan
Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for interest-free loans for the installation of a battery system.
The Commonwealth Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program opened on 1 July 2025. For more information, visit Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Clean Energy Regulator.
1.3.3 Hot water rebate
We provide rebates to homeowners with existing homes towards the cost of installing an eligible hot water system, up to a maximum amount listed on our website. From 1 July 2025 a higher rebate will also be available for customers who choose eligible hot water products with locally made content.
From 1 July 2025, households that choose an eligible locally made hot water product will receive a higher rebate of up to $1,400. A $1,000 rebate still applies to other eligible hot water products. For details, go to products eligible for the locally made incentive.
We also have a process for emergency hot water installations, so Victorians don’t have to wait if their system has broken down.
See Hot water rebate.
1.4 Acknowledgements
We consulted with key stakeholders to develop this Notice to Market 2026–27 and considered feedback in designing the mandatory requirements as well as other updates.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the development of this Notice to Market.
Representatives from the following agencies contributed to the Notice to Market 2026–27:
- Building and Plumbing Commission
- Clean Energy Council
- Department of Home Affairs
- Energy Safe Victoria
- National Electrical and Communications Association
- Solar Accreditation Australia
- WorkSafe Victoria
We also conducted engagement with the Solar Victoria Industry and Consumer Reference Group.
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