The Andrews Labor Government is putting power back in the hands of hard-working Victorians with its landmark Solar Homes program set to be fully rolled out, helping drive down energy costs and creating thousands of jobs.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous in Northcote to announce that the next phase of rebates for solar panels, batteries and hot water systems would kick off from 1 July 2019.

The Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5,500 new jobs created as we drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates already delivered since August, the program in 2019/20 will:

• support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing

• deliver 2,000 solar panel systems on rental properties

• fund 6,000 households to get solar hot water systems installed and;

• deliver solar battery rebates for 1,000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas

The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year - releasing a set number each month to ensure the 10-year program is delivered effectively.

We’ll also support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.

And we’ve simplified the rebate application process to make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.

To ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems can only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products. As part of this, and to help train the workforce of the future, we’re investing $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices.

WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible. For more information about the Solar Homes program and how to apply visit solar.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorians – putting a power station on your roof to drive down energy costs and boost supply, while creating 5,500 jobs.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Liberals privatised our energy assets, which has led to power prices going up and up and up – this is about reversing that trend, reducing carbon emissions and helping the cost of living for hard-working Victorian families.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Training Gayle Tierney

“We’re making sure free training is available to installers and apprentices, so our workforce has the skills they need to rollout this program as safely as possible.”