Bigger Rebates for Locally Made Systems 

Starting 1 July 2025, the Victorian Government is offering an enhanced hot water rebate of up to $1,400^ϯ for households that choose eligible systems supporting local manufacturing. These products must be at least 50% locally made or assembled and purchased through an authorised retailer.

The standard rebate of up to $1,000^ϯ remains available for other approved systems.

A range of Aussie-made Solahart Hot Water Systems is now eligible for the extra $400^ϯ  bonus.

This means that when tallying up all available government rebates, you can now save up to $2800* on selected energy-efficient water heaters. 

Why Upgrade Your Hot Water System? 

Hot water heating is one of the largest energy expenses in Victorian homes, accounting for 15–30% of total energy use. Upgrading to a solar or heat pump system can help you: 

• Take control of increasing energy costs
• Reduce your carbon footprint
• Increase long-term efficiency 

Are You Eligible? 

You may qualify if: 

• You are the owner-occupier of the property.
• Combined household income is under $210,000/year.
• Property value is under $3 million.
• The system being replaced is at least 3 years old.
• Your address hasn’t received a hot water or battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program.
• You work with an authorised retailer and choose from the approved product list. 

*If you’ve received a Solar Homes rebate and/or loan but have moved house, you can apply again, provided the new property has not received these rebates before. 

Installation Process 

• Speak with an authorised retailer – your local Solahart Dealer
• Choose a system from the approved list. Your local Solahart dealer will help you select a hot water system from the approved product list that meets your energy and lifestyle needs.
• Get a written quote. Your local Solahart Dealer will upload it to the Solar Victoria portal.
• Wait for confirmation. You will receive an email from Solar Victoria confirming the quote has been received. Await pre-approval before proceeding further.
• Submit eligibility documents. Upload supporting documents into the portal to verify your eligibility for the rebate.
• Receive your approval QR code.
• Install within 120 days of receiving the QR code.
• Pay the balance after the rebate. This is the total system cost minus your approved rebate. 

Emergency Replacements 

At Solahart, we know hot water can’t wait. If your system breaks down, you can proceed with an installation right away, even before your Solar Victoria rebate application is approved. Just be sure to let your Solahart dealer know you intend to apply. You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide documentation after installation. If the rebate application is unsuccessful, the rebate won’t be paid, so it’s important to check your eligibility beforehand and follow the steps carefully. 

If your hot water system fails unexpectedly: 

• Contact Solahart immediately
• Inform them you intend to apply for the rebate
• Proceed with installation using an eligible product
• Submit your documents as soon as possible
• Tick the emergency installation box when uploading your quote 

Supporting Local Jobs First 

This rebate aligns with Local Jobs First, a Victorian Government initiative to grow local industries and create jobs across the state. 

Terms and conditions

* Estimated incentive amount is for a Solahart Atmos® Eco 280-Litre Heat Pump or Solahart Atmos® Frost 270-Litre Heat Pump installed in Melbourne on 8 August 2025. Includes applicable number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) and the maximum Solar Homes Program's hot water rebate for local content heat pump water heaters of $1,400. Incentive and rebate amounts are subject to change due to a range of factors, including consumer eligibility, certificate price fluctuations, changes to government programs, climate zone and product selected. Please contact your local Solahart Dealer for further information, including current incentive amounts and full eligibility criteria.

ϯ Solar Victoria determines rebate eligibility and amounts, and these are subject to change. The maximum rebate of up to $1,400 applies to eligible locally made hot water systems that include at least 50% Australian-manufactured or assembled components. Selected Solahart models meet these requirements. Standard rebate of up to $1,000 applies to other eligible products. Eligible Solahart Solar Hot Water Models: 272MCS07V, 272MLCV, 272RCS07XS, 302CS13C Free Heat, 302SP Free Heat, 322MCS07V, 322MLV, 322RCS07XS, 412MCS07V, 413MLV. Eligible Solahart Heat Pump Models: 280HER, 32SHE, 32SHER05, 270QDR. View full eligibility criteria and approved product list at solar.vic.gov.au. 

Looking to cut energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint? ActewAGL’s Energy Saving Solutions Upgrade program makes it easy and affordable to switch to high-efficiency electric heating and hot water systems. Eligible ACT residents can enjoy generous installation discounts and ongoing electricity bill credits—plus long-term savings on energy use. Whether you're replacing a gas or electric system, this offer helps you upgrade smarter and live more sustainably.

Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Electric Water Heater

Make the switch to a more energy-efficient electric water heater and enjoy $1,250* off the purchase and installation. Plus, receive a $250 credit* on your ActewAGL electricity bill!

Why upgrade?

Upgrading your hot water system can save you money in three key ways:

• $1,250 discount* on the supply and installation of your new electric water heater.
• $250 electricity bill credit* spread over three years at $20.84 per quarter.
• Ongoing energy savings: lower your energy usage and reduce your carbon footprint.

