Solar Energy
2 Comments July 21, 2022

Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio today unveiled significant expansions to Victoria’s energy rebate program, reflecting its overwhelming success and the public’s soaring demand for sustainable solutions.

Impressive Demand and Expansion Details

In the current financial year, the rebate program received 16,132 applications, drastically surpassing the set target by 224% compared to the previous year. This spike in interest has led to the addition of 8,000 new rebates, helping more Victorians save significantly on energy costs.

“Minister D’Ambrosio highlighted, “More Victorians than ever are leveraging our rebates to switch to efficient electric technology, saving thousands and reducing emissions.” Furthermore, John Berger, Member for Southern Metropolitan, added, “There has never been a better time to install a new energy-efficient system and reduce your energy expenses.”

Financial Benefits of the Rebate Program

The enhanced program promises substantial savings for residents: $1,000 off the installation cost of heat pump hot water systems and up to $400 annually on electricity bills. Such initiatives make switching to energy-efficient systems like heat pumps an economically attractive option.

Comprehensive Savings with Solar and Heat Pumps

Heating and hot water are the largest energy consumers in most homes, accounting for over 50% of total energy use. By installing a heat pump hot water system, households can save up to $400 yearly on electricity. Combining this with rooftop solar increases potential savings to approximately $1,400 annually.

Popularity and Uptake of Heat Pump Systems

The popularity of heat pump systems is on the rise, with more than 700 Victorians applying for the hot water rebate weekly. To date, 20,000 systems have been installed, with significant uptake in regions like Casey, Wyndham, and Greater Geelong.

Statewide Impact and Training Initiatives

Since 2018, over 350,000 Victorian households have benefited from rebates or loans for rooftop solar, home batteries, heat pump hot water systems, and other energy-saving appliances. The government is also investing $11 million in training to upskill plumbers, enhancing the speed and quality of installations across the state.