Solar Homes to further benefit Victorian consumers

The Notice to Market provides industry with clear rules and expectations for participation in the Solar Homes Program.

The new Notice to Market comes into effect on 1 July and introduces two new mandatory requirements and eight new recommendations. Industry must comply with mandatory requirements to participate in the Victorian Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program.

This edition of the Notice to Market clarifies mandatory warranty requirements and what is expected of retailers relating to parts and expenses in a warranty claim. It also requires that from 1 September product warranties are to include labour.

With growing demand for energy efficient heat pump hot water systems, new and revised provisions also aim to improve the quality and safety of hot water system installations while enhancing consumer protections.

From 1 September, all new plumbers wanting to join the Solar Homes Program must have completed appropriate training in the design and installation of heat pump hot water systems. Training to ensure plumbers are appropriately skilled to meet growing consumer demand is a key recommendation in the industry-led roadmap for heat pump hot water systems in Australia(opens in a new window).

To help customers make a more informed product selection, where a hot water retailer makes a claim that a customer is likely to achieve a favourable return on investment, Solar Victoria recommends that from 1 July hot water retailers provide a financial performance estimate to the customer with information that includes any estimated savings.

It also recommends that retailers select systems with the customer that maximise operation during daylight hours, to ensure customers save more on their energy bills.

Customers can further maximise their savings by having their solar PV and battery systems serviced every two years to ensure they run efficiently and safety. This recommendation must be carried out by a licensed electrician who holds accreditation with the Clean Energy Regulator’s accreditation scheme operator.

While the solar battery loan program closed to applications in May 2025, the new Notice to Market includes requirements and recommendations to apply to battery systems still to be installed from approved applications.

The 2025–26 edition of the Notice to Market also clarifies several existing standards and requirements.

To download the Notice to Market 2025–26, visit solar.vic.gov.au/notice-to-market(opens in a new window). The current Notice to Market remains in effect until 30 June 2025.