More than 23,000 extra Victorian households will benefit from solar energy rebates in the coming year, with the Andrews Labor Government making a major boost to its landmark Solar Homes program.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the extra rebates for the 2019/20 financial year, which will be released fortnightly, rather than monthly.

The change will mean Victorian households don’t have to wait until the start of each month to apply for the popular program and ensure a more consistent supply of work for solar installers.

On top of bringing the rebates forward the industry has agreed to a package of reforms that will boost safety and quality, with more audit staff, stronger fraud prevention and better information-sharing.

Victorians can be sure their chosen retailer is safe and reliable, with the Labor Government also establishing a public register of solar installers, with unsafe and unscrupulous installers removed from the program and named on the register. This will be supported by small business mentoring and workforce training for installers.

The Solar Victoria web portal will also be streamlined and improved to make it simpler for households to apply for a rebate.

An Industry and Consumer Reference Group will also be established, bringing together industry groups, consumers, Solar Victoria and government to provide ongoing advice and inform the decade-long roll-out.

The Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will install solar panels, hot water or batteries on 770,000 homes over the next ten years, saving Victorian households more than $890 a year on their energy bills. The program will create more than 5,500 jobs, boost energy supply and reduce carbon emissions.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re strengthening this landmark program, which has already helped 35,000 households put a power station on their roof, saving them hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills.”

“We’ve listened to Victorians and to the solar industry about how we can make Solar Homes even better. These measures will mean cheaper bills for more Victorians this year, and provide a shot in the arm for the industry.”

Quote attributable to Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton

“The CEC warmly welcomes the additional support for the Solar Homes program, which will provide a major boost for the solar industry and workers in Victoria. We will continue to work closely with the Andrews Government to ensure that all Victorians can benefit from the best quality, safest and most affordable systems in Australia.”

Quote attributable to Smart Energy Council CEO John Grimes

“The Smart Energy Council welcomes the Victorian Government’s decision to significantly increase the number of solar rebates for the rest of 2019. The Victorian Government has listened to solar businesses and solar workers and responded to their concerns. This is what good governments do.”