Victoria Solar Rebates & Incentives: Ultimate Guide

VICTORIA SOLAR REBATES

Victoria solar rebates make installing solar panels and batteries more affordable, helping residents cut electricity bills and promote a greener future. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Victoria’s solar rebates, eligibility requirements, application processes, and how much you can save with these incentives.

For a complete overview of all solar rebates and incentives available in Australia, visit our comprehensive guide on Solar Rebates.


List of Solar Rebates & Incentives in Victoria 2024

ProgramTypeDetailsMaximum Amount
Victoria Solar Panel RebateSolar Panel RebateUpfront discount on solar PV system installation costs.Up to $1,400
Victoria Interest-Free Loan SchemeLoanInterest-free loan matching the solar panel rebate amount to reduce upfront costs.Up to $1,400
Solar for Apartments GrantShared Solar PVProvides grants for shared solar systems in apartment buildings.  Apartment buildings; application period Dec 4th 2024Up to $2,800 per apartment; capped at $140,000 per building
Solar Battery LoanLoanInterest-free loan for eligible battery storage systems to encourage energy independence and grid support.Up to $8,800 in interest free loan
Federal Solar Incentive (SRES)Upfront SavingsSmall-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that reduce installation costs by approximately 30%.Approx. $2,500*
Victoria Feed-in TariffsFeed-in Tariff CreditProvides credits for excess solar energy fed back to the grid. Rates vary by electricity provider.Varies by provider
Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ProgramIncome & SavingsAllows battery owners to share stored energy, earning compensation and supporting grid resilience.Varies by VPP
Victoria Solar Rebates & Incentives Overview Table 2024

Note: Savings for the federal SRES program depend on system size and location; the above is an approximate amount for a 6.6 kW system.

This table provides a quick overview of Victoria’s available solar programs, helping users understand the rebate, loan, and additional savings options at a glance.

Victoria Solar Rebates & Incentives Overview

Victoria Solar Panel Rebate

  • Rebate Amount: Up to $1,400 for solar PV systems.
  • Interest-Free Loan Option: Eligible applicants can apply for a matching interest-free loan up to $1,400.
  • Eligibility:
    • Home or property must be valued under $3 million.
    • Household income must be under $210,000 per year.
    • The property must be existing or under construction and hasn’t had a solar installation in the last 10 years.

Victoria Apartment Solar Panel Rebate

Round 2 applications are open until Friday 6 December 2024. Victoria’s Solar for Apartments Grant provides financial support to facilitate shared rooftop solar installations for apartment buildings.

  • Rebate Amount: Up to $2,800 per apartment, capped at $140,000 per building.
  • Eligibility:
    • Open to Owners Corporations classified as ‘tier three’ or ‘tier four’ under the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic), managing 3 to 50 occupiable lots.
    • Applicable for apartment buildings up to eight storeys tall or groups of attached townhouses with shared rooftop areas.
  • Application Period: Applications are open through December 6 2024 or until funds are exhausted.
  • Benefits: Potential annual savings of up to $500 per household on energy bills, while contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Solar Battery Loan

  • Rebate Amount: Up to $8,800 in interest free loan for battery storage.
  • Eligibility:
    • Must have or install a solar PV system with at least 5 kW capacity.
    • The battery must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP)-ready for potential grid support.

Federal Solar Incentive – Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)

  • Upfront Savings: The SRES program provides upfront cost savings through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can reduce solar installation costs by around 30%.
  • Example Savings: A typical 6.6 kW system can save Victorians about $2,500 in upfront costs.

Victoria Feed-in Tariffs

  • Feed-in Tariff Credit: Provides credits for excess solar energy fed back to the grid, helping to further reduce electricity bills.
  • Rate: Rates vary by electricity provider however there are mandatory minimums set by the Victorian government
  • How It Works: Any excess energy produced by your solar system is exported to the grid, and you earn credits on your electricity bill. Be sure to compare providers to find the best feed-in tariff rate available.

How Much Can You Save with Victoria Solar Rebates?

Solar Panel Savings

For a 6.6 kW solar system in Victoria:

  • Average Cost After Federal Rebate: $6,030
  • Annual Savings on Electricity Bills: Up to $1,200
  • Payback Period: Approximately 3-5 years

Battery Storage Savings

Battery systems in Victoria can reduce reliance on the grid and offer energy independence:

  • Rebate: Up to $3,500, making batteries more accessible.
  • Average Payback Period: 7-10 years, depending on energy usage patterns.

Additional Solar Programs in Victoria

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and Aggregation Programs

VPPs allow battery owners to share stored energy with the grid, enhancing reliability and grid stability. Benefits include:

  • Compensation: Earn income by participating in energy-sharing programs.
  • Increased Energy Resilience: Helps support the grid during high-demand periods.
  • Cost Savings: Reduces network costs, benefiting all Victorians.

Conclusion: Maximising Your Victoria Solar Rebates

Victoria solar rebates offer valuable support to make solar energy affordable and accessible. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to maximise savings, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a sustainable future. Explore the Solar Victoria Portal for more details and start your journey toward solar savings today.


FAQs on Victoria Solar Rebates

James Shand