Applications open for solar panel rebates

VICTORIANS looking to reduce their power bills can now apply to a state government scheme offering 50 per cent rebates on solar panel installations.

Last week, Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio announced that eligible Victorian households that installed solar panels on or after August 19 can now apply for a rebate to cover half the cost, up to a maximum of $2,225.

Applications for a $1,000 rebate for solar hot water systems will open soon.

Rebates for eligible households for both solar panels and solar hot water systems will be available until June 30 next year.

Labor has promised that if it is re-elected in November, the state government will pay the full upfront cost of solar panel installations, with households able to pay off half the cost via an interest-free loan.

More than 10,000 people registered their interest in rebates in the three weeks since the program was announced.

Those 10,000 homeowners installing 4kW solar systems would add 40MW of new solar power to the grid.

Under a re-elected Labor government, the Solar Homes program will provide solar panels, solar hot water or solar batteries for 720,000 homes over the next 10 years.

To be eligible for a rebate, applicants must have a household income of less than $180,000, and be the owner and occupier of the property, which must be valued at less than $3 million.

“We’re offering half-priced rebates on solar panels from today, to save Victorians money and give them control back over their power bills,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“The Solar Homes program will help 720,000 households cut their energy bills with solar panels, solar hot water systems or solar batteries.”

For more details about the Solar Homes Package, head to solar.vic.gov.au.