Upgrading your home or business to be more energy-efficient is not only good for the environment but can also save you significant amounts on energy bills. In Victoria, several government rebates are available to reduce the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, making it easier for homeowners and businesses to adopt sustainable technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, and more. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the key rebate programs currently available.

1. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is one of the largest government initiatives supporting energy-efficient upgrades in Victoria. The program offers financial incentives to businesses and homeowners for installing energy-efficient products, including solar systems,  LED lighting, hot water systems, insulation, and reverse cycle air conditioners.

• Eligible products: Heat pumps, solar hot water systems, LED lighting, ducted air conditioning, and more.
• Savings: The program helps reduce upfront costs, often cutting the price of products by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
• How it works: Accredited providers, like Australian Energy Upgrades, deliver these energy-efficient products to customers at discounted rates. The provider receives certificates (VEECs), which are then traded for cash rebates from the government.

2. Solar Homes Program

The Solar Homes Program is a popular initiative that provides rebates to Victorian homeowners and renters for installing solar PV systems, solar hot water systems, and battery storage.

• Solar PV rebates: Up to $1,400 for solar panels (plus an interest-free loan option).
• Solar battery rebates: Up to $2,950 for battery storage systems.
• Solar hot water rebates: Up to $1,000 for solar hot water systems.

This program makes solar energy more affordable for families and offers interest-free loans, so you can enjoy energy savings sooner without the hefty upfront costs.

3. Electric Vehicle Incentives

To encourage the switch to electric vehicles, the Victorian Government offers the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Subsidy, which provides up to $3,000 towards the purchase of new EVs priced under $68,740. While this incentive doesn’t cover EV chargers directly, installing a home EV charger can help maximize the benefits of owning an electric vehicle, especially when paired with solar.

4. Energy-Efficient Hot Water Rebates

Energy-efficient hot water systems like heat pump hot water units are eligible for rebates through both the VEU and Solar Homes programs. These rebates can significantly reduce the cost of upgrading from inefficient gas or electric storage units to more energy-efficient heat pumps.

• VEU program: Incentives for upgrading to heat pump water heaters.
• Solar Homes: Rebates of up to $1,000 for solar or heat pump water systems.

5. Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides homeowners and businesses with Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for installing eligible solar panel, heat pump, and wind systems. These certificates can be traded or redeemed for cash, helping to lower the upfront cost of installation.

Conclusion

Government rebates and incentive programs make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable and accessible to homeowners and businesses across Victoria. By taking advantage of these programs, you can reduce the upfront costs of sustainable technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and energy storage while also lowering your long-term energy bills.