Victorian Government Announces Solar Rebate Scheme

Victorians who swap their old hot water system for a solar one can get a $1000 rebate under a $60 million program as the state government seeks to woo voters on cost of living.

The 10-year program starts immediately, Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Monday at solar hot water manufacturer Rinnai at Braeside.

“It’s real and practical, common sense action to save households hundreds of dollars each and every year and dealing with some of those upfront costs that all too often prove a barrier to installing,” Mr Andrews told reporters.

The government predicts the systems will save households between $160 and $400 a year in electricity bills.

The program follows the premier’s announcement on Sunday that a re-elected Labor government would pay for 650,000 homes to get solar panels under a $1.24 billion plan where owner-occupiers would get about $4500 to install panels and repay half through their bill savings.

The government says the panels plan could save Victorians up to $900 a year on their energy bills.

Both plans will be available to households with a combined income of up to $180,000 who live in their own home valued up to $3 million.