The state government is set to broaden the eligibility for new homes under construction, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to access the solar panel rebate under the Solar Homes program.
The changes will cut down installation costs by $800 for homeowners by fitting panels as they wire the electricity to their new homes, as well as an average of $1073 each year in energy costs.
Under the changes, eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1,400 as well as being able to access a $1,400 interest free loan to install solar panels during construction.
Solar Homes Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the changes would help take off some of the pressure being felt by homeowners due to increasing energy prices.
“Expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” she said.
“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorian households – driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.”
Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list to qualify for the rebate.
Details: solar.vic.gov.au
