Free Solar Panels for Pensioners Victoria 2026
VIC Concession Holder Solar Rebates & Incentives
Victorian pensioners and concession card holders can access up to $4,400 in combined rebates and interest-free loans to make solar panels affordable - and in some cases, close to free upfront.
Are Solar Panels Really Free for Pensioners?
The short answer: not entirely free, but Victorian pensioners can get very close. Here's the honest breakdown.
The Myth
- close“Pensioners get 100% free solar panels”
- close“The government covers the full cost”
- close“Concession card = automatically free”
- close“Special pensioner-only solar programs exist”
The Reality
- check_circle$1,400 state rebate + ~$1,600 federal STCs = $3,000 off
- check_circle$1,400 interest-free loan reduces upfront cost further
- check_circleRemaining ~$3,600 can be financed at ~$60/month
- check_circleElectricity savings of ~$100-120/month offset payments
Bottom line: While not technically “free,” Victorian pensioners can go solar with minimal upfront cost and typically save more on electricity than they pay in loan repayments - making it cash-flow positive from day one.
Programs Available to Victorian Pensioners
Solar Victoria Panel Rebate
ActiveUp to $1,400 off solar panel installations (50% of system cost, whichever is less). Pensioners easily qualify as the income threshold is $210,000 combined household income.
Rebate Amount
Pensioner Advantage
Federal Solar Rebate (STCs)
ActiveSmall-scale Technology Certificates provide an upfront discount applied at point of sale. Melbourne is in Zone 4, which gives approximately $1,600 for a 6.6kW system in 2026.
Solar Victoria Interest-Free Loan
ActiveEligible households can borrow up to $1,400 interest-free to cover remaining solar costs. Repayments are made through your electricity bill over 4 years - ideal for pensioners on a fixed income.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
ActiveFederal program providing approximately 30% off eligible battery systems. Pensioners who add a battery can store excess solar energy for use in the evening, further reducing electricity bills.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
ActiveThe VEU program creates tradeable certificates for energy-efficient upgrades, which retailers can use to offer additional discounts on solar installations. This can provide further savings on top of the Solar Victoria rebate.
Eligibility for Pensioners & Concession Holders
Who Qualifies?
There is no separate “pensioner solar rebate” in Victoria - all owner-occupiers meeting the criteria below can access the same rebates. However, pensioners typically qualify easily due to lower incomes.
check_circleYou Must Be
- check_circleAn owner-occupier of the property
- check_circleCombined household income under $210,000/year
- check_circleProperty valued under $3 million
- check_circleNo solar installed in the last 10 years
- check_circleUsing a Solar Victoria approved retailer
badgeAccepted Concession Cards
- check_circlePensioner Concession Card
- check_circleHealth Care Card
- check_circleCommonwealth Seniors Health Card
- check_circleDVA Gold Card / White Card
Note: Concession cards are not required for the rebate but holders automatically meet income criteria.
What a Pensioner Actually Pays
Example: 6.6kW Solar System in Melbourne
Net monthly benefit: ~$60 in your pocket. Most pensioners save more on electricity than they pay in repayments, making solar cash-flow positive from day one.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step for Pensioners
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you own and live in the property, and your combined household income is under $210,000. As a pensioner, you almost certainly meet the income requirement. Use our quiz below for a quick check.
Get Quotes from Approved Retailers
Request quotes from Solar Victoria approved retailers only. Ask about pensioner-friendly payment plans and ensure they include the STC discount in the quoted price.
Gather Your Documents
You'll need proof of identity, proof of property ownership (council rates notice), your concession card, and income details (last tax return or Centrelink income statement).
Apply Online at Solar Victoria
Create an account at solar.vic.gov.au and submit your application with your chosen quote. If you need help with the online form, ask a family member or contact Solar Victoria on 1300 376 393.
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 discount.
Apply for the Interest-Free Loan
If you need help covering remaining costs, apply for the $1,400 interest-free loan at the same time. Repayments of ~$7/week are added to your electricity bill over 4 years.
Complete Installation & Start Saving
Schedule your installation. The rebate and STC discount are applied directly to your invoice. You only pay the reduced amount and start saving on electricity immediately.
Check Your Pensioner Rebate Eligibility
Answer a few quick questions to see exactly which rebates you qualify for and how much you could save on solar in Victoria.
Check My Rebatesarrow_forwardFrequently Asked Questions
helpCan pensioners get free solar panels in Victoria?
Solar panels are not entirely free for pensioners in Victoria, but concession card holders can significantly reduce costs. By combining the $1,400 Solar Victoria rebate, ~$1,600 in federal STCs, and the $1,400 interest-free loan, pensioners can reduce the upfront cost of a 6.6kW system to as little as $3,600 out of pocket - or around $60/month with financing.
helpDo pensioners get a bigger solar rebate in Victoria?
The Solar Victoria rebate amount is the same for all eligible households ($1,400), regardless of concession card status. However, pensioners often benefit more because the income threshold of $210,000 combined household income is easy to meet on a pension, and the interest-free loan makes financing the remainder very affordable.
helpWhat concession cards qualify for the Victorian solar rebate?
The Solar Victoria rebate does not specifically require a concession card - it is available to all owner-occupiers meeting the income and property criteria. However, holders of the Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card typically qualify easily due to lower household incomes. Concession holders may also access additional energy bill relief through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
helpCan I get the solar rebate if I rent in Victoria?
Unfortunately, the Solar Victoria panel rebate is only available to owner-occupiers or those building a new home. Renters cannot directly access this rebate. However, renters can ask their landlord to apply, and landlords may be eligible if the property is their primary residence. Renters can still benefit from the Victorian Energy Upgrades program for other energy efficiency improvements.
helpWhat is the income limit for the Victorian solar rebate?
The combined household income must be under $210,000 per year. For most pensioners receiving the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment, this threshold is easily met. Income is assessed based on the previous financial year's combined taxable income for all household members.
helpCan I replace my old solar system with the Victorian rebate?
Yes. As of 2026, if your existing solar system is over 10 years old, you can replace it and still access the Solar Victoria rebate. This is particularly relevant for pensioners who installed early systems that are now underperforming. Systems less than 10 years old are not eligible for the replacement rebate.
helpHow do pensioners pay for the remaining cost after rebates?
After the $1,400 state rebate and ~$1,600 federal STC discount, pensioners can apply for the Solar Victoria interest-free loan of up to $1,400, repaid over 4 years via electricity bills. The remaining balance (around $3,600 for a typical system) can be paid upfront or financed through the installer. Many pensioners find their electricity savings ($100-120/month) more than cover any repayments.
Related Pages
Victoria Solar Rebate 2026
Full overview of all Victorian solar rebates and incentives.
Free Solar Panels Victoria
How to get solar for $0 upfront in VIC using rebates and financing.
Solar for Pensioners Guide
Complete guide to solar for Australian pensioners and seniors.