Providing affordable renewable energy to those who need it

The Solar for Community Housing Program supports not-for-profit community housing organisations who provide social housing to some of the most vulnerable Victorians across our state to reduce the cost of energy for their tenants by providing rebates of $1,400 per dwelling to reduce the upfront cost of installation.

Haven Home Safe, which provides affordable rental housing to low-income households, has found that residents have more than halved their bills since installing PV systems on properties across the Loddon Mallee region.

Haven Home Safe has installed solar PV systems on 152 properties in Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill, Flora Hill, Ironbark, Long Gully, North Bendigo, Ascot, Epsom, California Gully and Eaglehawk, through the assistance of $212,800 funding from Solar Victoria.

Since the Solar for Community Housing program commenced, Solar Victoria has provided rebates to 24 community housing organisations to install solar PV systems in over 1,000 properties.

The Solar for Community Housing program is an integral part of Solar Victoria’s ongoing work to support renters and vulnerable households to electrify their homes and save on their energy bills. This commitment has extended in 2024 to include a new Solar for Apartments program which is jointly funded with the Federal Government.

Following extensive engagement and co-design with community housing organisations, Solar Victoria has launched a new, streamlined, online application process to replace its former manual application process, which will make it easier for community housing organisations to apply for the program. For more information, visit solar.vic.gov.au/solar-community-housing.

Since 2018, Solar Victoria has provided more than 330,000 rebates and loans to households across the state to install solar panels, energy efficient hot water systems, and solar battery systems. For more information on how Solar Victoria can support your journey to electrification and help reduce your energy bills, visit solar.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Solar Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan:

“Energy costs make up a large percentage of household budgets, particularly for low-income Victorians. The Solar for Community Housing program assists community social housing providers to reduce cost of living pressures for those who need it most.

“Victoria’s community housing sector is hugely innovative and dynamic. We are delighted to launch the new application process which will allow community housing organisations to spend less time applying through an onerous manual application process.

“This will help some of the most vulnerable Victorians and lower income renters in community owned or operated social housing, reduce their power bills and switch to clean energy.”

Quotes attributable to Haven Home Safe CEO Trudi Ray:

“The installation of the panels not only meant we reduced our reliance on non-renewable energy sources but also reduced bill-stress on renters, who have reported saving more than half their electricity costs.

“Due to the sheer size of the project that we undertook, the rebate process was time consuming, however, Solar for Community Housing’s team were fantastic to work with.

They provided very clear advice and guidance on the process and helped us every step of the way through to completion of installations and lodgement of rebates. We welcome the news of a new digital process.”

Quotes attributable to Haven Home Safe renter:

“Since solar was installed on my property, my bills have reduced a great deal. Our bills before the solar were approximately $600 per quarter, now they are down to approximately $220. I am so happy with the saving!”