Who’s eligible?

You can take advantage of this offer if:

• You live in the ACT.
• You have an electricity plan with ActewAGL.
• You currently use a gas or electric hot water system.

How to get started

Getting your upgrade is easy:

1. Request a quote through Electrify with ActewAGL.
2. Choose from a range of approved installers, like Solahart.
3. Enjoy the benefits of a more efficient, cost-saving hot water system.

The Solar Homes Program in Victoria is dedicated to helping households reduce energy costs, combat climate change, and promote a renewable energy future. This program offers substantial support for eligible Victorian residents to maximise their savings with solar solutions.

Under the Solar Homes Program, eligible Victorian households can benefit from various rebates, including solar panel PV rebates and hot water system rebates.

Rebate Amount Summary

Hot Water Rebate

The hot water rebate helps reduce the upfront costs of installing efficient heat pumps or solar hot water systems, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and energy use.

If you are a Victorian homeowner, you may be eligible for a hot water rebate of up to $1,000 on an eligible heat pump or solar hot water system. 

From 1 July, households that choose an eligible hot water system with local content will receive a higher rebate of up to $1,400. Learn more.

The existing $1,000 rebate will remain for other eligible hot water systems. 

Without limiting the original periods of the product warranty, a 5-year whole-of-product warranty inclusive of labour will be applied to the water heater where a rebate has been received under Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program for an installation from 1st July 2023. For further details, call your Solahart Dealer on 1300 721 984.

Note: The hot water rebate is calculated after any other discounts (including STC and VEEC financial benefits) have been applied to the purchase and installation price. It is a 50% rebate on the remaining amount up to the value of $1000 or $1400 for eligible listed products with local content.

How do I claim the rebate if I need an emergency installation?

If your hot water system breaks down or is unsafe, you can install a replacement without waiting for eligibility confirmation. Eligibility must be proven soon after installation. Your local Solahart Dealer can guide you through this process.

Solar Panel (PV) Rebate

Solar Victoria provides a rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panel (PV) systems. These rebates are offered to Victorians with existing homes or homes under construction. There are also solar rebates for rental properties.

Rebates are released each month according to the scheduled rebate release dates. You can reduce your upfront cost further by applying for an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount.

How to Apply for the Rebates

The Victorian Solar Homes Program offers financial assistance through rebates, making it easier for households to transition to solar energy. Contact your local Solahart Dealer for assistance with selecting the best solar system for your needs and help with the application process. Call 1300 721 984 for more details.

For more information, visit the Solar Victoria website

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are transforming how solar and battery systems operate by connecting multiple homes and businesses into a shared energy network. In NSW, homeowners and small businesses with eligible battery systems can receive financial incentives for joining a VPP and allowing their stored energy to support the grid during peak periods.

How VPPs Work

A Virtual Power Plant works by aggregating the energy stored in individual home or business batteries. When the grid experiences high demand or instability, the VPP operator remotely accesses the stored energy to supply the network. This coordinated response helps:

• Stabilise the grid
• Reduce peak demand
• Enhance renewable energy use
• Lower costs for participants through energy credits or incentives

Participants maintain control over their systems and benefit from both self-consumption and grid contributions.

Available Incentives in 2025

In NSW, participants in approved VPP programs can earn between $250 and $400 for enrolling their battery into a supported VPP. Additional benefits may include:

• Ongoing bill credits or performance-based payments
• Enhanced control over energy usage via smart apps
• Priority access to other energy programs and services

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a VPP incentive in NSW:

• You must be a resident or small business owner in NSW
• You must own a compatible battery system (e.g. Tesla Powerwall, Sonnen, LG Chem, etc.)
• The battery must be connected via an approved VPP provider or energy retailer

How to Join a VPP and Claim Incentives

1. Install a Compatible Battery – Ensure your battery is VPP-ready and installed by a CEC-accredited provider.
2. Choose a VPP Provider – Review offers from energy retailers and third-party VPP operators in NSW.
3. Sign Up and Connect – Agree to the VPP terms, which outline when and how your battery will be used.
4. Receive Incentives – Once enrolled, you’ll receive the one-off bonus (up to $400) and potential ongoing bill savings.

Popular providers with VPP programs in NSW include Origin Energy, AGL, Amber Electric, and Simply Energy.

Terms and Conditions

• Incentive amounts vary by provider and may be linked to system size or usage profile.
• You retain ownership of your battery and can typically opt out with notice (check provider terms).
• Your system must remain connected and active in the program to receive full benefits.
• Participation may affect your battery’s availability for backup power, depending on configuration.

How Much Could You Save?

In addition to the upfront $250–$400 sign-up bonus, many VPP participants report ongoing bill reductions of $200–$500 per year, depending on energy usage and the VPP’s operating model.