The NSW Government has reduced the energy costs for Victorians, with its Solar Homes program helping thousands of families save a collective $279 million annually on their energy bills.
The program has facilitated the installation of over five million individual solar panels on rooftops across the state, marking a major achievement in the shift towards renewable energy.
As of this month, the Solar Homes program delivered 2 gigawatts of power, nearly doubling the output of Yallourn and approaching the capacity of Loy Yang A.
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasised the financial benefits of the program.
“We’re putting money back in the pockets of Victorians – helping save hundreds of thousands of families millions of dollars every year,” said Allan.
Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, an additional $1,400 interest-free loan, and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system—potentially cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.
When combined with hot water and heat pump savings, households can save up to $1,400 annually, or at least $1,600 when a battery is added.
This achievement represents 13 percent of the total renewable energy capacity installed in Victoria, with the solar panels generating a cumulative 6.5-gigawatt hours of power – enough to power every fridge in the state for nearly two years.
Since its launch six years ago, the Solar Homes program has significantly increased solar adoption across the state, with 30 percent of Victorian homes now equipped with solar panels—a marked rise from 14 percent at the program’s start.
The program has seen the installation of 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems through a combination of rebates and interest-free loans.
The past 12 months have been the most successful yet, with 7,873 approved applications last month alone, including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.
The western suburbs of Melbourne, including Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee, and Hoppers Crossing, have led the charge in adopting solar power, with 44 percent of homes in these areas now equipped with solar systems. In regional Victoria, Mildura and Shepparton top the list of solar adopters, closely followed by Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Wallan.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio highlighted the broader impact of the program.
“Our popular Solar Homes program is delivering cheaper renewable energy – slashing power bills and slashing emissions,” said D’Ambrosio.
In addition to the financial savings, the program has supported 5,500 jobs and provided free training for plumbers and electricians, helping to upskill the local workforce.
Reflecting on the success of the program in Melbourne’s west, Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly remarked Melbourne’s west topping the state in rooftop solar installations, powering the state’s renewables revolution.