Solar rebates Victoria 2026 – solar panel rebates, battery incentives and eligibility
Victorian households may be able to reduce the upfront cost of solar panels and battery storage through Solar Victoria and Australian Government incentive programs.
What solar rebates are available in Victoria?
Victoria has several solar and energy incentives. The program available to you depends on whether you are installing solar, battery storage, upgrading an existing system or improving an eligible rental property.
Solar PV rebate
Up to $1,400Solar Victoria rebate toward an eligible rooftop solar PV installation.
Interest-free solar loan
Up to $1,400Optional interest-free finance for eligible Solar Victoria applicants.
Federal battery incentive
Around 30%Upfront discount for eligible batteries connected to new or existing solar.
Rental property support
Eligible homesSolar Victoria assistance may be available for qualifying rental properties.
Solar Victoria solar panel rebate
The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program provides eligible households with financial assistance toward the cost of installing an eligible rooftop solar PV system.
Solar panel rebate – up to $1,400
The rebate can cover up to 50% of the eligible solar PV installation cost, capped at $1,400.
The rebate is generally paid directly to the authorised solar retailer and deducted from the amount the customer needs to pay.
- Up to $1,400 solar PV rebate
- Can cover up to 50% of eligible installation cost
- Available to eligible Victorian households
- Authorised Solar Victoria retailer required
- Approved solar equipment must be used
- Approval should be obtained before installation
Solar rebate plus interest-free loan
Eligible applicants may be able to use the Solar Victoria rebate together with an optional interest-free solar PV loan.
Victorian Government rebate toward the cost of an eligible rooftop solar system.
- Eligibility requirements apply
- Up to 50% of eligible cost
- Maximum rebate $1,400
Eligible customers can choose an interest-free loan matching the applicable solar rebate amount.
- Interest-free finance
- Loan must be repaid
- Can reduce immediate upfront payment
An eligible household receiving the maximum rebate and maximum optional loan could reduce the immediate upfront payment by up to $2,800.
- $1,400 potential rebate
- $1,400 optional loan
- Subject to eligibility
Important: The interest-free loan is not another rebate. It must be repaid according to Solar Victoria’s loan terms.
Check your solar rebate and installation options
Tell ADS Solar about your Melbourne or Victorian property. We can help assess suitable solar system capacity, battery requirements and installation options.
Who is eligible for the Victorian solar rebate in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, Victorian owner-occupiers generally need to satisfy Solar Victoria’s current eligibility requirements.
- You are an eligible owner-occupier
- Combined taxable income of all property owners is less than $150,000 per year
- The property value is below $3 million
- The property meets Solar Victoria’s previous rebate requirements
- Existing solar age requirements are satisfied where relevant
- You use an authorised solar retailer
- Eligible panels and inverter equipment are installed
- Solar Victoria approval is received before installation
Always confirm your eligibility through Solar Victoria before proceeding with an installation.
Victorian solar rebate income limit changed in 2026
One of the most important Solar Victoria eligibility changes for the 2026–27 program year is the household income threshold.
For applications submitted from 1 July 2026, the combined taxable income of property owners generally needs to be:
Less than $150,000 per year
Homeowners should be careful when reading older solar rebate articles that may still reference previous income thresholds.
Check these eligibility factors
- Combined taxable property-owner income
- Property value
- Previous Solar Victoria rebates
- Existing solar installation date
- Owner-occupier status
- Authorised solar retailer
- Eligible products
How much can I save with the Victorian solar rebate?
The maximum Solar Victoria solar PV rebate is currently $1,400, and the rebate cannot exceed 50% of the eligible solar installation cost.
| Example solar installation cost | Potential Solar Victoria rebate | Indicative customer balance before optional loan |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | Up to $1,000 | From approximately $1,000 |
| $2,800 | Up to $1,400 | From approximately $1,400 |
| $4,000 | Up to $1,400 | From approximately $2,600 |
| $6,000 | Up to $1,400 | From approximately $4,600 |
Examples are indicative only and do not represent an ADS Solar quotation. The actual rebate depends on the eligible purchase price and current Solar Victoria requirements.
