2026 Victoria Solar Rebate: Application Process, Eligibility & Save up to $1,400

Eligibility, Application Process, and Savings

Written by Jacob. Last reviewed 2026. See our methodology for details.

The Victorian Solar Homes Program offers a discount of up to $1,400 on solar panels^[1]. The exact amount and maximum cap are subject to change, so always check the Solar Victoria website for the most current information. You can also add an interest-free loan for the same amount. This rebate makes solar more affordable. Read on for eligibility details, how to apply, and how to combine it with federal incentives.

The rebate is capped at $1,400 and is applied after the federal STC discount has been deducted from the system cost. Your installer calculates the final amount after applying other discounts, including federal STCs. You can also choose an interest-free loan for the same amount as the rebate. For the owner-occupier stream, you must be an owner-occupier with combined household taxable income of less than $210,000 per year. Rental providers have separate eligibility rules. Select the loan option when applying for the rebate.^[1]

Eligibility Requirements

Unlike the federal STC scheme, the Solar Homes Program limits eligibility based on owner-occupier status, income, property value, and prior solar installations. For example, the Victorian program requires you to be the owner-occupier, caps income at less than $210,000, and does not allow rebates at properties that have had solar in the last 10 years.^[1] Federal STCs are not based on household income, property value, or owner-occupier status; they are calculated using system eligibility, capacity, location, and installation timing.^[3] Specifically, Solar Victoria requires:

• You must be the owner-occupier (or owner of a home under construction)
• Combined household taxable income of less than $210,000 per year
• Property value under $3 million
• The address has not received a solar panel or battery rebate under this program before
• No solar system installed at the address in the last 10 years
• Must use an authorised Solar Victoria retailer and eligible products

Rental properties and community housing organisations are also eligible under separate streams.^[2] If you move house and received a rebate at your old address, you can apply again at your new one as an owner-occupier if the new property has not previously received these rebates.

Interest-Free Loan Eligibility

For the owner-occupier stream, you must meet these criteria:

• Be the owner-occupier of the property
• Combined household taxable income (income after deductions, as reported to the ATO) of less than $210,000 per year
• Select the loan option when applying for the rebate. This is critical: you must choose it during the application process.
• Set up direct debit for the loan repayments

Rental providers should refer to Solar Victoria's rental property rules. Community housing organisations should refer to the separate community housing rebate rules.^[2]

If your rebate application is approved and you meet the eligibility criteria above, you may qualify for an interest-free loan equal to the rebate amount, up to $1,400. To qualify, you must select the loan option during the application process. For example, if your approved rebate is $1,000, the loan is $1,000. The loan is repaid over 4 years at 0% interest. Direct debit is required. There are no early repayment penalties^[5]. For a $1,400 loan, monthly repayment is $29.17 over 48 months.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the rebate^[1]:

• Find an authorised solar retailer through the Solar Victoria website
• Get a written quote — the retailer uploads it to the portal
• Get pre-approval from your DNSP to connect and export to the grid
• Upload your paperwork: ID, income proof, and property ownership
• Wait for Solar Victoria to confirm eligibility and send your QR code
• Have the installer scan the QR code on installation day before starting work
• Install within 120 days (existing home) or 270 days (under construction)

Install only after receiving approval. If you install before, you forfeit the rebate.

Combined Federal and State Discount Example

Here is a worked example for a typical Melbourne home installing a 6.6kW system in 2026. The federal STC discount varies; use the Clean Energy Regulator's STC calculator to estimate yours.^[6] After the STC discount, the Victorian rebate covers 50% of the remaining cost, up to $1,400. For instance, if the remaining cost after STCs is $2,800, you receive the full $1,400 rebate. Your out-of-pocket cost is then $1,400. If you also take the interest-free loan for $1,400, your upfront cost is $0. Repay over 4 years at $29.17 per month. Your actual numbers will vary based on installer pricing and current STC prices.

Your numbers will vary depending on the installer, system size, and exact pricing. For a detailed breakdown, see our federal solar rebate guide.

Rebate Availability and Timing

Rebate rounds are announced on the Solar Victoria website. Check there for current round dates and available rebates. Apply once your quote and eligibility documents are ready.

Do not sit on an approved application. Once you have your QR code, get the system installed within the 120-day window. The rebate does not lock in indefinitely.

What About Solar Batteries?

As of 2026, Solar Victoria is no longer taking applications for interest-free solar battery loans.^[2] The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has supported eligible battery systems installed on or after 1 July 2025, offering around a 30% discount on eligible small-scale battery systems connected to new or existing rooftop solar.^[4] To qualify, you need an existing solar system or install one simultaneously. Our Victorian battery rebate guide covers eligibility, application, and savings.

Check your eligibility now and use our bill upload tool above to see your potential savings.