Solar Homes Program continuing to provide targeted assistance

Solar Victoria is introducing a new combined household income eligibility cap of $150,000 per year for solar panel (PV) and hot water rebates. This ensures support is targeted to Victorians who are most affected by cost of living pressures, including renters and lower income households.

Rebate values will remain unchanged. Households can still access up to $1,400 for a solar PV system, alongside the option of an equivalent interest free loan, and up to $1,400 for a locally made hot water product or up to $1,000 for other eligible hot water products.

These settings continue to reduce upfront costs and help households install solar and energy efficient hot water sooner and save on their energy bills.

What’s changing from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, the combined household income eligibility cap for solar PV (owner occupiers and rentals) and hot water rebates will change from $210,000 to $150,000 per year.

Among existing Solar Homes Program customers, over 80% would be eligible under the $150,000 eligibility cap, ensuring the program continues to support a large proportion of households to cut the upfront cost of installing solar and upgrading hot water.

To date, more than half of solar panel (PV) rebates (55%) and hot water rebates (52%) have gone to Victorian homes with a combined household income of under $100,000.

Apply now to secure your rebate

Households with a combined income of between $150,000 and $210,000 per year are encouraged to act now so they don’t miss out on a rebate.

Thousands of rebates remain available through to 30 June at the current household income eligibility cap of $210,000.

Solstice Energy customers affected by the closure of its compressed natural gas (CNG) network who choose to transition to electric appliances remain exempt from the income eligibility cap. See Supporting Solstice Energy customers to go electric.

Strong uptake across Victoria

Since launching in 2018, the Solar Homes Program has supported strong uptake of rooftop solar across Victoria, increasing from around 14% to approximately 30% of suitable homes.

The program has contributed to over 850,000 small-scale solar PV systems now installed across Victoria, with rooftop solar now contributing around 10% of Victoria’s electricity generation. More than 45,000 Victorians also have a battery installed.

This strong uptake is helping more households take control of their energy use and costs. Read [link to 500K milestone media release].

Additional support to cut energy bills

In 2026–27, an additional 27,000 hot water rebates will also be available, further helping households reduce the upfront costs of transitioning to clean energy with an efficient electric hot water system.

Households and businesses can continue to take up discounts for energy saving products for cooking, heating and cooling, hot water and other products through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Other support includes the:

• Victorian Energy Compare website
• Energy Assistance Program.

From 1 October, the new Victorian Midday Power Saver will provide three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day for all energy user who opt-in, helping to cut bills further and reduce pressure on the grid at busy times.