Does the Victorian solar rebate include STCs?
The Solar Victoria solar PV rebate is separate from the Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Eligible residential solar installations can generally create Small-scale Technology Certificates, commonly known as STCs.
The value of STCs is usually included as an upfront discount in the solar retailer’s quotation.
Eligible homeowners may potentially benefit from:
- Federal solar STC incentive
- Solar Victoria solar PV rebate
- Optional Solar Victoria interest-free solar loan
All applicable eligibility requirements must be satisfied.
Solar battery rebate Victoria 2026
Battery incentives changed significantly following the introduction of the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for its former interest-free solar battery loan.
Instead, eligible Victorian households and businesses may receive an upfront battery discount through the federal program.
Around 30% upfront discount on eligible batteries
- Available nationally, including Victoria
- Battery must meet program requirements
- Battery must be connected to rooftop solar
- Can apply to new or existing solar systems
- Discount generally applied through the retailer
- Exact incentive depends on applicable STC calculations
Is the battery rebate exactly 30%?
Not necessarily.
The Australian Government describes the program as providing an upfront discount of around 30%, but the exact incentive for a particular installation depends on several factors.
- Eligible usable battery capacity
- Applicable STC calculation
- Certificate value
- System configuration
- Battery eligibility
- Installation date
Do not assume every battery receives exactly 30% off its advertised retail price. Your quotation should show the incentive applicable to your selected system.
Can I get a battery discount if I already have solar?
Potentially, yes.
The Cheaper Home Batteries Program can support eligible new batteries connected to an existing rooftop solar system.
This can be useful for Victorian homeowners who installed solar several years ago and now export significant excess daytime solar generation.
- Existing inverter compatibility
- Current solar system capacity
- Battery installation location
- Switchboard condition
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- Backup requirements
- Household energy consumption
Can I get the battery incentive without solar panels?
The federal battery program requires an eligible battery to be connected to new or existing rooftop solar.
If you do not currently have solar, you can consider installing your solar panels and battery together.
Designing both together can help with:
- Correct solar system size
- Battery charging capacity
- Compatible inverter selection
- Future EV charging
- Blackout backup design
- Household electrification
Victorian solar rebate and federal battery incentive compared
| Program | Potential support | Applies to | Type of assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Victoria solar PV rebate | Up to $1,400 | Eligible rooftop solar PV | Rebate |
| Solar Victoria solar loan | Up to $1,400 | Eligible solar PV installation | Interest-free loan |
| Cheaper Home Batteries Program | Around 30% | Eligible solar-connected battery | Upfront federal discount |
| Old Solar Victoria battery loan | Not available | Previous battery installations | Applications closed |
Can the Victorian solar rebate and federal battery discount be combined?
Potentially, yes.
A Victorian homeowner installing both a new solar system and an eligible battery may be able to access separate support for each component where all program requirements are satisfied.
An eligible household may potentially access:
- Solar Victoria solar PV rebate
- Optional Solar Victoria interest-free solar loan
- Federal Cheaper Home Batteries incentive
Eligibility for each program should be confirmed separately before installation.
Get solar + battery quoteSolar rebate for rental properties in Victoria
Solar Victoria also provides support for eligible rental properties.
Eligible rental providers may be able to access financial support toward installing rooftop solar on qualifying rental homes.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduce tenant electricity costs
- Improve property energy efficiency
- Increase rental property appeal
- Support household electrification
- Reduce grid electricity consumption
Solar rebate for homes under construction
Eligible Victorian homeowners can also apply for solar support while their home is being built.
Planning solar early in the construction process can help coordinate:
- Roof layout
- Solar panel placement
- Switchboard requirements
- Inverter location
- Battery-ready wiring
- Future EV charging
- All-electric home design
Can I replace an old solar system using the Victorian rebate?
