Victoria
Solar Rebates & Incentives 2026
Victoria offers one of Australia's best state solar rebates through the Solar Homes Program - up to $1,400 off solar panels, plus access to interest-free loans.
Available Programs in Victoria
Solar Victoria Panel Rebate
VIC OnlyThe Victorian Government provides up to $1,400 for solar panel installations. This is on top of the federal STC rebate, giving Victorians one of the best combined discounts in Australia.
Rebate Amount
Interest-Free Loan
Eligibility Requirements
- check_circleOwner-occupier or building a home
- check_circleCombined household income under $210,000/year
- check_circleProperty value under $3 million
- check_circleNo solar installed in last 10 years
- check_circleProperty hasn't received this rebate before
- check_circleUse Solar Victoria approved retailer
Hot Water Rebate
VIC OnlyRebates for heat pump and solar hot water systems. Extra incentive for choosing locally-made products.
Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
ActiveMelbourne is in STC Zone 4, which has a lower zone rating than northern states. However, combined with the state rebate, Victorians still get excellent total savings.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ActiveFederal program providing ~30% off eligible battery systems. This replaces Victoria's previous state battery loan program which ended in May 2025.
How to Apply for Victorian Solar Rebate
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet the income, property value, and ownership requirements. Use the Solar Victoria eligibility checker or our quiz below.
Get Quotes from Approved Retailers
Request quotes from Solar Victoria approved retailers only. We are an approved retailer and can provide obligation-free quotes.
Apply Online at Solar Victoria
Create an account at solar.vic.gov.au and submit your application with your chosen quote. You'll need ID, proof of property ownership, and income details.
Receive Your Eligibility Number
Once approved, you'll receive an eligibility number valid for 6 months. Share this with your chosen retailer to lock in the rebate.
Complete Installation
Schedule your installation. The rebate is applied directly to your invoice - you only pay the reduced amount.
Optional: Apply for Interest-Free Loan
If needed, apply for the interest-free loan to cover remaining costs. Repayments are made via your electricity bill over 4 years.
Stack Your Rebates for Maximum Savings
Example: 6.6kW Solar System in Melbourne
Add a battery? Stack another ~$3,300 off a 10kWh battery through the federal program. Total combined rebates can exceed $6,750.
Previously Available (Now Closed)
Battery Loan Program
Closed May 2025The interest-free loan of up to $8,800 for battery storage is no longer accepting applications.
Solar for Apartments
Closed Feb 2025Grants of up to $2,800 per apartment (capped at $140,000 per building) are no longer available.
Why Install in 2026?
Installing in 2026 rather than waiting until 2027 could save you an additional $500-1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
helpHow much is the Victorian solar rebate in 2026?
The Victorian Solar Homes rebate provides up to $1,400 (50% of system cost) off solar panel installations for eligible households. This is in addition to the federal STC rebate of approximately $1,600 for a 6.6kW system in Melbourne (Zone 4, 5-year deeming period for 2026), giving a total of around $3,000 in combined savings.
helpWho is eligible for the Victorian solar rebate?
To be eligible, you must be an owner-occupier, have a combined household income under $210,000 per year, own a property valued under $3 million, and use a Solar Victoria approved retailer. As of 2026, households can now replace solar systems that are over 10 years old.
helpCan I get the Victorian rebate if I already have solar?
Yes, if your existing solar system is over 10 years old, you can now replace it and access the Solar Victoria rebate. Systems less than 10 years old are not eligible for replacement. You may still be eligible for the hot water rebate or Victorian Energy Upgrades incentives.
helpHow do I apply for the Victorian solar rebate?
You apply through the Solar Victoria portal at solar.vic.gov.au. First get quotes from approved retailers, then apply online with your details and chosen quote. Once approved, you have 6 months to complete the installation.
helpIs the Victorian interest-free loan still available?
Yes, eligible households can access an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 (equal to the rebate amount) to help cover remaining costs. The loan is repaid over 4 years through your electricity bill.
helpWhat happened to the Victorian battery loan?
The Victorian Solar Battery Loan (up to $8,800 interest-free) closed in May 2025 after exceeding its target of 4,500 households. Victorian residents now access battery incentives through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides approximately $3,000 off a 10kWh battery (~30% discount). This can be combined with the Solar Victoria solar panel rebate.
Calculate Your Victorian Savings
See your combined federal + state savings. Most Melbourne households save $3,000+ on solar installation.
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