Introduction
We are providing a rebate of up to $1,400 for solar panel (PV) system installation, for homeowners with existing homes, homes under construction and rental properties. Rebates are released each month according to the scheduled rebate release dates.
To further reduce installation costs, eligible Victorians can apply for an interest-free loan, for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount. The loan is required to be repaid over four years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum.
As an applicant, you must understand the Solar Homes Program eligibility criteria and then contact an authorised solar provider for a quote. To be eligible for a rebate, products must be on our products list.
Your retailer will then upload your quote to the Solar Victoria Portal (the Portal), which will trigger the online process for your eligibility assessment.
Once this is done, all you need to do is upload proof of income and a Council Rates Notice to confirm your details. If you are applying for a rebate for a home under construction, you can also upload a copy of your Certificate of Title (available from ) or other documents as proof of ownership where the Council Rates Notice or Certificate of Title are not available.
On confirmation that you are eligible, your retailer will claim the rebate on your behalf and deduct the rebate amount from the total cost of your system. You will then pay the outstanding balance directly to your retailer once your solar is installed.
Typical households can save up to $1073 per year on their electricity bills when they install solar panels.
Lower energy costs with both solar PV and hot water rebates
The Solar Homes Program is supporting eligible Victorian households to save even more. New and existing solar PV customers can now apply for a hot water rebate if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Start your research and learn more about what solar products best suit your home. Our Solar panel PV buyers guide and our hot water buyers guide have information to help you learn more about solar products so you can start talking to retailers and start saving more with solar.
Am I eligible?
Victorian households are eligible to receive a solar PV rebate if they meet the following criteria:
- they are the owner of an existing property or of a home under construction
- the owners have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000 per year (based on their Australian Tax Office Notice of Assessment)
- they have not already received a solar battery rebate or a solar PV rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- it is an existing property valued at under $3 million, or a home under construction that will be valued at under $3 million at the time of completion
- the property address has not previously received a solar PV or battery rebate
- they do not have an existing solar PV system*.
Householders can receive only one rebate type under the Solar Homes Program as an owner occupier. For example, if a householder has already received a solar PV rebate, they cannot receive another solar PV rebate as an owner occupier.
Once you're confident that your property fits the eligibility criteria, you should start researching solar retailers who are authorised to participate in the Program and can meet your energy needs.
* Early adopters who installed their system prior to 1 November 2009 are eligible to replace or expand their existing system. However, those receiving the Premium Feed-in Tariff should consider whether they will be better off if they replace their existing system.
Information for homes under construction
You can apply for the solar PV rebate of up to $1,400 and interest-free loan while your house is being built. You could save on installation costs and start saving with solar as soon as you move in.
If you intend to apply for the solar PV rebate while your home is under construction, we recommend that you:
- Talk to your builder as early as possible during the planning phase about your preference for solar
- You will need the builder's consent for the solar installation to occur during the build
- Discuss with your builder when and how solar products can be installed by an authorised solar retailer under the Solar Homes Program. This will help inform when you are at the right stage of construction to submit your rebate application.
- Read our solar panel PV Buyers Guide and speak to an authorised solar retailer about products will best suit your new roof and home
- Give this information to your builder so you can apply for a rebate when your house is ready for installation during construction. When your builder advises you of the date for installation, you should confirm this with your solar retailer
- Read the FAQ for more information
- Demonstrate property ownership with a Council Rates Notice, a copy of your Certificate of Title (available through )
Other documents may be accepted as proof of ownership where a copy of the Certificate of Title or a Council Rates Notice are not available.
While under construction, new homes will not be eligible for any other rebates under the Solar Homes Program.
You may be eligible for other rebates under the Solar Homes program once construction is complete. Battery rebate applicants can only receive one Solar Victoria rebate, so it may suit you better to access a battery rebate after the home is completed and install your solar at that time.
Reviewed 06 March 2023
