Solar Rebate Victoria: Everything You Need to Know

You might have noticed that suddenly people have started talking about solar panel installation. Do you know why? The government is giving a rebate to install those solar panels so that you can save thousands on your power bills.

But beware. There’s a process, a timeline and rules that most people don’t find out until it’s too late. That’s why this guide exists to walk you through everything you need to know before you commit, before you sign anything and before you miss out on what could save you thousands.

Let’s get started!

1. What Is the Solar Rebate in Victoria & What Does It Include?
2. What Does the Rebate Actually Cover?
3. Eligibility for Solar Panel Rebate in Victoria
4. How Much Can You Save From This Rebate?
5. How to Apply for the Rebates
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions

The vic solar rebate is a government-backed financial incentive that helps reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels on your home. It's part of the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program, which was launched in 2018 to make solar energy more affordable and accessible for everyday households.

As of 2025, here’s what the rebate typically includes:

1. Up to $1,400 off the cost of installing an approved solar panel system (aka solar PV system).
   
2. Paired with an optional interest-free loan for the same amount, repayable over four years.

The rebate was introduced to help reduce energy bills for Victorian households, support the transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions.

The Victorian Solar Panel Rebate covers part of the total cost of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. That means you get financial help on everything needed to set up a basic, grid-connected solar power system for your home.

That means, following things are covered under the rebate :

To be eligible for the Solar  Rebate Victoria, you must meet all of the following conditions:

1. You own the home where the solar panels will be installed — this includes both existing homes and homes under construction.
2. Your combined household taxable income (that’s for all owners listed on the property) is less than $210,000 a year.
3. The property value is under $3 million, either based on your council rates notice or your construction estimate if it's a new build.
4. Your home hasn’t received a solar panel or battery rebate under the Solar Homes program before.
5. There hasn’t been a solar panel system installed in the past 10 years at this address (unless you're replacing an old system and on a specific tariff—more on that below).
6. You’ve moved house after getting a rebate elsewhere? That’s fine — as long as your new property hasn't already received a solar rebate, you can apply again.

Source

For most Victorian households, a 6.6kW solar system is the sweet spot — powerful enough to cover daytime usage and ideal for maximising feed-in savings.

So here’s a breakdown of how much you can save approximately through the Victorian Energy Rebate.

These figures are based on 2025 pricing averages across Melbourne and regional Victoria from source like SolarQuotes

On top of it, you also save on energy bills once your system is installed. Additgionally you can even opt for interest free loan.

Interest Free Loan

The loan is a voluntary add-on to the rebate. You don’t have to take it but if you’re eligible, it’s a great way to lower your upfront cost even further.

1. Loan amount: Up to $1,400
2. Repayment period: Up to four years
3. Repayment frequency: Fortnightly or monthly, you choose
4. ‍Interest:0% (yes, really)

You simply repay it over time directly to the Victorian Government.

Applying for the solar panel rebate might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s a smooth and well-guided process. As long as you follow the steps in order and don’t install your system too early, you’ll be fine.

Here’s exactly how to apply for the Solar Panel (PV) Rebate in Victoria

Step 1: Do a Little Homework

Before anything else, it helps to read Solar Victoria’s Buyers Guide. It gives you a good understanding of what makes a system reliable, how to size your system and what to expect from your retailer.

Step 2: Talk to an Authorised Solar Retailer

You’ll need to work with an authorised solar retailer. Your retailer will:

1. Help you pick the right system
2. Ensure the panels and inverter are on the approved product list
3. Give you a formal quote
4. Upload that quote into the Solar Victoria portal

Step 3: Wait for the Upload Confirmation

Once your retailer has uploaded the quote, Solar Victoria will send you an email confirming it’s been received. Don’t skip ahead to installation yet. This step is just letting you know the quote is now logged in the system.

Step 4: Get Pre-Approval to Connect to the Grid

While you wait, your installer will help you get pre-approval from your electricity distributor to connect your system to the grid and export solar power. This is a standard requirement and ensures everything is safe and compliant

Step 5: Prove Your Eligibility

Now comes your part, logging into the Solar Victoria portal to provide your documents.

You’ll need to upload:

1. Proof of identity (driver’s licence, Medicare card, etc.)
2. Your latest ATO Notice of Assessment to show your taxable income
3. Your council rates notice to verify the property’s value and ownership

This step is essential. You’re not approved for the rebate until Solar Victoria checks your documents.

Step 6: Wait for Your QR Code

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive a QR code via email. This is your green light to go ahead with the installation.

Step 7: Book the Installation

Now that everything is approved, your retailer will lock in the installation date. For existing homes, you’ll need to get the system installed.

Step 7: Book the Installation

Now that everything is approved, your retailer will lock in the installation date. For existing homes, you’ll need to get the system installed

In Victoria, solar is no longer something only early adopters or tech enthusiasts talk about. It’s become a smart, practical move for everyday homeowners. Power bills have gone up. Summers are getting harsher. And the pressure to reduce household expenses is real for a lot of families right now.

The government rebate is helping thousands of people make that switch without draining their savings. It takes a decent chunk off the upfront cost and when you add the interest-free loan, solar becomes affordable in a way it wasn’t five years ago.

But the key is timing. This rebate has a clear process. You can’t rush it and you can’t backdate it. Install too early, skip a document or work with the wrong type of retailer and you miss the chance altogether.

So if you’ve been thinking about it for a while and you’re eligible, don’t wait around for another price hike on your electricity bill. The sooner your system goes in, the sooner you stop paying full price for power.

1. How much is the solar panel rebate in Victoria?

Up to $1,400 off the cost of your solar panel system. You can also apply for an interest-free loan of the same amount.

2. Am I eligible for the rebate?

You must own the property, earn under $210,000 (combined household income) and the home shouldn’t have had solar installed in the last 10 years.

3. Can I install the system before approval?

No. If you install your solar panels before getting the official QR code from Solar Victoria, you won’t be eligible for the rebate.

4. Can I still get the rebate if I’m building a new home?

Yes. Just make sure to apply before installation and that the finished home meets all the eligibility criteria.

5. What happens after I’m approved?

Once you receive your QR code, your retailer can go ahead with the installation. You then pay the balance after the rebate is applied.

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