The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of the Solar Homes Program enabling homeowners to access rebates for both solar panels and solar hot water or high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
Previously, homeowners could only access either the solar panels rebate or the solar hot water rebate. Now, households can apply for both – and it doesn’t matter in what order.
The solar and hot water rebates are worth up to $2,400 in total. There is also an interest-free government loan of $1,400 for solar panels. Combined, these incentives reduce the upfront costs of solar panels and energy-efficient hot water by up to $3,800.
On this blog:
- How much is the solar hot water rebate worth?
- What are the eligibility criteria for the solar hot water rebate?
- How do I apply for the solar hot water rebate?
- How much could I save with an energy-efficient hot water system?
- What’s the best energy efficient hot water system?
How much is the solar hot water rebate worth?
The solar hot water rebate is worth up to $1,000 of the cost of an eligible solar hot water or heat pump system. It is available to eligible Victorian homeowners through the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program.
What are the eligibility criteria for the solar hot water rebate?
Victorian homeowners are eligible to receive a solar hot water rebate for an approved solar hot water or heat pump hot water system if:
- they are the owner-occupier of the property
- the owners have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000 per year
- they have not already received a solar battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- the property is valued at under $3 million
- the hot water system to be replaced is at least three years old from the date of purchase
- the property address has not already received a solar battery rebate under the Solar Homes Program
- the solar (or heat pump) hot water system is on the Solar Homes program approved products list
How do I apply for the solar hot water rebate?
There are three steps to follow to apply for a solar hot water or heat pump rebate:
1. Request a quote
You will need to obtain a quote for a suitable solar hot water or heat pump system in order apply for an eligibility number (which is step #2). You also need to check that the system is on the approved products list for this program.
2. Apply for eligibility
Contact Solar Victoria or fill in their form to request the documents that need to be completed. If you would like help, feel free to contact our customer service team at Specialized Solar & Electrical.
3. Get the system installed
You can arrange for your system to be installed once Solar Victoria has sent you confirmation that you are approved for the rebate. The rebate is paid directly to your provider who deducts the value of the rebate from your invoice.
How much could I save with an energy-efficient hot water system?
A heat pump hot water system can save up to $635 a year on hot water heating bills versus a conventional electric hot water system. And compared to a gas storage hot water system, the savings are around $235 a year.
The savings can be even greater if you connect the heat pump to a solar panel system. Get the timer on your heat pump set up correctly and your water will be heated during the day for free by your solar panels. Come evening, you get to enjoy hot water in your home that’s cost you next to nothing.
Source: Sustainability Victoria’s Hot Water Running Costs
What’s the best energy efficient hot water system?
One of the most energy efficient ways of heating water for your home is with a heat pump system.
Heat pumps extract ambient heat from the surrounding air and send that heat – by pumping it – into water in the storage tank.
One of the best heat pumps on the market is the STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump. Designed in Germany and manufactured in Europe, STIEBEL ELTRON heat pumps have amongst the highest efficiency ratings. They provide outstanding electricity savings and excellent performance at a competitive price.
With a STIEBEL ELTRON heat pumps, you’ll have plenty of hot water, both day and night. These all-in-one heat pumps come in two sizes to meet the needs of both small and large households:
- 220 litre tank
- 302 litre tank
Get in touch
If you’d like advice and/or a quote for the STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump hot water system, get in touch. And if you’re keen to know more about how it works with solar panels, we can help with that too.
Specialized Solar & Electrical is a Clean Energy Council Accredited Solar Retailer. Our focus is to help households and businesses save money on power bills, reduce their CO2 emissions, and become more energy efficient.
When it comes to solar and making your home more energy efficient, we’re the experts to talk to.
