Victorians are getting the extra support they need to drive down their energy costs, with rebates now available for solar hot water systems as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Solar Homes package.

Victorian households can now claim up to $1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems and reduce their energy costs by between $160 and $400, a year with rebates available for systems installed on or after 19 August 2018.

Not all homes can have solar panels installed because of issues such as roof design or shade, which is why the Labor Government is providing this rebate. It means Victorians who can’t install solar panels will still be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.

The rebate 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 – and who haven’t already installed half price solar panels under the Solar Homes program.

All solar hot water installations must be completed by a licensed plumber, while electrical work must be done by a Class A electrician licenced by Energy Safe Victoria, or a recognised equivalent from another Australian jurisdiction.

Systems installed under the package must be on the Clean Energy Regulator’s Register of solar hot water heaters and the Victorian Essential Services Commission Registered Products list.

A Certificate of Electrical Safety, certified by a licensed inspector registered with Energy Safe must also be provided. The plumber must provide a certificate of compliance to the householder.

The rebate is available as part of the Labor Government’s landmark Solar Homes package, which will deliver solar hot water systems to 60,000 homes, solar electricity panels to 700,000 homes – including 50,000 rental properties – and solar batteries to 10,000 homes.

The Labor Government’s Solar Homes program will cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by almost four million tonnes – the same as taking one million of Victoria’s 4.6 million cars off the road – and generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent target for renewable energy by 2025.

A full list of registered products and further information on applying for the solar hot water rebate can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/hot-water-rebate.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re putting solar panels and hot water systems on Victorian homes to help families save hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bills.”

“This rebate means households who can’t install solar panels still have options available to them to drive down their energy costs.”

“We’re not wasting a second rolling out our landmark Solar Homes package – driving down household bills and delivering on our renewable energy target.”