On 17 November the Andrews Labor Government announced an investment of $797 million to enhance the energy-efficiency of existing and future homes, and help Victorians cover the cost of their power bills.

Members are reminded that by making your client aware of these programs they could add value to their renovation or new house by adding solar panels and batteries. In the case of low-income households they can provide the opportunity to replace old, inefficient heating and cooling systems.     

This major investment will deliver the following: 

  • Solar photovoltaics (PV) rebates to be brought forward, bringing the total number of rebates to 65,000 for this year, and 140,000 over the next two years
  • 17,500 solar battery rebates over three years and the removal of postcode eligibility requirements. 5,000 battery rebates will be available in 2020-21, with rebates released fortnightly in line with the current schedule of rebate release dates. The current rebate and loan values ($1850 each) will continue through to the end of this financial year ie until 30 June, 2021.
  • Efficient, lower-cost heating and cooling for 250,000 low-income and vulnerable households
  • 15,000 solar PV rebates for Victorian small businesses over the next three years.

 

Extra information

Solar Homes budget expansion 

Launched in August 2018, the $1.3 billion, 10-year Solar Homes Program provides rebates and interest-free loans. It has been expanded to help 778,500 Victorian households reduce the upfront costs of installing a solar PV, hot water or battery systems at home. 

The Victorian Government’s 2020 State Budget commitment to expand the Solar Homes program will help meet a surge in demand and accelerate access to solar energy for more Victorians, providing immediate savings and environmental benefits whilst maintaining quality and safety.  

 

More solar PV rebates for Victorians 

65,000 solar PV rebates will now be available this year, bringing the total to 140,000 over the next two years, and allowing more Victorians to join the solar revolution.  

 

More battery rebates and access for all Victorian postcode 

To meet a surge in demand across the state, eligible households in any Victorian postcode will now have access to a Solar Homes battery rebate, with the Victorian Government expanding the battery program to 17,500 household battery rebates over the next three years.  

5000 battery rebates will be available in 2020-21, with rebates to be released fortnightly in line with the current schedule of rebate release dates. 

 

Efficient, low-cost heating and cooling for low-income households 

The Victorian Government is investing $335.5 million over four years to provide efficient, lower-cost heating and cooling for 250,000 low-income and vulnerable households, such as concession card holders.

This will improve the comfort of homes and deliver ongoing health and wellbeing benefits. In addition to saving on their heating costs, households will benefit from efficient cooling to deal with summer heat stress. 

Eligible households and social housing providers across the state will be able to apply for this program from early 2021.  

 

Supporting small businesses 

To support Victorian small businesses to save money, 15,000 solar PV rebates will be available over the next three years to support small businesses who would benefit from small PV systems.  

Further details to be released in early 2021.