The Solar Victoria rebate isn’t going away. But from 1 July 2026, not everyone who qualifies today will qualify tomorrow.
Here’s the change in plain terms:
- Today: Any Victorian homeowner earning under $210,000 combined household income can claim the Solar Victoria rebate
- From 1 July 2026: That cap permanently drops to $150,000
If your household earns between $150,000 and $210,000 — you have until 5pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to apply. After that, you’re out. No exceptions. No extensions.
What Is the Solar Victoria Rebate — and What Can You Claim?
The Solar Victoria rebate is a Victorian Government program that reduces the upfront cost of installing solar panels or upgrading to an energy-efficient hot water system.
The rebate amounts are not changing. What you can still claim right now:
| Rebate Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar panel (PV) system rebate | Up to $1,400 |
| Interest-free loan (on top of rebate) | Up to $1,400 |
| Locally made hot water product | Up to $1,400 |
| Other eligible hot water products | Up to $1,000 |
That’s potentially $2,800 in combined rebates if you’re upgrading both solar and hot water — applied directly at installation, not as a tax return later.
On top of that, federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reduce your system cost further at point of sale. For a 10kW system in Melbourne, STCs alone can be worth $3,000+ — your installer claims these on your behalf automatically.
Who Is Affected by the July 2026 Cap Change?
Not affected — rebate continues as normal: Households with a combined income under $150,000. Over 80% of existing Solar Homes Program customers fall under the $150,000 cap — so most Victorian homeowners keep full access to the rebate beyond July with nothing to worry about.
Directly affected — deadline is 30 June: Households earning between $150,000 and $210,000 combined. From 1 July this group is permanently excluded. There is no partial rebate, no grace period, and no alternative Solar Victoria pathway once the cap drops.
Not sure where you sit? Combined household income means both incomes added together — before tax. If the total is anywhere near $150K–$210K, apply now and let the eligibility check confirm it. Don’t assume you won’t qualify.
Why Most Victorians Are Still Going Solar Right Now
Even beyond the rebate deadline, 2026 is one of the strongest years on record to install solar in Victoria. Here’s why:
1. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is live Launched July 2025, this federal program takes approximately 30% off the upfront cost of eligible home battery systems — applied at point of sale by your installer. For Melbourne homeowners with larger homes in Melton, Werribee, Tarneit, Craigieburn, and the outer western and northern suburbs, pairing solar with battery storage now makes stronger financial sense than ever.
2. STCs are winding down every year The federal STC scheme ends in 2030 and the value of certificates reduces annually. A 10kW system installed today attracts significantly more STC value than the same system installed in 2028. Waiting costs real money.
3. Feed-in tariffs have dropped — batteries fill the gap The average Victorian minimum feed-in tariff for 2025/26 is just 1.1c per kWh. Exporting excess solar to the grid earns almost nothing. The smart move for Victorian households is to store that energy in a battery and use it in the evening — cutting grid electricity costs at peak rates instead.
4. The Victorian Midday Power Saver is coming From 1 October, the Victorian Midday Power Saver will provide three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day for all energy users who opt in. Solar households generating during those hours benefit directly — and battery owners can store that free midday electricity for evening use.
5. Over 850,000 Victorian homes already have solar The Solar Homes Program has contributed to over 850,000 small-scale solar PV systems now installed across Victoria, with rooftop solar contributing around 10% of Victoria’s electricity generation. Your neighbors are already saving. Every month without solar is another month of full-price grid electricity.
Why Go Solar in Melbourne and Victoria’s Growth Suburbs?
For homeowners across Melton, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Point Cook, Craigieburn, Sunbury, Pakenham, and Berwick — larger homes, high energy use, and young families make solar one of the fastest-returning home investments available right now.
Many Melton families report reducing their electricity bills by 60–90% after installing solar. A properly sized system — matched to your actual consumption, not just the minimum to qualify for a rebate — pays itself off and then delivers years of near-free electricity.
The Solar Victoria rebate removes the biggest barrier: upfront cost. Combined with STCs and the battery discount, a premium solar and battery system becomes genuinely accessible for most Victorian households.
The Deadline Is Real — 30 June 2026, 5pm
To be completely clear on what “apply by 30 June” means:
- Your application must be fully submitted — not started, not saved as a draft
- A partial application will not hold your eligibility
- Thousands of rebates remain available through to 30 June at the current $210,000 income eligibility cap — but installer slots in June fill fast as the deadline approaches
- Once 1 July hits, the cap drops permanently with no announced review date
If you’re in the $150K–$210K income bracket and you’ve been putting off a solar decision — this is the moment that decision has a real cost attached to it.
Get Your Solar Quote Before 30 June — Green Electric Solutions
Green Electric Solutions is a CEC-accredited, NET-approved solar installer serving homeowners across Melbourne and surrounding areas within 80km of Altona — including Melton, Bonnie Brook, Rockbank, Fraser Rise, Tarneit, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Altona, Williamstown, Sunshine, St Albans, Craigieburn, Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong North, and everywhere in between.
We handle your complete Solar Victoria rebate application — eligibility check, paperwork, lodgement. You don’t chase a single form.
Free quotes available now. June slots are limited.
Our Recent Solar Installations Across Victoria
- 10.45kW Solar Installation in Bonnie Brook, Melton | $9,057 in Rebates
- How a Cranbourne Home Claimed $13,019 in Rebates with Solar & Battery Installation
- How Did This Mickleham Family Cut Power Bills with a 15.2kW Solar System?
- 8.55kW Solar and 49.92kWh Battery Storage Installation in Clyde North
- 15.3kW Solar Installation Completed in Point Cook by Green Electric Solutions