The Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes program is driving down energy bills, creating new jobs and boosting local industry in the Latrobe Valley.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio visited local business Gippsland Solar in Traralgon today to see first-hand the difference the rebates program is having on the region.

Since the program’s launch, the company has hired five more staff and seen a spike in the number of people registering their interest in solar energy.

Solar Victoria, based in Morwell, has already received nearly 50 local applications for solar PV rebates in the Latrobe Valley.

Solar Homes launched in August last year and provides rebates of up to $2,225 to support the installation of solar panels on 24,000 homes, as well as up to $1,000 for solar hot water systems on 6,000 homes.

The Solar Homes program is available to Victorians with a household income of up to $180,000 who live in their own home valued at up to $3 million – with homeowners only eligible for one rebate.

The expanded program will see solar panels installed on 700,000 Victorian homes, including 50,000 rental homes, and support a further 60,000 homes to install solar hot water and 10,000 homes to install solar batteries.

The program is part of the Labor Government’s plan to cut energy costs, create new jobs in the renewables sector and tackle climate change.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our Solar Homes program is creating a renewable energy boom in the Latrobe Valley.”

“We’re driving down energy costs for families, creating local jobs and supporting local businesses.”  

Quotes attributable to Gippsland Solar Managing Director Andy McCarthy

“The Solar Homes announcement has directly created new jobs in the Latrobe Valley.”

“We have hired five staff since Solar Homes was announced and we’re actively looking to fill multiple roles across our workshops, showrooms and offices. It’s a great time to be working in the solar industry.”