THE state government’s Solar Homes program has delivered almost as much power across the state as Loy Yang A, and almost double generated by Yallourn.
The government said the program has seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed through rebates and interest-free loans. The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7873 approved applications last month – including 4435 rooftop solar approvals and 3125 solar hot water approvals.
“The Allan Labor government has helped thousands of families slash an annual $279 million off their energy bills – with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, thanks to our Solar Homes program,” the government said in a media release.
“And as of this month, Solar Homes has delivered two gigawatts of power across Victoria – close to double the amount generated by Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.
“The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state, with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.”
Eligible households can access a $1400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3800 from upfront installation costs.
Customers who maximise their solar can save around $1000 each year on their energy bill. Combined with hot water, heat pump savings can be up to $1400 a year, or at least $1600 with a battery.
“Our popular Solar Homes program is delivering cheaper renewable energy – slashing power bills and slashing emissions,” Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio said.
The state government says that solar is now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes – an increase from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.
“We’re putting money back in the pockets of Victorians – helping save hundreds of thousands of families millions of dollars every year,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
