Premier Andrews wants to hook your home up to solar and cover half the cost.
The Victorian Government has announced a $1.2b scheme to support 650,000 households taking up solar. The state has lagged the rest of the country in household solar, but this is set to change
if the Andrews Government wins another term. [Editors note: The Andrews government won the November 24 election and solar is set to boom in Victoria]. The new program would bring the number of solar households in Victoria to one million, save around $500m each year on electricity bills and contribute 12.5% to the states 40% renewable energy target by 2025.What’s promised
The Victorian government will pay $4450 upfront for the installation of solar – which is the value of an average 4kW solar panel system. Households will then have to repay half the cost of the panels back through interest-free loans available from July 2019. Around 90 per cent of owner-occupied homes would be eligible. For Victorian’s not yet on solar this break-through offer addresses electricity costs head-on, with a 4kW solar system projected to save around $890 a year. With no upfront cost, a three year payback period and significant ongoing savings – the solar industry is anticipating a surge of interest. John Grimes of the Smart Energy Council said, “This is a massive boost for families wanting to slash their power bills.”
Half price solar right now
The first wave of the scheme has opened immediately. Eligible households will receive a rebate of up to $2,225, effectively halving the cost of adding a new 4kW solar system. Homeowners will not be limited to a 4kW system, but the rebate is capped at $2,225. The rebate is however limited to just 24,000 eligible households and is available up to June 30 2019.
What you need to know to get on board
Solar Vic, the new government agency administering the program has published a list of conditions you’ll need to meet to be eligible. To receive the rebate you’ll need to check the following criteria and submit your claim documentation;
Your household
> has an income below $180k pa.
Your property
> is owner-occupied and valued at less than $3m.
> does not already have solar installed.
Your new solar
> is installed on or after the 19th of August and before the 30th June 2019.
> uses CEC approved solar products
> is installed by a CEC accredited installer who provides a warranty and provides a statement that they have not received a WorkSafe infringement notice in the last three years
This program is currently limited to the first 24,000 eligible households and any extension is dependent on the outcome of the November election.
How to claim the rebate
You’ll need to verify your eligibility for the package AND submit the following documentation which your solar installer should provide to you;
Eligibility documentation
• Council Rates Notice for the installation address
• ATO Notice of Assessment for the 2016-17 or 2017-18 financial year for all home owners of the installation address
Installation documentation required
• Solar Provider Statement signed by your installer.
• The Commonwealth Solar PV STC Assignment Form
• The Solar Connection Form
• The Electrical Work Request
• The Certificate of Electrical Safety
• An invoice from the installer detailing the size, cost and date of installation of the solar PV system
You can find more information along with a step-by-step guide on www.solar.vic.gov.au