Get it while it’s hot
Rebates & Incentives
Upon the recognition of this infinitely accessible clean power source, the Solar Industry is growing exponentially with the support of Government incentives. The Federal and Victorian Governments have implemented a multitude of incentives, rebates and finance options to further reduce the cost of solar, battery and heat pumps for everyday Australian’s and Businesses.
Thanks to the improvement of technology making solar systems more affordable and the Government rebate schemes, solar installation across Australia is at an all-time high.
Many Federal & State rebates and financing options can be claimed simultaneously, providing huge up-front savings.
There’s no better time than now!
For the Homeowners
Victorian Solar Panel (PV) Rebate
Up to $1,400 discount on upfront costs plus the option of an interest-free loan.
Importantly, only a limited number of rebates are released each year and the scheme works on a sliding scale. This means that every year, not only does the number of rebates offered reduce but the monetary savings decreases too. So the longer you wait, the lesser your chances of a rebate and the slimmer your savings.
To check your eligibility, visit Solar Victoria.
See our blog on Solar Victoria’s Interest Free Loan here.
$0 upfront Interest Free Loan
A four-year interest-free loan equivalent to the amount of your Victorian Solar Panel (PV) rebate.
For example, if you have been approved for $1,400 Victorian Solar Panel (PV) rebate, you are also eligible for an interest free loan of the same value ($1,400) on an opt-in basis.
The loan is required to be repaid over four-years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum.
To check your eligibility visit Solar Victoria.
Small Scale Technology Certificate (STC)
Under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (Federal Government), the reduction of carbon emissions via solar electricity generation is being rewarded through tradeable certificates for small scale solar systems called Small Scale Technology certificates or STC’s.
Eligible solar systems are entitled to a number of STC’s. The number of STC’s issued depends on multiple factors, including the amount of electricity generated in megawatt hours (MWh). One certificate is generally equal to one megawatt hour (MWh).
The company installing your solar system (that’s us!) offers a point-of-sale discount on the sale price of your solar system, in return for your STC’s. The installation company (again, that’s us!) then sells the STC’s in order to recoup a portion of the cost.
Essentially, the installation company are passing on a discount equivalent to the estimated sale of your STC’s, in order to provide you with an upfront discount.
You can learn more via the Clean Energy Regulator .
Renewable Energy Certificate
Under the Renewable Energy Scheme (Federal Government), the reduction of carbon emissions via solar electricity generation is being rewarded through tradeable certificates for small scale and large scale solar systems.
1 . Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) - for solar panel systems equal to or below 100kW.
2 . Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGC’s) - for solar panel systems over 100kW.
Eligible solar systems are entitled to a number of STC’s and LGC’s. The number of certificates issued depends on multiple factors, including the amount of electricity generated in megawatt hours (MWh). One certificate is generally equal to one megawatt hour (MWh).
The company installing your solar system (that’s us!) offers a discount on the sale price of your solar system, in return for your certificates. The installation company (again, that’s us!) then sells those certificates in order to recoup a portion of the cost.
Essentially, the installation company are passing on a discount equivalent to the estimated sale of your certificates, in order to provide you with an upfront discount.
You can learn more via the Clean Energy Regulator.
Low Interest Loans (EUF)
Heat Pump Hot Water Rebates
Under the Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) scheme, commercial property owners (and homeowners) can apply for low interest loans for newly installed solar systems.
The council then collects the loan repayments through the rates system and passes the repayments onto the lender.
If the premises is sold, the remaining loan balance can be transferred to the new owner.
For more information, visit Energy Victoria.
Replacing an old electric or gas hot water system with a heat pump can attract several incentives, including federal STCs, Victorian Energy Upgrades and, for eligible Victorian households, a Solar Victoria rebate. What applies depends on your property and what you’re replacing. Our heat pump hot water guide explains how the Victorian and NSW rebates work, and you can see the range on our hot water page.
For Business and Community Groups
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEECs) for Commercial Solar
Grants for Community Sports Clubs
Victoria has its own incentive for larger commercial solar systems. Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, eligible systems can receive an upfront discount through Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), which can be claimed alongside federal STCs where they apply. Our guide to commercial solar VEECs explains how it works.
Community sporting clubs may also be able to access federal grant funding for solar, batteries and energy upgrades through the Game On program, alongside the standard STC discount. Funding rounds are limited, so read our guide to Game On grants for local sporting clubs for the latest.
Feed-in-Tariff
For any excess energy your solar system produces, you may be able to sell it back to your energy provider via a Feed-in-Tariff (FiT). Generally, this works by receiving a credit on your electricity bill, further reducing your bills and improving your return on investment.
Available for homeowners & businesses. Rates are dependent on your energy provider.
For more information and to check the current minimum FiT rates, visit the Victorian Government website.