VIC government invests $15 million in renewable energy to lower prices

In an effort to encourage Victorian households to reduce their carbon footprint, the Victorian government has unveiled a new renewable energy package worth $15.3 million. 

The package is built on the existing Solar Homes program, which makes it easier for Victorians to go solar with their energy by providing rebates for solar panels, hot water and battery systems and interest-free loans for solar panels. 

The new solar package includes:

• $10.3 million for energy efficiency and affordability improvements for sports clubs and community halls
• $4 million for funding energy efficiency upgrades for hot water systems and lighting in public housing high rise properties across Victoria 
• $1 million in grants to help regional communities deliver renewable energy projects, like putting solar panels on child care centres, community buildings or health facilities. 

“Our investment in renewable energy and solar panels will create jobs and help reduce power bills,” said Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio.

“Solar panels delivering significant savings for Victorians – particularly at the moment, with people staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus.”

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According to the Victorian government, since the Solar Homes program launched in 2018, more than 79,000 Victorians have installed solar panels, batteries and solar hot water systems.

And since the coronavirus pandemic began, applications for the program have peaked in May as many Victorian households experienced savings delivered by solar panels. 

How Victorians can go green with their energy 

Whether you’re an owner-occupier or renter and are looking to get your hands on solar panels, the Solar Panel rebate offers a discount of up to $1,888 for solar panels. At the time of writing, there are 2,206 rebates remaining. 

The Solar Battery rebate allows households to claim a discount on the cost of installing a solar battery of up to a maximum of $4,838, while the Solar Hot Water rebate provides a discount of up to $1,000 for the installation of a solar hot water system.

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If you’d like to find out more about how solar energy works, you can check out our handy guide!

Or if you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint another way, enter your postcode below to find out which energy retailers offer GreenPower plans in your area.