New builds can apply for solar homes program

Yarra Ranges and Knox residents have embraced the solar rebates. Picture: ON FILE

new homes under construction may be eligible for the Solar Homes Program, with the State Government expanding eligibility.

The expansion is set to help more Victorians save on installation costs and electricity while reducing emissions.

Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said they know energy prices are putting pressure on households.

“Expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” she said.

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households – driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”

The number of approved rebates in the Yarra Ranges in 2021/22 was 5139, with 4707 of those already installed, while Knox LGA saw 6266 approved and 5823 installed. Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Lysterfield and Lysterfield South residents in the 3156 postcode took full advantage of the rebate, with 1433 approved and 1311 of those already installed. Solar retailers nearby include Lysterfield’s Solar Installations, Ferntree Gully’s Energy Wired and Monbulk’s Trademark Energy and MTCO Electrical.

The changes save homeowners up to $800 on installation costs by fitting panels as they wire the electricity to their new homes, as well as an average of $1,073 each year in energy costs.

Eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1,400 as well as being

able to access a $1,400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction, with 64,000 rebates available for the 2022/23 financial year.

Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list

to qualify for the rebate.

For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit solar.vic.gov.au.