Solar rebates opening up to new builds and cutting costs

Yarra Ranges residents have embraced the solar rebates. Picture: ON FILE

The State Government is expanding the eligibility for the Solar Homes program, now opening the solar panel rebate to new homes under construction.

The expansion is set to help more Victorians save on installation costs and electricity while reducing emissions.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said they know energy prices are putting pressure on households.

“Expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” she said.

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households – driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”

Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North and Croydon South residents in the 3136 postcode took full advantage of the rebate, with 1497 approved and 1381 of those already installed. Solar retailers in the area include Croydon’s Halec Electrical Services, Tailored Power Solutions, Energy Assist Group, Teaslec Electrical, Power Edge Electrical, CS Solar, Begbie Electrical and Sola Now (Croydon South). Lilydale and Mooroolbark have Casone Electrical, AVM Electrical and Michael Kenneth Macdonald, while Mt Evelyn has iEnergytech, Valley Electrical Group, Glen Clark and Co and Sustainable Power Systems.

The changes save homeowners up to $800 on installation costs by fitting panels as they wire the electricity to their new homes, as well as an average of $1,073 each year in energy costs.

Eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1,400 as well as being

able to access a $1,400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction, with 64,000 rebates available for the 2022/23 financial year.

Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list

to qualify for the rebate.

For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit solar.vic.gov.au.