Posted by Euan Angus | Published: Thursday 28 July 2022 | Last updated: Thursday 28 July 2022

Getting a new solar system can be expensive. It’ll save you a bundle over time, but you need to have the money today to get it installed. Fortunately, both the Victorian and Federal Governments are interested in bringing those prices down to make upgrading your home more affordable.

When you choose G Store, we’re happy to help you understand your rebate options. This article is a helpful primer that should get you familiar with the ways you can knock money off your install bill and start saving in the long run.

Victorian Solar Homes Program

The Solar Homes Program is a state government initiative that encompasses a range of programs. Here, we go into detail on each one – so you know what does (and doesn’t) apply to your install.

Keep in mind that these rebates don’t go direct to you. Instead, once you’ve successfully claimed, you’ll get a discount on the final price of your system equal to the rebate amount.

Solar panel rebate

For eligible households, the Solar panel (PV) rebate offers up to $1,400, plus the option of an interest-free loan for the same amount as your rebate. The loan has to be paid off over four years, but you can choose to repay it earlier.

There’s a few conditions for eligibility:

  • You must be the owner-occupier of your property
  • Your household income will have to be below $180,000
  • Your home will have to be under $3m in value (this is determined by your rates notice value. Often, people will think their home is ineligible, only to find the rates notice values their home lower than they’d expect)
  • You can’t have received a solar-battery rebate through Solar Homes (more on that later)
  • You can’t have an existing solar system, unless it was installed before November 2009 (in which case you’re eligible for a rebate to upgrade the system)

It’s fairly easy to claim. Once you get a quote from an authorised solar provider (which G Store is), you’ll be asked to upload proof of income and a rates notice to the Solar Victoria Portal. If you’re confirmed to be eligible, the rebate is claimed on your behalf, and you get a discount from your final bill. We can give you additional guidance on this if you need it.

a solar panel being installed

Solar hot water rebate

Despite the name, the solar hot water rebate also applies to heat pumps. Whether you want a solar hot water system or a heat pump for your hot water is up to you, but at G Store, we believe your roof space is better off being used for solar panels – we don’t see many reasons to choose solar hot water over a heat pump.

But regardless of your decision, there are similar eligibility requirements for this rebate as for the panels rebate:

  • You must be the owner-occupier of your property
  • Your household income will have to be below $180,000
  • Your home will have to be under $3m in value (again, determined by your rates notice value)
  • You can’t have received a solar-battery rebate through Solar Homes
  • Your existing hot water system is at least three years old

You can claim this by, as before, getting a quote and letting your provider know you’d like to apply. Once you have the quote, you’ll have to fill out some information online, at which point you’ll be contacted and told if you’re eligible.

The solar hot water rebate is 50% off the system price, up to a maximum of $1,000. This can shave a significant amount off your install cost and make an efficient hot water system an affordable reality.

Solar for rentals

If you currently rent a property but are interested in solar, it’s worth talking to your landlord. They can claim a rebate for the rental property, getting you lower power prices and them extra property value.

It’s for the same up to $1,400 rebate with the option of a loan for the same amount. It has a similar application process, just with a few extra paperwork requirements – like a copy of the property’s lease.

Solar battery rebate

The solar battery rebate covers battery installations, and can provide a discount of up to $2,950.

The eligibility requirements are the same as for the panels rebate, but with some additional criteria:

  • You already have a 5kW or more system, or plan to have one installed at the same time as the battery
  • You have approval from your Distributed Network Service Provider (DSNP) to connect a battery to the grid
  • The same address hasn’t previously had a Solar Homes rebate – for example, if the previous owner installed a solar system under the program
  • You agree to get information from your DSNP about battery trials you may take part in

To apply, start by getting your quote. Then, seek approval from your DSNP, confirm you’re eligible on the Solar Homes Portal, and get your documents ready to apply. If you go through G Store, we’ll handle the approval process with your DSNP – you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself.

Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Pilot Program

Rebates for this scheme have ended, however, you can still join a VPP and enjoy financial benefits. The Solar Homes page has a list of approved VPPs, which also includes the benefits of each program.

A VPP is a network of homes with solar panels and batteries, capable of supporting each other by drawing on generation and storage. Stay tuned for a more in-depth explanation of VPPs in a later article.

Small-scale technology certificates

Small-scale technology certificates, or STCs, are a federal government scheme that provides an additional rebate, and can be claimed in conjunction with the above programs. Essentially, you get a discount on your solar system based on how many emissions it’s expected to offset.

As this is available Australia-wide, and not just to Victorians, we have another blog post with all the information you need to be an STC expert.

Rebates are just the first step

Knowing that you can save money on an install is one thing, but knowing if a system is right for you is another. If you’ve got other questions, check out some of the other pages in our learning centre. If you think G Store is a good fit, get in touch to arrange an appointment and we can figure out what system works for you.

 

Topics: Rebates

Tags:    #Rebates

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