In an era where environmental conservation and sustainable living take center stage, Australia recognizes solar energy’s pivotal role in shaping a greener future.
To support the transition towards sustainable energy, the Victorian government has implemented a range of appealing solar rebates and incentives specifically designed for eligible households.
In this article, we will explore the different solar panel rebates in Victoria, including:
- Federal government rebate
- Solar Homes Rebate Program
- Victorian Solar Rebate for Rental Property Owners
- Premium Feed-in Tariff in Victoria
Let’s get started to learn everything from the eligibility criteria to the application process and benefits of each VIC solar rebate program.
Federal government rebate
The Victorian government offers financial incentives for small-scale renewable energy systems, including installing solar panels.
Additionally, for those looking to maximize their financial strategy, consulting a financial planner Sydney can help you align your investments in solar with long-term savings.
This rebate comes in the form of small-scale technology certificates, or STCs. The more STCs your system is eligible for, the higher your rebate amount.
That being said, how many STCs you can get depend on a few things:
- The size of your solar system (the bigger your system, the higher the rebate)
- Where your system is installed (higher rebate for locations with higher solar energy potential)
- When you install your solar system, aka deeming period (the sooner your system gets installed, the higher your rebate)
Also, this rebate scheme has eligibility criteria that your system must meet.
- Your solar system must not be more than 100 kW
- Your system must be installed by a CEC-accredited installer
- All system components must be CEC-approved
- Your system must meet Australian standards and meet local, state, territory, and federal requirements
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
Solar homes program
The Solar Homes Program applies only to Victorian solar systems, specifically to homeowners, rental property owners, and non-profit community housing providers.
The rebate can be up to $1400 and it comes with the option of an interest-free loan.
To qualify for the Solar Homes Rebate Program, you must meet the eligibility criteria, including:
- You must own and occupy the property
- Your household’s combined taxable income must be below $180,000 per year
- Your property must be valued at under $3 million
- Your property must not already have a solar system installed
Solar PV rebate for rental properties
This program is similar to the solar homes program except it’s specifically for rental properties.
Hence, the rebate can be up to $1400 with the option of an interest-free loan of another $1400. Combined, this significantly cuts the upfront cost of solar panel installation.
As this is a rental property, there are 2 parties involved: The rental provider (landlord) and the renter.
Solar panel rebate eligibility for rental providers
If you are a rental provider in Victoria, the eligibility criteria are similar to the solar homes program with the addition of a signed agreement between you and the renter.
Use the list below as a checklist you can go through to qualify for the rebate:
- Proof of your property ownership
- Combined household taxable income is less than $180,000 per year
- The existing property must be valued under $3 million and does not have any existing system
- The property address must not previously receive a solar PV rebate or a solar battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- A signed agreement between you, the rental provider, and your renter
Rental provider and renter agreement
If you’re a renter and you want to have solar panels on your rented home, contact your provider and make them aware of solar rebates for rental properties.
You and your landlord need to agree to this installation but your landlord will be in charge of applying for the rebate.
Moreover, there are 2 arrangements between you and your landlord.
- First, your landlord can pay for everything from installation to maintenance costs. Your only obligation is to agree to the installation.
- Second, you can agree to contribute up to 50% of the monthly repayments of the no-interest loans but the maximum you will be asked to contribute will only be $14.58 per month.
Get 3 Solar Quotes From Quality Local Installers.
Solar panels feed-in tariffs
In Victoria, solar panels are eligible for feed-in tariffs. These tariffs are payments from the power companies to you for exporting your excess solar energy to the grid.
This further incentivizes the installation of solar panels because, well… it saves you more money.
Truth be told, though, the value of feed-in tariffs has gone downhill over the past few years. Now it’s much more cost-effective to maximize the use of your solar energy instead of feeding it to the grid.
That being said, consider including a solar battery in your system so you can use all of your solar power even after sundown.
Conclusion
The Victorian government offers attractive solar panel rebates and incentives to eligible homeowners, rental property owners, and renters. These incentives aim to reduce upfront costs, promote renewable energy adoption, reduce electricity bills, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
However, eligibility criteria greatly vary for each program so make sure to check the details of the program you’re applying for.
Whatever the program, though, hiring a CEC installer will always be a good idea – and we can help. We have a network of pre-vetted solar installers that can give you 3 FREE quotes right away.
