Many Victorians  have taken advantage of advantage of solar incentives from the state government through the Solar Homes program. 

In the Macedon electorate, 4480 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed since the program began in 2018.

Across Victoria, there have been almost 8,000 applications approved in the last month including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.

The government estimates that Victorians have cut a total of $279 million off their energy bills with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops across the state as a result of the Solar Homes program.

The The Solar Homes program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state. Over 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed through rebates and interest-free loans.

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. They can also receive up to $1,000 in rebates for installing solar hot water systems or heat pumps.

Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) are available Australia-wide and offer financial incentives for installing solar panels and other renewable energy systems. Retailers automatically apply the discount when quoting the final price of a solar system.

Licensed installers can provide further information on eligibility and how to apply for installation rebates.

This article is based on a media release from the office of Mary-Anne Thomas.