The Allan Labor Government is helping put more solar panels on the rooftops of Victorian homes – to slash household bills and reduce emissions.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today announced that Victorians who have already taken advantage of rebates and interest-free loans are able to access the program again if they move to a new property.

In addition, households with a solar system that is more than 10 years old will be able to access rebates and interest-free loans to replace ageing systems that may no longer be fit for purpose.

These changes will benefit those moving house and those with ageing solar systems on their roof to access incentives to upgrade or install solar again and accelerate the electrification of their homes.

Solar panel rebates of up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan are available for existing homes and homes under construction.

This expansion of eligibility follows the lift to the income threshold for rebates to $210,000 per household – ensuring more than 85 per cent of Victorian homeowners are eligible for a rebate.

When the Solar Homes Program launched in August 2018, there were approximately 350,000 Victorian homes with solar installed on their roof. These changes will make it easier for those who are already engaged with renewable energy technologies to be supported to continue taking part in the energy transition.

Households with solar installed can save up to $1,000 a year on their energy bills, when combined with a household that is run on all electric appliances savings go up to $2,200 each year.

Since 2018, the Solar Homes Program has helped more than 260,000 Victorian households cut their energy costs by making the switch to solar panels, batteries, and energy efficient hot water.

Households can also access a suite of incentives to start the journey towards home electrification, with options for rental providers to invest in solar panels also available.

For further information, including eligibility criteria, and to apply, visit solar.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“By expanding eligibility to early adopters and those moving house, we are further enabling Victorian’s who are already engaged in the renewable energy transition to shift closer to whole of home electrification.”

“Victorians who build a new all electric home and our rebate or interest free loan to install solar PV will be saving up to $2,200 a year on their energy bills.”

Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone

“It’s great to see how many Victorians are wanting to make the move to solar and electrify their homes, this expansion of eligibility will make sure we can get more panels on as may roofs as possible.”