There are two incentive programs for solar power systems installed on homes in Victoria:
- The Solar Homes Rebate (also known as the Solar Panels Rebate) from the Victorian government
- Small-scale Technology Certificates from the Federal government
Both the Federal and State government rebates are like point-of-sale discounts that reduce the up-front cost of going solar.
Which ones do you need to apply for?
- You do need to apply for the Victorian Solar Homes Rebate. The solar provider for the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk Buy, Specialised Solar, can advise you on the rebate application process.
- You don’t need to apply for the Federal form of ‘rebate’ – called Small-Scale Technology Certificates – as the paperwork is all handled by your solar provider. This is available to anyone buying a solar power system for their home.
Solar Homes Rebate – from the state government
The Victorian State Government’s Solar Homes Rebate is worth up to $1,888 for solar panel (PV) systems for eligible households.
The solar rebate program offers – in addition to a rebate of up to $1,888 – an interest-free loan of up to the same amount as the rebate, for eligible homeowners.
The first step in the process for applying for a rebate, is to select your preferred solar provider and get a quote. The supplier will upload the quote on the Solar Victoria website. Our solar provider, Specialized Solar, will be able to advise you and support you with the rebate application process.
Solar Homes Rebates
- Interest-free loans (over 4 years, or less if you like) in addition to the solar panels rebate
- Solar rebates for rental properties and
- Solar battery rebates – although these are not currently available in the Swan Hill municipality or in nearby areas.
Federal Government ‘Solar Rebate’
The Federal Government ‘rebate’ is known as Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme under which Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are issued. The STCs are worth around $555 per kilowatt of solar installed (at Feb 2020).
This amount is almost invariably treated as a point-of-sale discount, which means that the price you are quoted for a solar power system – in almost all cases – is net of the value of the STCs.
Learn more
Learn more about Solar Rebates here.
