Solar panel (PV) rebate

Eligible Victorian households can receive a rebate of up to $1,400 towards the cost of installing a solar panel (PV) system, under the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program. The rebate is also available for homes under construction and for rental properties. You can reduce your upfront cost even further by opting in to an interest-free loan matched to the rebate amount. As an authorised solar retailer, SolarAide manages the Solar Panel (PV) Rebate Victoria process for you from quote to installation.

A limited number of rebates are released each month. To see how many remain in the current release, check the official Solar Victoria page. New allocations open monthly, so apply early.

New electrification and efficiency standards

The Victorian Government is making buildings safer, more comfortable and healthier while driving down energy bills and cutting emissions.

• From 1 January 2027, all new homes must be built all-electric.
• From 1 March 2027, existing homes must upgrade gas hot water systems with an efficient electric alternative, such as a heat pump, as they reach end-of-life.

Going solar now positions your home ahead of these changes and makes the most of an all-electric setup. To understand how the changes apply to you, see the Victorian Government’s electrification and efficiency standards.

Check if you are eligible

As a Victorian householder, you may qualify for the solar panel (PV) rebate if you meet the conditions below.

Eligibility criteria

• You are the owner-occupier of an existing property, or the owner of a home under construction, where the system will be installed.
• The combined household taxable income of all owners is less than $150,000 per year.
• The property value is under $3 million (for an existing home, or once construction is complete).
• The property address has not previously received a solar panel (PV) or solar battery rebate under this program.
• The property has not had a solar panel (PV) system installed in the last 10 years.
• If you previously received a Solar Homes rebate or loan and have since moved house, you can apply again at your new address as an owner-occupier, provided that property hasn’t received these rebates before.

You must use an authorised solar retailer and install only eligible products. SolarAide is an authorised retailer and installs only program-approved panels and inverters, so your eligibility is protected from the start.

Special exemptions for Solstice Energy customers

If you are impacted by Solstice Energy’s closure of its compressed natural gas network, you do not need to meet the $150,000 household income cap. Solar Victoria has made it easier for affected households to apply. For help understanding these exemptions, you can contact Solar Victoria on 1300 376 393 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays), or talk to the SolarAide team and we’ll guide you.

The solar installation process, step by step

If you think you are eligible, the path from enquiry to switch-on follows a clear sequence.

1. Research your options — start with the Solar Victoria solar panel (PV) buyers guide.
2. Talk with an authorised solar retailer like SolarAide.
3. Select a system from the approved product list to meet your energy needs.
4. Request a written quote — your retailer uploads it to the Solar Victoria portal.
5. Wait for the email confirming your quote has been uploaded.
6. Get pre-approval to connect and export to the grid.
7. Prove your eligibility — upload your paperwork into the portal.
8. Wait for Solar Victoria to confirm eligibility and send your QR code.
9. Install the system — within 120 days, or 270 days for homes being built.
10. Pay the retailer the difference — the total cost minus the rebate.
11. Begin repaying the interest-free loan, if you opted in for one.

Important: if you install your system before your eligibility is approved, you will not receive a rebate.

Building a house: applying while under construction

You can apply for a solar panel rebate while your house is being built. Talk to your builder early, ideally during the planning phase, to:

• discuss your preference for solar
• get their consent to install solar during the build
• work out when and how the installer will access the site
• submit the rebate application at the right stage of construction.

Homes under construction are not eligible for the Solar Homes Program hot water rebate. You may become eligible once construction is complete.

Interest-free loans

You will be offered an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 as part of your application. From 1 May 2026, if you want the loan you must select it when you apply, and no collateral is required. If approved, the loan amount is processed alongside your rebate and paid directly to your solar retailer.

How loan repayments work

• Repayments are made monthly over four years — a $1,400 loan equals $29.17 per month.
• They are automatically debited from the bank account you nominate when you apply.
• Repayments begin 30 days after your installation is approved.

Understand the rebate requirements

Before you apply, it helps to know what Solar Victoria will ask for and how the process runs:

• Proving your eligibility
• Identification they will accept
• Proof of income
• Why written quotes are required
• Pre-approval to connect and export to the grid
• QR codes
• Installation timelines
• How rebate payments work

SolarAide walks you through each of these so nothing is missed.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Victorian solar panel rebate?

Eligible households can receive up to $1,400 towards a solar PV system, with the option of an interest-free loan of up to $1,400 on top.

Who is eligible for the solar rebate in Victoria?

Owner-occupiers of an existing home, or owners of a home under construction, with a combined household income under $150,000 and a property valued under $3 million, where the address hasn’t received this rebate before or had solar installed in the last 10 years.

How long do I have to install after approval?

Installation must be completed within 120 days of receiving your QR code for an existing home, or within 270 days for a home still being built.

Can I get the rebate on a rental property?

Yes. The solar panel (PV) rebate is available for rental properties, as well as owner-occupied homes and homes under construction.

Do I have to apply through Solar Victoria myself?

No. As an authorised retailer, SolarAide handles the quote upload and guides you through the portal steps. You complete the online application and provide your documents; we manage the rest.

Get started with your solar rebate

SolarAide is an authorised solar retailer serving Melbourne and Victoria, and we handle the rebate paperwork for eligible homes from start to finish. Get a free quote and we’ll confirm exactly what you qualify for. Call 1300 158 441 or request a free assessment online. To apply directly or view live rebate availability, visit the official Solar Victoria page.