Why now is the perfect time to go solar in Victoria

If you're a homeowner in Victoria, now is a great time to switch to renewable energy. With generous Federal and State Government incentives available, you can significantly reduce upfront costs and start saving sooner on solar power, battery storage, and energy-efficient hot water systems. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key incentives, how Solahart can help you.

1. Cheaper Home Batteries Program – Save up to 30% on an eligible solar battery

The Australian Federal Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program on July 1, 2025. The program aims to encourage homeowners to install a battery to store their excess solar energy to use later, maximising solar self-consumption, and reducing reliance on the grid.

Key details:

• You could receive a discount of up to 30% on the upfront cost of a home battery. However, the actual discount amount depends on the usable battery capacity (between 5kWh and 50kWh). For a 10kWh battery, you could save up to $3,720 on the upfront cost.¹
• Eligible battery could include a single battery or multiple batteries connected as a single unit.
• You may be eligible for a discount if you are adding additional capacity to an existing system.

How Solahart can help:

Solahart has a range of battery solutions to help maximise your solar investment. Your local Solahart Dealer will guide you through the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, recommend the right battery for you, implement the discount, and provide post-installation support.

2. STCs – Small-scale Technology Certificates 

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are also a Federal Government incentive. STCs reduce the upfront cost of installing renewable systems including solar panels, solar hot water, and heat pumps.

Key details:

• The number of STCs you receive depends on key factors including:
  • The system size, model, and installation location.
  • The amount of electricity your renewable system will displace over its lifetime.
  • Market value of STCs, which vary depending on supply and demand. STCs can be traded or sold on the open market, or exchanged as an upfront discount to reduce the purchase price of your new system.
  • Deeming period, which runs from the installation year to 31 December 2030.

STCs are reducing each year as we approach 2030, so the earlier you get in, the more you can save. For more information, visit our dedicated STCs information page.

How Solahart can help:

We can assess your needs and recommend the right system thanks to a free on-site assessment. Also, most Solahart Dealers offer the value of the STCs as an upfront discount, making it easier and faster to access the benefit.

3. VEECs – Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates

You may be eligible for financial incentives under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, which serves as an additional discount on top of STCs. Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) are generated when you install eligible energy-efficient products such as a heat pump or solar hot water.

Key details:

• VEECs have a monetary value and are used to reduce the upfront cost of your new system.
• The number of VEECs you receive depends on the type of system you install and how much energy you are expected to save compared to your previous system.
• Each certificate represents one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

For more information, visit the Victorian Government’s VEECs page.

How Solahart can help:

Your local Solahart Dealer will advise which water heating solution is best for your home. Also, Solahart is an accredited provider and can manage the certificate creation and claim on your behalf.

4. Locally made Hot Water Rebate – UP TO $1,400 off eligible systems

In July 2025, the Victorian Government introduced an additional rebate for eligible locally made heat pump and solar hot water systems. This incentive aims to support local manufacturing and ensure homeowners install a quality product built for Australian conditions.

Key details:

• Victorian homeowners can receive an additional $400 on top of the existing $1,000 rebate for eligible heat pump or solar hot water systems, totalling $1,400.
• At least 50% of the hot water system must be made locally or assembled with Australian parts.
• Your new water heater must be replacing an existing electric or gas hot water system that is at least three years old.

For more information about the incentive, visit the Solar Victoria website.

How Solahart can help:

Solahart has a range of energy-efficient heat pump and solar water heaters that are all eligible for this additional rebate. Your local Solahart Dealer can advise which system is right for you depending on factors such as your hot water usage, roof and the climate where you live. 

Also, Solahart is a registered participant in this program, and we can take care of the paperwork for you.

5. Solar panel (pv) rebate

You can also access a rebate of up to $1,400 for installing a solar power (PV system). This incentive, part of the Victoria Solar Homes Program, encourages homeowners to generate their own clean electricity and slash daytime energy bills.

Key details:

• Available for existing homes, homes under construction, and rental properties in Victoria.
• You can reduce your upfront cost further by applying for an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount.
• You can be eligible provided your property address has not previously received a solar panel rebate under this program.

For more information, visit the Solar Victoria website.

How Solahart can help:

With a free on-site assessment, your local Solahart Dealer will advise the right-sized solar power system for your home depending on your power usage, roof inclination and other factors.

Also, Solahart is an authorised solar retailer and CEC-accredited installer, which are required to obtain the solar panel rebate.