Solar Victoria hits 500,000 approvals

Hundreds of thousands of households across the state have slashed energy bills, cut emissions and taken control of their energy use through Solar Victoria. Through Solar Victoria rebates and interest‑free loans, more than 451,000 solar panel, hot water and battery systems have been installed across Victoria.

With Victorians increasingly embracing electrification the uptake of the more than 500,000 incentives includes:

• 353,100 rooftop solar systems
• 89,400 energy‑efficient hot water systems
• 21,400 solar batteries
• 34,900 reverse cycle air conditioners
• 9,900 zero‑emissions vehicles

The more than 353,100 rooftop solar PV systems now installed are contributing over 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity statewide. Households are saving up to $1,000 a year by using more of the renewable energy they generate during the day.

Hot water upgrades are also gaining strong momentum, including approved applications for around 2,000 locally manufactured systems. Switching from gas to a heat pump can also save up to $400 annually. To meet demand, an additional 27,000 hot water rebates will be available in the 2026–27 financial year.

Communities across the state are seeing strong uptake. In Tarneit, more than 10,000 solar installations were completed in April this year. Now around three in five households in the suburb are benefiting from lower energy bills.

These investments are delivering significant economic and environmental benefits. Since 2018, the Solar Homes Program has helped households save more than $945 million, reduced emissions by nearly 4.9 million tonnes of CO₂ and is projected to deliver more than $1.48 billion in savings by 2028.