Potentially.
Solar Victoria allows eligible homeowners to access solar PV support to replace older solar systems where current program requirements are satisfied.
For many properties, the existing solar PV system generally needs to meet the applicable age requirements, such as being more than 10 years old.
ADS Solar can assess:
- Existing solar panels
- Existing inverter condition
- Current system size
- Available roof area
- Current electricity consumption
- Expansion versus replacement
- Battery compatibility
How to apply for the Solar Victoria rebate
Follow the application process carefully if you want to claim Solar Victoria support.
Check your eligibility
Review the current household income, property value, ownership and previous rebate requirements.
Choose an authorised solar retailer
Use a retailer participating in the Solar Victoria program.
Request a written solar quote
Obtain a solar quotation based on your property and electricity requirements.
Your retailer uploads the quote
The retailer submits the relevant quotation information through the Solar Victoria process.
Complete your rebate application
Apply through the Solar Victoria portal and provide any requested documents.
Provide supporting documents
You may need identification, income documentation and proof of property ownership.
Wait for eligibility approval
Do not proceed with the eligible installation before Solar Victoria approval where approval is required.
Complete your installation
Once approved, the authorised installer can complete the eligible solar installation.
Do not install solar before rebate approval
If you intend to claim a Solar Victoria rebate, installing your system before your eligibility is approved can affect your ability to receive the rebate. Confirm eligibility and follow the Solar Victoria application process before installation.
What documents may I need?
Solar Victoria may require supporting documents during the eligibility process.
- Identification documents
- Proof of income
- Proof of property ownership
- Income information for applicable property owners
Follow the latest Solar Victoria application instructions when preparing your documents.
Which solar panels qualify for the Victorian rebate?
Eligible solar equipment needs to satisfy applicable Solar Victoria and Australian product requirements.
When comparing solar systems, consider:
- Solar panel efficiency
- Product warranty
- Performance warranty
- Manufacturer support
- Inverter quality
- System monitoring
- Roof suitability
- Installer experience
What solar system size suits a Victorian home?
Solar system capacity should be selected according to household electricity consumption, available roof area and future energy plans.
6.6kW solar system
A common option for smaller to medium Victorian homes with moderate electricity consumption.
10kW solar system
May suit larger homes, higher daytime consumption and properties planning to install battery storage.
13kW solar system
May suit high-energy households, larger roofs, EV charging and homes moving toward greater electrification.
Is solar worth it in Victoria in 2026?
Solar can still be attractive for Victorian households with a suitable roof and meaningful electricity consumption.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduce grid electricity purchases
- Generate renewable electricity at home
- Reduce exposure to electricity price increases
- Add battery storage
- Charge an EV using rooftop solar
- Support household electrification
- Access eligible government incentives
What affects solar payback?
- Installed solar price
- Government incentives
- Household electricity consumption
- Solar system capacity
- Roof orientation
- Roof shading
- Electricity tariffs
- Feed-in tariff
- Daytime solar self-consumption
Solar feed-in tariffs in Victoria
A solar feed-in tariff is the amount your electricity retailer pays for eligible excess rooftop solar electricity exported to the grid.
Feed-in tariff offers vary between electricity retailers and plans.
For this reason, solar homeowners should consider both the feed-in tariff and how much solar electricity they can use directly within the home.
A suitable battery may help some households store surplus daytime solar for use after sunset.
What battery size is suitable for a Victorian home?
Battery capacity should match your solar generation, daytime surplus, evening consumption and future household energy requirements.
10kWh battery
May suit households with moderate evening electricity consumption and sufficient excess daytime solar.
20kWh battery
May suit larger households, higher electricity consumption and larger rooftop solar systems.
30kWh battery
May suit high-energy properties, EV owners and homes generating substantial excess solar electricity.
Does a solar battery work during a blackout?
