Victorian Solar Rebates Explained

With the falling price of technology and both federal and state level incentives available, there really has never been a better time to go solar. However, navigating government rebates for solar can be challenging so we have put together information currently available on both the Victorian Solar Homes subsidy and all other available incentives.

Victorian Solar Homes scheme explained

On 19 August 2018, the Andrews' Labor Government announced their investment of $68 million to launch the Solar Homes program, subsidising the installation of solar on 25,000 households. On 1st July 2019, Solar Victoria relaunched rebates, utilising an online application - making the process easier for Victorians to apply. 

Get 50% or up to $1,400 off the cost of a residential solar PV system

 

How does it work?

• Victorian homeowners who installed solar on or after Sunday 19 August may be eligible for 50% off the cost of their system, up to a maximum of $1,400.

• An additional interest-free loan of up to $1,400 is also available to eligible Victorian homeowners to pay off the remainder of the system cost.

• The Solar Homes rebate is calculated after the STC rebate has been taken into account.

• The Solar Homes rebate will be paid directly to retailers/installers and included in your invoice as an upfront discount.

Eligibility

• Owner-occupiers of a primary residence valued at under $3 million and combined Taxable Income of less than $180,000 per annum (based on the 2018-19 tax assessment notices for the home owners and your Council rates notice) are eligible.
• You must not already have a solar PV system installed on your property.
• Eligible systems must be installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer, using Clean Energy Council approved solar products. We recommend you also use a Clean Energy Council accredited retailer, such as eko energy.
• Customers who signed a solar contract before Sunday 19 August, but have not yet had their solar installed can apply for the subsidy by clicking here.
• Customers who sign a contract after Sunday 19 August also need to register their interest
• You can find more information about eligibility at solar.vic.gov.au.

Application process

• Once registered with solar.vic.gov.au, customers will receive updates and details on the application process. You can also register to receive updates from eko energy and you'll be the first to know as soon as new information becomes available.
• The application will involve provision of:
  • Solar Victoria - Applicant Eligibility Form (before your solar system is installed)
  • Your solar PV STC assignment form
  • Your solar grid connection confirmation
  • Your electrical works request
  • Your certificate of electrical safety
  • An invoice from your installer detailing the size, cost and date of installation of your solar PV system
  • A Solar Provider Statement
• All of which you can submit online via the Solar Victoria - Rebate Application Form (after your solar system is installed)
• eko energy will provide the above paperwork as part of our post-installation process but it is the responsibility of the customer to apply for the subsidy.
• Even if you have not yet signed a contract with a solar provider, you can still register your interest with solar.vic.gov.au and check your eligibility and receive information in anticipation as the subsidy will be provided on a first in, best dressed basis.

Victorian feed-in tariffs

If you are exporting excess solar generation to the grid, you can earn additional savings through feed-in tariffs. Tariffs vary so speak to your electricity retailer to find out what they offer.

Navigating ever-changing feed-in tariffs can be confusing, but thanks to changes that came in on 1 July 2018, Victorians can potentially save more with solar + battery storage systems and time-varying feed-in tariffs.

Solar + Storage + FiTs = More Savings

Federal solar incentives available

All solar PV installations <100kW are still eligible for federal small-scale technology certificates (STCs). However, STCs are being phased out by 2030 and as a result, the amount you can claim reduces by 6.5% at the start of each calendar year. To ensure you have access the best available subsidies, we recommend signing a contract with a solar provider before the end of September to guarantee installation before the end of the year.

Currently, the STC rebate represents a saving of between 20-30% off the total cost of a solar system.

 It's important to note that the new Solar Homes rebate is in addition to STC rebates - excellent news for Victorians!

FAQs