New Victorian solar energy rebates: Can you get $2,400?
With energy bills set to skyrocket, Victoria's announcement to expand its solar rebates couldn't have come at a better time.
Victoria is expanding its $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program to help households access rebates for both solar panels and solar hot water or high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
The expansion of the state government's scheme comes into effect in mid-May and will mean:
- That the 190,000 Victorians who had previously accessed a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels can get an additional $1,000 to have solar water or a high-efficiency electric heat pump installed.
- Households that have not claimed a rebate in the past can access $2,400 cashback but can only take part in the solar panels program or the hot water rebate.
- Households will also be eligible for a $1,400 interest-free loan payable over 4 years, cutting upfront costs for solar installation by $3,800.
The state's energy and environment minister Lily D'Ambrosio said that this will enable more Victorians to save money on their energy bills.
Plus, it will also help the state reach its target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and create more jobs.
"Expanding the program will help even more Victorians to save money while supporting clean energy jobs and helping meet our target of halving emissions by 2030," said D'Ambrosio in a press release.
"We're putting power back into the hands of Victorian homes and businesses – driving down energy costs and boosting supply while creating 5,500 jobs."
Register your interest here and be informed when applications open in May.
Are you eligible for Victoria's solar rebate?
You will be able to access the solar panel rebate if:
- You are the owner-occupier of the property
- All owners have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000
- It's an existing property valued at under $3 million
- You have not already received a rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- You don't have an existing solar PV system unless it was installed prior to 1 November 2009
The eligibility criteria for the solar hot water system rebate is similar, with a few exceptions:
- Your property should not be a new build
- The hot water system to be replaced is at least 3 years old from the date of purchase
- The solar (or heat pump) hot water system is an approved product
When you're applying for the rebate, you need to make sure that the quotes you add to your application are from the government's approved products list. You can find all the details here.
Electricity bills are set to skyrocket across Australia. Find out if it'll impact you or start comparing energy plans to find a cheaper plan than the one you're on.
