Ultimate Guide for Victoria Solar Rebates in 2026 | Solar Panel & Battery Incentives
In 2026, solar rebates in Victoria continue to provide significant financial relief, helping households reduce electricity bills and transition to clean energy. These rebates and incentives ensure that homeowners, rental providers, and apartment residents alike can access solar power at a significantly reduced cost in Victoria.
By partnering with the Victorian and Federal governments, this system lowers the barrier to entry from the very start. Below is a step-by-step guide to how Victoria solar rebates and incentives are work, who is eligible for solar rebate in Vic, and how you can benefit from them this year.
List of Solar Rebates & Incentives in Victoria in 2026
Program | Details | Benefit |
Victoria Solar Panel Rebate | Upfront discount on solar PV installation | Up to $1,400 |
Hot Water Rebate | Heat pump or solar hot water systems | Up to $1,000 |
Solar Rebates for Rentals | Solar PV for rental properties | Up to $1,400/property |
Solar for Community Housing program | Shared solar systems for apartment buildings | Up to $1,400 is available for community housing organisations. |
Federal Solar Incentive (SRES) | STCs reduce system cost by ~30% | Approx. $2,500* |
Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Federal Solar Battery Rebate is a $2.3 billion subsidy scheme by the Australian Government | Rebates are estimated at approx. $372/kWh, equating to about a 30% discount |
Victoria Feed-in Tariff | Payment for excess solar sent to the grid | $0.04c/kWh |
Solar Battery Loan | Interest free battery finance | (not available) |
Estimated saving for a 6.6 kW solar system. Actual savings vary by location and system size.
About
Victoria Solar Panels (PV) Rebates in 2026
Victorian households can significantly lower their renewable energy costs with the Solar panel rebate, which offers a discount of up to A$1,400 on a solar system installations.
To qualify for this funding, your system must be installed by a NETCC-approved solar retailer using approved products from the official Solar Victoria list. Since the rebate is paid directly to your installer, the discount is subtracted immediately from your final bill, leaving you with a seamless and budget-friendly path to clean energy.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a solar panel (PV) rebate as a Victorian householder, you will need:
Ownership: You must be the owner-occupier of an existing property or the owner of a home currently under construction.
Household Income: The combined annual taxable income of all owners must be less than A$210,000.
Property Value: The property must be valued at under A$3 million (based on the current value or the estimated value once construction is complete).
Rebate History: The property address must not have previously received a solar panel (PV) or battery rebate through the Solar Homes program.
Existing Solar: The property must not have had a solar panel system installed within the last 10 years.
Moving House: If you received a rebate at a previous address but have moved, you can apply again for your new home, provided the new property has never received a rebate before.
Approved Providers: You must use a NETCC solar retailer and install only eligible products as listed by Solar Victoria.
Step-by-Step Solar System Installation Process
- Consult a Pro: Contact an authorised solar retailer (like Eco Aspire Energy) to discuss your energy needs.
- Select Your System: Choose a system using only products from the Solar Victoria approved list.
- Get a Quote: Ask your retailer for a formal written quote. They will then upload this directly into the Solar Victoria portal.
- Confirm Upload: Look for an automated email from Solar Victoria confirming that your quote has been successfully uploaded.
- Grid Pre-Approval: Your retailer must get “pre-approval” from your local network service provider (DNSP) to ensure you can connect and export power to the grid.
- Submit Eligibility: Log into the portal to upload your paperwork (ID, income proof, etc.) to prove you are eligible.
- Receive Your QR Code: Once approved, Solar Victoria will send you a unique QR code. This is your official “green light” to begin.
- Installation: Your system must be installed within 120 days (or 270 days for new builds). Your installer must scan your QR code on-site on the day of installation.
- Final Payment: Pay the retailer the remaining balance (the total cost minus the $1,400 rebate).
- Repayments: If you opted for the interest-free loan, your monthly repayments will begin approximately 30 days after the installation is finalised.
Important Reminder
You must have your eligibility confirmed and receive your QR code before any work begins. Government regulations strictly forbid backdating rebates for systems already installed. Rebates are released on the second Wednesday of each month.
Interest-free loan for Solar Installation
In addition to the rebate, eligible Victorian householders can access an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 to further offset the cost of their solar installation. This loan is designed to be highly accessible; it requires no collateral or credit security against your home, and the application process is handled concurrently with your rebate. Once you opt in, the loan amount is paid directly to your authorized solar retailer, meaning you only need to pay the remaining balance of your system. This effectively lowers your upfront costs while allowing you to pay for your solar transition through manageable, fixed installments.
