Solar Victoria has updated its approved product lists for the Solar Homes Program, reinforcing compliance requirements for installers and retailers participating in Victoria’s flagship rooftop solar, battery and electrification schemes.
The product lists, which cover solar panels, inverters, hot water systems and batteries, determine which systems are eligible for rebates and incentives under the program. Installers are required to ensure that only products appearing on the current approved lists are quoted and installed for rebate-supported jobs.
Solar Victoria has reminded industry that the lists are updated regularly and must be checked before installation. All systems must also comply with the requirements set out in the program’s 2025-26 Notice to Market.
Solar panels and inverters
To qualify for a Solar Homes rebate, both the photovoltaic (PV) modules and inverter must appear on Solar Victoria’s approved product lists.
Solar Victoria confirmed that the Sigenergy 8.0, 10.0 and 12.0 kW SP AU Energy Controllers have been re-listed as eligible inverters following discussions with the manufacturer and regulators, after meeting Victorian regulatory and program standards.
All inverters approved under the program must now be:
- Compliant with IEEE 2030.5-2018
- CSIP-AUS ready (Common Smart Inverter Profile)
- Aligned with the Clean Energy Council’s approved inverter requirements
This smart inverter compliance requirement has been in effect since 1 March 2024, with further inverters to be added as more models complete software certification.
Hot water systems
Solar Victoria has also updated its approved hot water heat pump product lists, including a separate list for systems eligible for the locally made incentive of up to $1,400.
To qualify as ‘locally made,’ products must contain at least 50 per cent locally made or assembled components (they do not need to be 100 per cent Australian-made).
All hot water systems on the approved list must:
- Carry a minimum five-year warranty
- Be tested to AS/NZS 4234:2021
- Use low-GWP refrigerants (below 700)
- Include an integrated or PV-connectable timer to enable daytime solar operation
Manufacturers can apply at any time to have products assessed for local content eligibility.
Battery systems
Solar Victoria confirmed that its interest-free battery loan scheme closed in May 2025 and is no longer accepting new product applications. However, the approved battery product list remains relevant for existing installations and compliance purposes.
The program has already supported more than 20,000 battery installations across Victoria, exceeding its original target of 10,000.
Compliance reminder for installers
Solar Victoria has reiterated that:
- Only products on the approved lists may be installed under rebate programs
- All installations must comply with the Notice to Market 2025–26
- Installers and retailers remain subject to audits and compliance checks
For installers, the update reinforces the need to check product eligibility before quoting or installing systems, particularly as smart inverter requirements and hot water eligibility rules continue to tighten.
The updated product lists and program requirements are available through the Solar Victoria industry portal. For more information, visit the Solar Victoria website.