Households in five Melbourne outer suburbs are installing solar panels at the fastest rate in the state.
Craigieburn, Point Cook, Tarneit, Clyde North, and Truganina are the top five hotspots for solar panel installations according to data published by the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program.
10% of Solar Victoria rebates going to just 5 suburbs!
A massive 20,000 solar rebates have been accessed by households in these five suburbs since the Solar Homes Program started in 2018. That’s an eye-watering 10 per cent of all solar rebates issued through the Solar Homes Program.
These households are saving an average of $1,073 each year in electricity costs according to Solar Homes organisers.
Regional Victoria not far behind
But make no mistake, solar is popular in regional Victoria as well.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the northern and sunniest parts of the state where solar uptake is strongest outside of Melbourne. Mildura leads the way as the number one solar city in regional Victoria with Shepparton, Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Wallan close behind.
Solar panel systems getting bigger
Solar uptake shows no signs of slowing down. Quite the opposite, in fact, as homeowners, renters and businesses seek ways to reduce their exposure to escalating energy prices.
But instead of installing 12 or 15 solar panels, many homeowners are keen to literally cover their roof in solar!
Why go so big with solar?
Quite simply, homeowners want to become as self-sufficient as possible from grid electricity and gas. They want to produce enough home-grown energy to power their home, switch off gas, fully electrify their homes and get ready for charging an electric car (or two).
The result is an upward trend in the size of solar panel systems in Australia. Instead of 6.6kW (the typical size a year ago), the average residential installation is now topping 8kW according to industry analyst SunWiz.
Source: SunWiz
For similar reasons, demand for battery storage has gone through the roof in recent months with many solar installers reporting that at least one in five installations now include a battery.
How much is the Victorian Government solar rebate?
We’re lucky in Victoria because there are several solar rebates that help reduce the cost of solar power systems – and they are still very generous.
As of August 2022, Victorian home-owners and rental providers can apply for rebates of $1,400 to install solar panels, as well as an interest free $1,400 loan.
There’s also a $1,000 rebate for the installation of solar hot water or an energy-efficient heat pump – which is in addition to the solar panels rebate.
Battery storage is also supported with a $2,950 rebate for eligible households who haven’t already received a Solar Homes rebate. (Meaning you can only get a solar panels rebate or a solar battery rebate – not both).
And businesses aren’t forgotten. Small businesses can apply for solar panel rebates with total incentives – including interest-free finance – worth up to $8,500.
Are the rebates going to end?
The Solar Homes Program is a ten year scheme that will end in 2028.
Whilst the program still has some way to go, it is likely that the value of rebates will continue to reduce each year – if past performance is anything to go by. For example, when the program first launched, the solar panels rebate was worth $2,800 and the battery rebate was worth over $4,000. Now the value of these rebates is around half those original amounts.
But back then, the availability of rebates was limited, and the application process was cumbersome.
Now, there are plenty of solar rebates to meet demand. And applying for one is quick and easy.
What’s more, the bill savings from solar really stack up. Most households should expect to save at least a thousand dollars a year with a solar power system, even more if they install an energy efficient heat pump for hot water that’s powered by the solar.
Free hot showers powered by clean energy. Imagine it!
Now really is a good time to go solar.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know how solar panels or battery storage could benefit your household or business, get in touch.
Our solar consultants will be happy to provide you with a quote on the best solar panel or battery storage system for your needs. You’ll also receive an estimate of the electricity savings you could expect and payback.
We can also help with the solar rebates, answer your questions, and help you with the application process if you wish.
Take control of your energy costs and talk to us today!
