The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program has seen more than 71,700 successful applications for rebated solar panels, batteries and hot water systems across the state.
Launched in 2018, the Solar Homes program allows community housing residents to reap the cost saving benefits of having solar systems on their roofs.
The not-for-profit housing providers receive the rebate and pass on the bill savings to their tenants.
More than 61,700 solar systems have now been installed and $124.6 million in solar rebates have been paid out, with 41 per cent of solar applications from households across rural and regional Victoria.
These solar households have added more than 300MW of new capacity to the grid – providing more clean energy for Victoria.
Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “Solar Homes is saving families hundreds of dollars on their energy bills – which is great for all Victorians, helping with the cost of living.
“Through Solar Homes and our ambitious renewable energy targets, we’re creating jobs, boosting energy supply, driving down emissions and slashing energy bills for Victorians.”
Data gathered since July 2019 shows Victorians between 36 and 50 years of age are leading the charge for solar, with 18 per cent of applicants aged 18-35, 40 per cent aged 36-50, 26 per cent aged 51-65, and 16 per cent aged 65 or older.
Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, said, “The take up of solar rebates has been incredible – particularly across Melbourne’s outer suburbs and right across regional Victoria.”
Solar Homes aims to reduce energy bills for families who need it most, with 69 per cent of solar rebates going to households with incomes of less than $105,000, and at least ten per cent to those earning less than $16,000 a year.
Melbourne’s ten most popular Solar Homes suburbs are Tarneit, Clyde North, Point Cook, Craigieburn, Truganina, Wyndham Vale, Cranbourne East, Berwick, Werribee and Pakenham.
Outside Melbourne, the ten most popular regional towns to adopt panels include Shepparton, Mildura, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Torquay Wangaratta, Mornington, Ocean Grove, Traralgon and Lara.
The Victorian Government has also installed 191 solar systems directly to community housing organisations, helping some of Victoria’s most disadvantaged families save money on their bills.
When completed, Solar Homes will have created 5500 jobs and reduced the State’s carbon emissions by almost 4 million tonnes – the equivalent of taking one million cars off the road.
