The Andrews Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program is helping super-charge the state’s solar uptake – and saving households in every corner of the state thousands on their energy bills.

Victorians are embracing a clean energy future, with more than half of all homes in some parts of the state now fitted with solar panels thanks to the Labor Government’s program of rebates and no-interest loans significantly reducing upfront installation costs, and cutting households’ bills by an average of more than $1,000.

New data shows that the postcode 3029 (Tarneit, Truganina and part of Hoppers Crossing) is leading the charge in suburban Melbourne with 43 per cent of eligible homes fitted with solar panels.

In the regions, postcode 3631 (Shepparton’s northern and eastern areas) has become the state’s leading solar city, with more than half of all eligible homes reaping the benefits of solar.

Other areas saving thousands of dollars with solar include 3977 (Cranbourne) – almost 39 per cent of eligible homes, 3064 (Craigieburn and Kalkallo) – almost 38 per cent of eligible homes, 3551 (north and east Bendigo) – almost 45 per cent of eligible homes, and 3690 (Wodonga area) – almost 33 per cent of eligible homes.

With Victoria on track to halve emissions by 2030, the Solar Homes program and the subsidies it provides to both new and existing homes is playing a big part in cutting emissions and lowering costs for households.

Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan, and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system, cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.

Since its introduction in 2018 the program has boosted household solar use from 14 to 27 per cent across Victoria. On top of this, volunteer committees of management across the state are saving thousands of dollars on energy costs and slashing emissions by installing solar systems on community buildings.

More than 200 public buildings now have solar systems installed as part of the Labor Government’s $9.2 million Solar on Public Buildings Program- reducing annual Co2 emissions by 2,000 tonnes, with an annual saving of more than $358,000 on electricity bills for volunteer committees.

Increasing the solar power will help Victorians take control of their energy bills and reduce our emissions to meet our targets of 75-80 per cent by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2045.

For more information, and to apply, visit solar.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Acting Premier Jacinta Allan

“We’re helping record numbers of Victorians switch to solar, which is great news both for their energy bills, for jobs and for the environment.”

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

“For anyone still considering installing solar, there has never been a better time to take the next step. Start by talking to a participating solar retailer to find a system that works for you.”