Not-for-profit community housing organisations (CHOs) can apply on behalf of their renters for a rebate of up to $1400 per tenancy to install solar panels (PV) on CHO-managed properties, including existing and properties scheduled for construction.
Check if your organisation is eligible
A not-for-profit organisation that provides affordable rental housing to low-income households is eligible to receive a solar panel (PV) rebate if it:
- is a Registered CHO listed on the Housing Registrar Public Register as a community housing provider; OR
- is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission; and
- can demonstrate that the provision of affordable housing is one of the organisation’s core activities
- has properties that are owned or managed by the community housing organisation
- confirms that the full value (100%) of energy savings achieved by installing solar panels will be passed onto renters
- engages an authorised solar retailer who must use products on our product lists.
CHOs can apply for rebates for existing residential dwellings and new residential buildings under construction, provided all other program eligibility requirements are met.
Understand rebate requirements
Calculating the rebate amount
We will fund up to $1,400 or a maximum of 50 per cent of the costs of the solar panel (PV) installation per individual residential rental agreement. For example, if the net costs of the installation are $2,000, the rebate value applied is $1,000 (not $1,400).
Buildings that are eligible
Solar panel (PV) systems can be installed on existing residential dwellings or new buildings under construction. Eligible building types include free standing homes, multi-unit dwellings and apartments. Communal living spaces are not eligible under this program.
Application approval and rebate payments
The retailer will apply the rebate amount at point of sale on the tax invoice once the application is approved. Please do not install or make payments to your retailer until Solar Victoria approves your application.
How to apply
Follow this step-by-step process to apply for the solar panel (PV) rebate through the Solar Victoria Platform.
Step 1
The first time you apply you will need to email us a letter of support so we can check your organisation’s eligibility. Use this template wording on your organisation’s official letterhead and send to CHO@team.solar.vic.gov.au.
If you have previously applied, please skip to Step 3.
Step 2
We will check your organisation’s eligibility. If eligible, we will invite you to register on the Solar Victoria Platform so you can start the application process. Your profile will be set up by us.
Before you access the platform and create a password, you will need to install multi-factor authentication’ or ‘MFA’ app on your mobile device. For information and instructions, visit Salesforce Authenticator(opens in a new window).
Step 3
Log in to the Solar Victoria Platform and create a property list for the properties that will be part of the application so an authorised solar retailer can connect them to a quote.
Step 4
Get a quote from an authorised solar retailer. They will upload your quote to the platform.
You can apply for up to 50 properties per application and can submit multiple applications.
Step 5
Log in to the platform to review your quote and start applying.
You will need to provide documentation for properties that are owned and managed.
| Property status | Documents required |
|---|---|
| Owned |
Letter of support for CHO owned properties
(opens in a new window)
AND |
| Managed |
Letter of support from property owner for CHO managed properties
(opens in a new window)
AND |
For properties scheduled for construction you will also need to provide:
- a declaration that the Local Government Authority has approved the site for community housing
- proof the construction firm has engaged an authorised solar retailer.
Resources
This guide steps you through how to add information about your properties, access quotes from retailers and manage your rebate applications.
Product lists
To be eligible for a rebate, you must choose only products on our product lists.
General terms and conditions
These terms and conditions apply to applicant community housing organisations.
Find an authorised solar retailer
You must use an authorised retailer on our list to be eligible for a Solar Homes Program rebate or loan.
Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide
Use this guide to help you plan the right solar panel (PV) system for your home. It includes the types of systems available and factors to consider when making a purchase.
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