We provide a rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panel (PV) systems. These rebates are offered to Victorians with existing homes or homes under construction. There are also solar rebates for rental properties.
Rebates are released each month according to the scheduled rebate release dates. You can reduce your upfront cost further by applying for an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount.
Check if you are eligible
As a Victorian householder, you could receive a solar panel (PV) rebate if:
- you are the owner-occupier of an existing property or the owner of a home under construction where the system is to be installed
- combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $210,000 per year
- value of the property is under $3 million (for an existing home or when construction is complete)
- property address has not previously received a solar panel (PV) or solar battery rebate under this program
- the property address has not had a solar panel (PV) system installed in the last 10 years*
- you received a Solar Homes rebate and/or loan but have moved house. You can apply for another incentive at your new address as an owner-occupier if the property has not received these rebates before.
*If you are participating in the Premium Feed-in Tariff scheme you should consider whether you will be better off if you replace your existing system before the scheme ends on 1 November 2024.
You must use an authorised solar retailer and use only eligible products.
Process for solar panel (PV) installations
If you think you are eligible, follow the step-by-step process:
- Do some research – read our Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide
- Talk with an authorised solar retailer
- Select a system using products on our list to meet your energy needs
- Ask for a written quote (your retailer will upload it into the Solar Victoria portal)
- Wait for our email confirming the quote has been uploaded
- Get pre-approval to connect and export to the grid
- Prove you are eligible – upload your paperwork into the portal
- Wait for us to confirm your eligibility and send your QR code
- Install the solar system (within 120 days, or 240 days for homes being built)
- Pay the difference to the retailer – the total cost minus the rebate
- Start repaying the interest-free loan, if you opted for one.
If you install your system before your eligibility is approved, you will not receive a rebate.
Building a house – applying while under construction
You can apply for a solar panel rebate while your house is being built.
Talk to your builder early – preferably during the planning phase to:
- discuss your preference for solar
- get their consent to install solar during the build
- work out when and how the installer will access the site
- submit the rebate application at the right stage of construction.
Homes that are under construction are not eligible for any other Solar Homes Program rebates or loans. You may be eligible for other rebates when construction is complete.
Interest-free loans
You will be offered an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 in your application. No collateral is required. If you opt in for the loan, the amount will be processed along with the rebate payment and paid directly to the solar retailer.
Loan repayments:
- are paid monthly over 4 years (monthly repayment for a loan of $1,400 is $29.16)
- will be debited from your account (you can provide your financial institution details in your application)
- begin 30 days after the installation is approved.
Understand rebate requirements
Resources
Save on energy costs
Households who maximise the use of the energy generated by their solar panel (PV) system can save over $1,000 each year.
Eligible Victorians can save even more by replacing a gas hot water system with a quality heat pump hot water system, saving around $250 a year on energy costs. Find out about other Solar Homes rebates and loans.
FAQs
Updated