The Victorian Government has announced that the next phase of rebates for solar panels, batteries and hot water systems will be available from 1 July 2019, as part of the Solar Homes program.
The $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5,500 new jobs created as the program helps to drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates already delivered since August 2018, the program in 2019/20 will:
- Support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing
- Deliver 2,000 solar panel systems on rental properties
- Fund 6,000 households to get solar hot water systems installed
- Deliver solar battery rebates for 1,000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas
The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year – releasing a set number each month to ensure the ten-year program is delivered effectively.
The government will support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.
The government has also simplified the rebate application process to make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.
To ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems can only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products.
As part of this, and to help train the workforce of the future, the government is investing $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices.
WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible.