Some battery systems can provide backup electricity when the grid fails, but blackout backup is not automatically included with every installation.
Backup performance depends on:
- Battery model
- Hybrid inverter
- Backup gateway
- Electrical configuration
- Circuits selected for backup
- Available battery charge
Tell your installer if backup power matters
Backup requirements can affect both equipment selection and installation cost.
Some systems may be configured for:
- Essential circuits only
- Selected household loads
- Broader home backup
- Different backup duration targets
Ask about blackout backup before accepting your battery quotation if keeping appliances running during a grid outage is important.
Solar rebates and installation across Melbourne
ADS Solar provides solar and battery installation services across Melbourne and surrounding Victorian areas. Contact us to confirm service availability for your postcode.
Get the right solar and battery system for your Victorian home
Choosing a solar installer should involve more than comparing the lowest advertised price.
ADS Solar can assess your household and property before recommending a solar or battery configuration.
- Household electricity consumption
- Roof suitability
- Solar system capacity
- Inverter options
- Battery compatibility
- Switchboard requirements
- Single-phase or three-phase connection
- Backup requirements
- Available government incentives
- Network requirements
Check your Victorian solar rebate and system price
Get a tailored solar or battery quote based on your property, energy consumption, system requirements and available incentives.
Solar rebates Victoria FAQs
How much is the Victorian solar rebate in 2026?
Eligible Victorian households can currently receive a Solar Victoria solar PV rebate of up to $1,400.
Is the $1,400 Victorian solar rebate still available?
Yes. Solar Victoria continues to offer eligible households a solar PV rebate of up to $1,400, subject to current program eligibility requirements.
Can I also get an interest-free solar loan?
Eligible applicants may choose an interest-free solar PV loan of up to $1,400, generally matching the applicable rebate amount. The loan must be repaid.
What is the income limit for the Victorian solar rebate?
For applications submitted from 1 July 2026, the combined taxable household income of applicable property owners generally needs to be less than $150,000 per year.
What is the property value limit?
The property generally needs to be valued below $3 million, subject to current Solar Victoria eligibility requirements.
Is there still a Victorian solar battery rebate?
Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for its previous solar battery loan. Eligible Victorian battery installations may instead receive support through the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
How much is the federal battery rebate in Victoria?
The Australian Government describes the Cheaper Home Batteries Program as providing around a 30% upfront discount on eligible batteries connected to rooftop solar. The exact value depends on the applicable program calculation.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Potentially, yes. Eligible batteries may be connected to existing rooftop solar systems where program and installation requirements are satisfied.
Can I receive the solar rebate if my solar system is old?
Potentially. Solar Victoria allows eligible households to replace older solar PV systems where current program and applicable age requirements are satisfied.
Can rental properties receive the Victorian solar rebate?
Eligible rental providers may be able to access Solar Victoria support for qualifying rental properties.
Can I receive the rebate for a new home under construction?
Eligible homeowners can apply for solar PV support while their home is under construction, subject to Solar Victoria’s current requirements.
Can I install solar before Solar Victoria approves my rebate?
If you intend to claim the Solar Victoria rebate, you should not proceed with installation before the required eligibility approval. Installing before approval may affect your rebate eligibility.
Request your Victorian solar or battery quote
Tell ADS Solar about your property, electricity usage and preferred solar or battery solution. We can prepare a tailored quotation based on your installation requirements.
Solar Victoria and Australian Government program requirements, incentive values and eligibility criteria can change. Confirm current eligibility before proceeding with an installation.
Disclaimer: Information on this page is general information only and does not constitute government, financial or legal advice. Solar Victoria rebates, federal incentives, STC values, eligibility criteria, loan conditions and program availability may change. Always confirm current eligibility with the relevant government program before paying a non-refundable deposit or proceeding with an installation. Solar and battery installation prices vary according to system size, products, property conditions, electrical requirements and installation complexity. Information updated August 2026.