Victoria Solar Homes Program & Victoria Solar Rebates 2023

Homeowners can get up to $1,400 for a solar PV system installation, plus the option of an interest-free loan equivalent to their solar rebate, with the Victoria solar rebate.

Eligibility for the Victoria Solar Rebate

To apply for the Victorian solar rebate, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are the owner-occupier of the property
• The owners of the property have a total taxable income of less than $180,000 per year
• You have not already received a Victoria solar rebate as the owner-occupier of the property
• It is an existing property, valued at less than $3 million
• Your property address has not already taken part in the Victoria solar rebate
• You don’t already have a solar PV system

How to Apply for the Victoria Solar Rebate

The first step to apply for the Victoria Solar Rebate as a homeowner is to gather the required documentation to prove your identity, income, and property ownership.

Documentation needed for the Victoria Solar Rebate includes:

• 2 forms of identification such as a driver’s license, Medicare card, Australian passport or birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid AU Visa
• Proof of property ownership provided by your local council rates notice
• Proof of income for everyone named as the owner on your local rates council notice

Once you have all the documents needed for the Victoria Solar rebate, you will need to follow the steps below to apply for the rebate.

 Get a written quote from a solar retailer authorised by the Victoria Solar Home program

You will need a written quote from an authorised solar retailer, which they will also upload onto the Solar Victoria Portal. Once it’s been uploaded to the Portal you will receive a notification by email. Never sign or pay a deposit before receiving your solar rebate eligibility confirmation.

 Get pre-approval from your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) 

You will need to get pre-approved to install a solar PV system on your home and export energy back to the grid from your energy distributor. Your energy distributor is responsible for supplying electricity to your home and maintaining the energy infrastructure. Energy distributors are also the ones you need to call in case of a power outage.

 See if you are eligible for the Victoria Solar rebate

When your solar retailer uploads your quote to the Portal, you can access it in the notification email. Select the quote provided by your solar retailer to begin the eligibility process. You will be given a QR code once you’re confirmed for eligibility which will need to be scanned by your solar retailer at the time of installation.

 Arrange for installation of your new solar PV system

Once you’re eligible for the Victoria Solar rebate, you are ready to arrange your solar PV installation. Contact your solar retailer to confirm that you accept their quote and pick the day of installation.

 Have your solar PV system installed

On the day of installation, your solar retailer will need to scan the QR code you received during the Victoria Solar rebate application. Once your installation is complete you will need to pay the retailer the total you owe, minus your solar rebate and loan (if applicable).

Renters and property owners can both benefit from the Victoria Solar rebate which is now available for rental properties.

Renters will need to agree to the installation, and any co-contribution to repay for the solar PV system, but the property manager, landlord, or owner will need to actually apply for the Victoria Solar rebate for the rental property.

Eligibility for the Victorian Solar for Rentals Rebate

The landlord, rental property, and renter will need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the Victoria Solar rebate.

Eligibility for the Victoria Solar Rebate for Rentals includes:

• Renters have a combined total income under $180,000 per year
• The rental property is valued at under $3 million
• The rental property does not already have solar panels
• The rental property address has not previously benefited from the Victoria Solar Homes program
• The property manager and renter have signed a Solar Homes Rental provider-Renter Agreement
• There is a residential tenancy agreement in place

How to Apply for the Victorian Solar for Rentals Rebate

Before applying for the Victorian Solar for Rentals Rebate, the property manager or landlord needs to first have all the correct documentation, as well as make sure their renter is in agreement.

The following documentation is needed from the property manager or landlord, before the Victorian Solar for Rentals rebate can be completed:

• A copy of the quote with quote number, solar retailer name, and quote amount
• A completed Rental provider-Renter Agreement
• Proof of property ownership
• A credit report
• 2 forms of identification such as a Medicare Card, Australian Passport, Immicard, or driver’s license

Once the property manager has both the documentation needed and their renters on board, it’s time to start the Victorian Solar rebate application process. Remember, the property manager or landlord is actually applying for the Victorian Solar for Rentals rebate.

 Get a quote from an authorised Solar Homes retailer

Do your research when deciding on which solar PV system and solar retailer is right for you. Once you’ve decided on a solar retailer, they will submit the quote of your rental property online. You will get an email notification with a link to begin the Solar Homes application process when your quote has been uploaded online.

 Get pre-approval from your energy distributor

Before installing your solar PV system you will need to get approval from your energy distributor if you want to connect and export your solar energy to the grid. Your energy distributor is the one who maintains and repairs the electricity and gas infrastructure, as well as supplies the energy directly to your home.

 Complete your Victoria Solar Homes application online

Apply for the Victoria Solar rebate online, using the link provided in the email notification regarding your solar retailer online quote. Once you’ve submitted your Victoria Solar rebate application, you will get an email confirming eligibility. Keep this email, as you will need it the day of your solar installation.

 Solar PV installation

Contact your chosen solar retailer to tell them you’re proceeding with their quote, and book your solar installation day. On the day of your solar PV installation, you will need to show your installer the QR code found on your Victoria Solar rebate confirmation email and pay the remaining balance.

The Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate is a rebate that provides 50%, up to $1,000, to cover part of the cost of a new solar hot water system.

The Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate is a good choice for households where solar panels might not be right but they still want to benefit from solar energy or a household that already has solar panels installed and wants to increase their energy efficiency.

Eligibility for the Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate

If you’re interested in the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate, you and your property need to meet certain eligibility requirements.

Criteria to be eligible for the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate are:

• You are the owner-occupier of the property you want a solar hot water system installed
• All listed owners have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000 per year
• The property is an existing build, valued at under $3 million
• The current hot water system you’re replacing is at least 3 years old
• You have not benefited from a previous Solar Homes solar PV or battery rebate
• The address has not previously received a rebate under the Victoria Solar Homes program
• The hot water system is on the list of Solar Homes approved products

How to Apply for the Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate

With the exception of emergency installations, you should not install your solar hot water system before you’re approved for eligibility.

The process for applying for the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate is relatively simple.

 Obtain a quote from an authorised solar hot water installer.

You will need a written quote from an authorised solar hot water installer. You will need to let your solar retailer know you’re applying for the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate. Once you have your written quote you will need to begin the application process online.

 Apply for eligibility to the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate.

When you apply online you will receive an eligibility pack, with all the documents you need to fill out for the Solar Hot Water Rebate. Once you've completed the documents, return both the documents and attachments to Solar Victoria. Your application will be assessed by Solar Victoria, who will tell you if your application has been approved.

 Get your solar hot water system installed.

Once your Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate application has been approved, contact your solar retailer to arrange the installation day. Once your solar hot water or heat pump system is installed, you will need to pay the remaining balance after your rebate is applied.

Emergency Victoria Solar Hot Water Installations

An emergency Victoria Solar Hot Water installation can occur if there is an emergency with your current hot water system and you need to maintain access to hot water.

An emergency installation can happen when your current hot water system is either broken down or deemed unsafe to use. After your emergency hot water system installation, you will need to submit your eligibility application as soon as possible and be prepared for the chance that you might not receive the rebate.

If you’re left without hot water, or in an unsafe condition due to your hot water system, you need to contact your solar retailer as soon as possible and let them know you’re applying for the Victoria Solar Hot Water rebate. After, you will need to complete the eligibility pack and return it with all the documents required. If your application is deemed eligible, the refund will be paid directly to you.

Approved Solar Hot Water Products You need to ensure that your solar hot water system comes from the list of approved solar products. Make sure to let your solar retailer know you’re applying for the Victoria Solar Hot Water Rebate and you will need an approved product.

If you want to maximise your solar energy investment, you might be interested in the Victoria Solar Battery rebate.

It’s important to remember that you can only benefit from one Solar Victoria rebate, though you can arrange to have your solar PV panels and battery installed at the same time. Below, we outline the eligibility needed, and how to apply for, the Victorian Solar Battery rebate.

Eligibility for the Solar Battery Rebate Vic

In order to qualify for the Victoria Solar Battery rebate, you will need to make sure you meet certain criteria.

Eligibility requirements for the Victoria Solar Battery Rebate are:

• There is already a solar PV system with 5KW or greater capacity on the property, or you’re arranging to have one installed in conjunction with your solar battery installation.
• You’ve been pre-approved to connect a battery to the grid by your energy distributor.
• The battery storage system is on the Solar Victoria list of Approved Batteries
• The property doesn’t already have an existing energy storage system
• You are the owner-occupier of the property where the battery is going to be installed
• All listed owners of the property have a combined taxable income of less than $180,000 per year
• The property is an existing build valued at under $3 million
• You have not already received a Victoria Solar Rebate and the property has not previously benefited from the Solar Homes Program
• You agree to receive information about your battery from your energy distributor

How to Apply for the Victoria Solar Battery Rebate

Prior to getting a quote and starting the Victoria Solar Battery rebate application process, you need to make sure you have all the documentation required.

Paperwork needed to apply for the Victoria Solar Battery rebate are:

• A pre-approval number or reference from your energy distributor
• Evidence of property ownership
• Proof of income for all listed property owners or;
• If you didn’t receive a taxable income, a signed Statutory Declaration that states your income as $0.

Once you have all the paperwork needed for your Victoria Solar Battery rebate, you can begin the application process.

 Get a written quote from an authorised solar installer

You will need to get a written quote from your solar retailer. Your solar retailer will also upload your quote onto the Solar Victoria Portal, allowing you to start the online application. Once your solar installer uploads your quote, you will receive a notification email with a link to access your quote online.

 Pre-approval to connect battery storage to the grid from your energy distributor

Your energy distributor needs to pre-approve your battery storage system before installation. Your energy distributor is responsible for your energy supply to your address, as well as the electricity grid and gas lines.

 Start your VIctoria Solar Battery rebate application

You can start your Victoria solar rebate application using the link in the email notification you received about the solar battery quote. You can select the quote online, and use that to begin the Victoria Solar Battery rebate eligibility application. Once you’re confirmed eligible, you’ll be given a unique eligibility number and QR code, which you must show to your solar retailer on installation day.

 Arrange for your solar battery installation

Contact your solar retailer to confirm their quote and set an installation date. On the day of your solar battery installation, your solar retailer will need to scan the QR code you received from Victoria Solar Homes. After the installation, you will need to pay the remainder of the solar battery installation, minus the amount of your rebate.