Loan Repayment Details:
The interest-free loan is designed to be affordable and easy to manage through the following structure:
Four-Year Term: Repayments are spread over 4 years (48 months). For a maximum loan of $1,400, your fixed monthly payment is only A$29.16.
Automatic Debits: For your convenience, payments are automatically debited from your nominated bank account. You can easily provide these details during your initial application.
Delayed Start: Your first repayment only begins 30 days after your solar installation has been officially approved in the Solar Victoria portal, giving you time to start seeing savings on your energy bill first.
No Hidden Fees: Because the loan is interest-free, you only pay back exactly what you borrowed, with no additional charges or early payout penalties.
About
Victoria Hot Water Rebates in 2026
In 2026, the Victorian government continues to support the transition to energy-efficient homes by offering substantial incentives for upgrading to solar hot water or heat pump systems. This technology is highly effective because it can reduce total household energy use by up to 30%. Eligible owner-occupiers can access a standard rebate of up to $1,000, which increases to a maximum of $1,400.
Hot water rebate are designed to be highly accessible by covering 50% of the purchase price. It is applied as a final discount after federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and state Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) have been deducted from the total cost.
Eligibility
To qualify for the rebate in 2026, you must meet the following criteria:
Ownership: You must be the owner-occupier of an existing Victorian property.
Income: Combined household taxable income must be less than A$210,000 per year.
Property Value: The property must be valued at under A$3 million.
System Age: The hot water system you are replacing must be at least 3 years old.
History: The address must not have previously received a hot water or solar battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program.
Retailer/Product: You must use a NETCC solar retailer and install only eligible products as listed by Solar Victoria.
Step-by-Step Hot Water Installation Process
- Consult a Expert: Contact an authorised solar retailer (like Eco Aspire Energy) to discuss your energy needs.
- Select Your System: Choose a system using only products from the Solar Victoria approved list.
- Get a Quote: Ask your retailer for a formal written quote. They will then upload this directly into the Solar Victoria portal.
- Confirm Upload: Look for an automated email from Solar Victoria confirming that your quote has been successfully uploaded.
- Grid Pre-Approval: Your retailer must get “pre-approval” from your local network service provider (DNSP) to ensure you can connect and export power to the grid.
- Submit Eligibility: Log into the portal to upload your paperwork (ID, income proof, etc.) to prove you are eligible.
- Receive Your QR Code: Once approved, Solar Victoria will send you a unique QR code. This is your official “green light” to begin.
- Installation: Your system must be installed within 120 days (or 270 days for new builds). Your installer must scan your QR code on-site on the day of installation.
- Final Payment: Pay the retailer the remaining balance.
About
Solar Rebates for Rental Properties in Victoria in 2026
The Victorian government offers a Solar for Rental Properties rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panel (PV) systems. Solar for rental properties program is designed to reduce the upfront cost for landlords while helping tenants save on energy bills. The rebate will be paid directly to your retailer and deducted from your invoice. You only pay any outstanding balance once the system is installed.
Eligibility
You are likely eligible for the $1,400 rebate if:
Tenant Income: Your renters combined household taxable income is less than $210,000 per year (based on either of the last two financial years).
Property Value: The property is valued at less than $3 million (based on the latest Council Rates Notice).
Annual Limit: You have not already received more than two solar rebates for rental properties in the current financial year.
Previous Rebates: The property has not previously received a solar panel (PV) or battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program.
Signed Agreement: You and your tenant(s) have signed the Solar Homes Program Agreement, which outlines how the system and any loan repayments will be managed.
Retailer/Product: Must use a NETCC solar retailer and install only eligible products as listed by Solar Victoria.
About
Solar for Community Housing Program in Victoria in 2026
Helping low-income tenants in Victoria save on electricity shouldn’t be a luxury, and the Solar for Community Housing program makes it a lot more accessible. Basically, it’s a Solar Victoria local government initiative that gives community housing providers a rebate of up to $1,400 per property to install solar panels. The best part is that the financial benefit goes straight to the renters—slashing their power bills and making their homes much more comfortable to live in without the organisation having to foot the entire bill upfront.
