Victoria solar rebate notches up nearly 7,000 new rooftop systems

Victorian households are cashing on the state government’s solar homes rebate by the thousands, with latest reports indicating nearly 7,000 rooftop PV systems have been installed under the $1.2 billion scheme since its launched in late August last year.
State energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said on Friday that around 1,600 households had already received a rebate for their rooftop solar systems, with many more installations underway.
Hotspots in the state include the outer western Melbourne suburb of Tarneit, where a whopping 212 systems are being installed,  followed by Clyde North (161), Craigieburn (131), Truganina (123) and Cranbourne East (98).
As we have the reported, the hugely popular policy provides up to $2,225 towards the installation of solar panels – roughly half the cost of a 4kW PV system.
From July this year, the other half of that cost will be able to be covered with a four-year interest-free loan, but only households who buy solar panels before July will be eligible for the rebate, too.
The subsidy’s popularity bodes well for the separate home battery subsidy, which was announced in September of last year, just weeks before the Andrews government secured another term with a crushing victory at the state poll.
Under that scheme, the government will provide $40 million for subsidies for up to 10,000 homes, based on the size of the battery. Some households will get up to $4,838.
“We promised to put power back in the hands of Victorians and that’s exactly what we’re doing – helping people take control of their energy costs and make a real difference to the state’s long-term energy future.”
“Our Solar Homes program has already proved to be tremendously popular and is helping Victorians to save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills.”
“We’re also expanding the Solar Homes to include rental properties, hot water systems and battery installations – giving Victorians a fair go and helping the environment.”

Sophie Vorrath

Sophie is editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.