Nation-leading solar homes program to benefit Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast

The expanded scheme will save homeowners up to $800 on installation costs and will slash energy costs by an average of $1,073 a year. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE Andrews government’s Solar Homes program continues to drive down emissions Victoria wide and will now benefit Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast new homeowners.

The Labor Government is expanding the eligibility criteria of the solar panels rebate program to new homes under construction, enabling homeowners in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions to save on installation costs and electricity bills from the moment they move into their newly built home.

Under the change, eligible Victorians building new homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1,400 and also be able to access a $1,400 interest free loan to install solar panels during construction.

According to 2021 ABS Building Approvals data, regional areas including Barwon Heads/Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Grovedale/Mount Duneed rank in the top 20 areas Victoria wide for new building permits.

The three area codes were collectively granted more than 550 building approval permits in 2021, while Lara, Portarlington, Torquay and Ocean Grove had more 300 household permit approvals each.

Homeowners in the region’s fast-growing towns will save up to $800 on installation costs under the scheme while also slashing energy costs by an average of $1,073 each year.

“We know energy prices are putting pressure on households – expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said.

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households – driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”

Since it began in 2018, the Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program has helped more than 195,000 Victorian households install solar PV systems, thus cutting Victoria’s carbon emissions by 1.6 million tonnes.

This financial year, there are 64,000 Government rebates available for solar PV systems.

Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list to qualify for the rebate.

For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit solar.vic.gov.au