To wrap things up, the rebate covers up to $1,400 or 50% of the total installation cost, whichever is lower—meaning if a system costs $2,000, your rebate would be $1,000. You can apply this to existing houses, units, or even new builds under construction, though keep in mind that communal or shared living areas aren’t covered. The most important thing is to wait for Solar Victoria’s official approval before you pay your retailer or start the work; once approved, the retailer simply deducts the rebate amount directly from your final invoice at the point of sale.
Eligibility
To get approved for the program, organizations and properties must meet the following criteria:
Organization Status: You must be a registered Community Housing Organisations (CHO) or a Not-for-Profit registered with the ACNC that provides long-term rental housing for low-income tenants.
Property Ownership: The organisation must own or manage the property where the panels are being installed.
Direct Benefit: You must guarantee that 100% of the energy savings generated by the solar system will be passed on to the tenants.
Property History: The specific address must not have received a solar panel (PV) rebate from Solar Victoria in the past.
Approved Installers: The system must be installed by a Solar Victoria authorised retailer using approved products.
Excluded Properties: Crisis accommodation and communal/shared living areas are generally not eligible for this specific rebate.
What You Need to Apply
Multi-Factor Authentication: You must install the Salesforce Authenticator app on a mobile device to access the application platform securely.
Organisational Documentation: You need to provide a formal letter of support on your organisation’s letterhead to confirm your eligibility.
Property Ownership Records: Organisations listed on the Housing Registrar only need letters of support for owned or managed properties.
Additional Evidence: If your organisation is not on the Housing Registrar, you must also provide certificates of title for owned homes or valid lease agreements for managed properties.
How to Apply
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Step 1: Email (CHO@team.solar.vic.gov.au.) your initial letter of support to the Solar Victoria community housing team to verify your organisation’s status.
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Step 2: Register on the Solar Victoria Platform once you receive an invitation and enter the details for each property you want to include.
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Step 3: Contact an authorised solar retailer to get a quote, which they will then upload directly to the platform for you.
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Step 4: Log in to the portal to review the uploaded quote and submit your final application for up to 50 properties per submission.
About
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) in Victoria in 2026
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are a core part of the Australian Government’s strategy to make renewable energy more affordable for everyone. By acting as a form of “green currency,” these certificates provide a significant upfront discount on the cost of solar panels, wind turbines, hydro systems, solar water heaters, air sources and heat pumps. Essentially, the certificates represent the amount of clean electricity your system is expected to generate or displace over its lifetime, and their value is deducted directly from your installer’s quote.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), your solar PV system must meet strict federal guidelines regarding who installs it and what equipment is used. The entire process is designed to ensure that the renewable energy transition in Australia maintains high safety and quality standards.
Accredited Installers: Your system must be designed and installed by a solar professional who holds current accreditation. As of 2026, the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the primary body responsible for the accreditation of installers and designers, a role previously managed by the Clean Energy Council.
Approved Products: The solar panels (modules) and the inverter must be selected from the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) list of approved products. This list is updated frequently to ensure all equipment meets the latest Australian safety and performance standards.
On-site Compliance: For a system to be eligible for STCs, the accredited installer must be physically present at the site during the setup, mid-installation, and commissioning phases. They are now required to provide geotagged and time-stamped photo evidence of their attendance at these stages
How to Calculate STCs for Victoria
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) Calculator requires 3 things.
1. System Size (kW)
The total capacity of your solar panel system.
2. Solar Zone
The geographical zone where your solar system is installed, as different regions in Australia receive varying levels of sunlight. Australia is divided into four solar zones. Melbourne is in Solar Zone 3 (average sunlight) and has a factor of 1.382.
3. Installation Year
The year you plan to install your solar panel system, as the Renewable Energy Target (RET) operates on a declining scale until 2030.
The amount of STCs calculation formula is below:
Number of STCs = Postcode Zone Rating × Deeming Period Years × System Size in kW
The amount of STC rebate calculation formula is below:
Amount Of STC Rebates = STCs × Price of each STC
Example
In 2026, a 6.6kW solar panel system installed in Melbourne (Zone 3) generates approximately 9.1 MWh per year. Considering the deeming period (remaining years until 2030),
This solar panel system would produce STCs around = 1.382 × 4 × 6.6 = 36 STCs. Each STC price is now AU$40, So the total STC rebate would be 36 STCs × AU$40 = AU$1,440 for a 6.6 kW system in Melbourne.
