The Victorian Government’s Solar Homes program has reached a significant milestone, delivering 2 gigawatts of power across the state as of this month.
This renewable energy output is close to double the amount generated by the Yallourn coal-fired power station and nearly as much as the Loy Yang A power station.
The Solar Homes Program, which represents 13 percent of the total renewable capacity installed in Victoria, has seen 330,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed through rebates and interest-free loans.
These installations have cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.
The last 12 months have been the program’s biggest, with 7873 approved applications last month, including 4435 rooftop solar approvals and 3125 solar hot water approvals.
Under the program, eligible households can access a $1400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1400 interest-free loan, and an additional 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, while combined savings with hot water and heat pump systems can reach up to $1400 a year or at least $1600 with a battery.
The program has seen significant uptake across the state, with Melbourne’s western suburbs leading the way.
Forty-four percent of homes in Tarneit, Truganina, Werribee, and Hoppers Crossing have installed solar. In regional Victoria, Mildura and Shepparton have the highest solar uptake, closely followed by Wodonga, Wangaratta, and Wallan.
Overall, solar is now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes, a significant increase from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.
According to the State Government, the program has also supported 5500 jobs and delivered free training for plumbers and electricians to upskill.
Premier Jacinta Allan praised the program.
“We’re putting money back in the pockets of Victorians – helping save hundreds of thousands of families millions of dollars every year,” she said.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio also expressed her high expectation on the program.
“Our popular Solar Homes program is delivering cheaper renewable energy – slashing power bills and slashing emissions,” she said.
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