The Victorian Government is rolling out the next phase of rebates for its Solar Homes program, kicking off on July 1.
The State Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5500 new jobs created as the Government attempts to drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates delivered since August 2019, the program in 2019/20 will:
- Support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing
- Deliver 2000 solar panel systems on rental properties
- Fund 6000 households to get solar hot water systems installed and;
- Deliver solar battery rebates for 1000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas
The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year – releasing a set number each month to ensure the ten-year program is delivered effectively.
The Government intends to also support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.
They have also simplified the rebate application process to make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.
The Government is also investing $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices. In an effort to ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems will only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products.
WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible.
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, said, “We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorians – putting a power station on your roof to drive down energy costs and boost supply, while creating 5500 jobs.”
Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “The Liberals privatised our energy assets, which has led to power prices going up and up and up – this is about reversing that trend, reducing carbon emissions and helping the cost of living for hard-working Victorian families.”
Minister for Training, Gayle Tierney, said “We’re making sure free training is available to installers and apprentices, so our workforce has the skills they need to rollout this program as safely as possible.”
