Solar savings top mega millions

SOLAR Victoria has handed out more than 500,000 rebates since the beginning of its Solar Homes Program in August 2018, including 11,210 in Greater Bendigo, the state government has said.

This compares to 26,429 across Gippsland, 20,469 in Greater Geelong and 8745 in Ballarat.

The government has also noted that the program has saved Victorians over $1 billion on solar, heat pumps, electric vehicles and batteries during that time.

Digging deeper, the scheme has supported the uptake of over 353,100 rooftop solar systems (with 2.5 gigawatts installed capacity), 89,400 energy-efficient hot water systems and 21,400 solar batteries.

This has helped Victorians save more than $945 million from their energy bills, with projected savings by 2028 standing at $1.48 billion.

Solar Victoria provides solar rebates of up to $1400 and interest-free loans for approved households and rebates of up to $2800 for permitted apartments.

Victorians can also save up to $2030 on a locally made, energy-efficient hot water system by combining a Solar Homes rebate with a Victorian Energy Upgrades discount.

Last year topped the 2025 renewable energy target of 40 per cent, with renewables accounting for 44.6 per cent of the state’s electricity generation.

“More than 11,000 households have said yes to Solar Victoria in Greater Bendigo and when you look at how much money you can save, the choice is easy,” Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said.

Further information can be found on the Solar Victoria website.