About
Cheaper Home Batteries Program in Victoria in 2026
Australia is a global leader in rooftop solar, yet a significant gap remains: while over 4 million homes generate power, only 2.5% currently possess battery storage. The Australian Federal Government’s solar battery rebate arrives as a game-changing solution to this challenge. By offering financial incentives for families, small businesses, and community groups, the government aims to make clean energy storage truly accessible.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program, a $2.3 billion subsidy scheme, acts as a major expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which has driven solar uptake since 2011. The initiative is a nationwide solar battery incentive designed to accelerate battery adoption, aiming to support over one million new solar battery installations across Australia by 2030. By targeting a reduction in solar system installation costs of around 30%, the rebate addresses the high upfront prices that often deter buyers.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program starts on July 1, 2025. Eligible households and businesses can claim a solar battery rebate of up to AU$336 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usable capacity in 2026. After administrative fees, real-world savings are approximately AU$300/kWh, offering tangible relief to consumers.
For example, installing a standard 10 kWh battery could attract a discount of around $3,300, significantly lowering the investment for systems that usually range from AU$8,000 to AU$15,000. This subsidy effectively bridges the affordability gap, allowing more Australians to access the benefits of storage. By taking advantage of these incentives, families can secure energy independence and insulate themselves from future price hikes, making 2026 the ideal year to upgrade to a fully integrated solar energy system.
Eligibility
Let’s see if you are eligible or not:
- System size: Batteries must have 5–50 kWh usable capacity for residential homes. 100 kWh for businesses/community facilities, rebated up to 50 kWh.
- Installation date: Be installed on or after 1 July 2025 (batteries installed from 6 April 2025 may still be eligible as long as the battery has not been commissioned)
- Solar connection: The battery storage must pair with a new or existing rooftop solar system.
- Approved equipment: Only Clean Energy Council-approved batteries qualify, ensuring safety and performance. Be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list
- Capable Battery: The battery must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capable. The battery storage must comply with AS/NZS 5139:2019.
- Accredited installers: Installation must be done by or supervised by SAA-accredited installers.
- One per property: Each property is limited to one rebate, though owners of multiple properties can claim for each. Electric vehicles are not eligible battery systems for this program.
- Australian residency: Applicants must be Australian residents or entities, including households, small businesses, and community organizations like schools or clubs.
- Consumers must also receive: Written statements on installation safety and expected energy savings. Compliance documents to meet state/territory regulations
How Cheaper Home Batteries Program's
Solar Battery Rebate Calculated?
The cheaper home batteries program’s solar battery rebate is calculated based on your battery’s usable capacity. The amount of energy your home or business can use.
- You’ll get STCs (small-scale technology certificates) for each kWh of usable battery capacity, up to 50 kWh.
- In 2026, this means a discount of about $336 per kWh.
- The value drops each year until 2030, when the program ends.
| Year | Estimated Value per kWh (kilowatt hour) | STC Factor |
| 2026 | $336 | 8.4 |
| 2027 | $296 | 7.4 |
| 2028 | $260 | 6.5 |
| 2029 | $224 | 5.6 |
| 2030 | $188 | 4.7 |
The estimated value per kWh is approximate and based on $40 per STC for a battery installed in the year. This could vary over time in line with reviews of whether the discount remains appropriate.
About
Victoria Feed-in Tariff in 2026
The solar feed in tariff (FiT) has helped many people and businesses in Australia by giving them money credits for extra electricity they send back to the grid. As of May 2025, solar feed in tariffs in Australia are changing a lot. Tariffs are dropping in some states, and new export charges are making things more complicated for solar system owners.
Victoria’s solar feed-in tariff landscape is set to change dramatically from July 1, 2025, with the Essential Services Commission (ESC) removing minimum FiT requirements. The projected minimum flat rate will drop from 3.3c/kWh to 0.04c/kWh, making it the lowest in Australia.
Maximising Your Household Savings with 2026 Victorian Solar Rebates
The 2026 solar rebates in Victoria offer families a major financial boost, as they can easily install solar panels, batteries, and energy-efficient appliances in their homes, reducing their electricity costs and making their homes more comfortable.
To take full advantage of this benefit, families should choose a government-approved installer, understand all eligibility rules, and use all state and central program rebates together so that the initial cost is low and the electricity bill will also be lower in the long run. Visit the Solar Victoria portal today to check your eligibility and start your solar journey, so that your home will have both light and savings in the future.