{"id":27260,"date":"2019-01-21T06:06:25","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T19:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=27260"},"modified":"2019-01-21T06:10:50","modified_gmt":"2019-01-20T19:40:50","slug":"solar-homes-rebate-update-mb0905","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/solar-homes-rebate-update-mb0905\/","title":{"rendered":"The Latest On Victoria’s Solar Homes Rebate"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Victoria<\/a>

Image: MariaGodfrida<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The Victorian Government shed some light on uptake of its popular solar power incentive on Friday.<\/p>\n

The Solar Homes Package<\/a> was launched in August 2018, with the first stage offering rebates of up to $2,225 to support the installation of solar power systems on 24,000 homes or until June 30 this year \u2013 whichever of the two comes first. That’s in addition to Australia’s major solar subsidy<\/a> and any other scheme an applicant is eligible for.<\/p>\n

A $1,000 rebate on solar hot water systems for 6,000 households will also be available up until June 30th; but the application process for that aspect still yet to open.<\/p>\n

The Victorian Government says<\/a> close to 7,000 households have installed solar power systems since the scheme was launched last year, amounting to more than $3.4 million in rebates – but that doesn’t add up. But it then goes on to say that only approximately 1,600 households had already received a rebate, “with many more solar installation projects underway”.<\/p>\n

I’m assuming this means ~7,000 systems have been installed under the scheme to date (Clean Energy Regulator numbers seem to support this), ~1,600 have received their rebate, ~5,400 eligible participants are yet to receive it – and there’s plenty of other interest. But it’s also possible some of the 7,000 systems mentioned aren’t covered under the scheme, i.e. ineligible for whatever reason or the purchaser hasn’t bothered with applying (which would be odd).\u00a0 It’s also not clear how many initial eligibility applications have been approved or are currently in the processing queue – there could be quite a backlog.<\/p>\n

The Solar Homes Package Process<\/h2>\n

The way the process works<\/a> is after the applicant has initially checked their eligibility and then selected an installer<\/a> who has also supplied a solar provider statement, the applicant needs to submit proof of eligibility to Solar Victoria. This takes 3-4 weeks for processing and Solar Victoria advises payments for a system should not be made during this time. If it is determined the applicant is eligible, an eligibility number and a link to apply for the rebate after the system is installed is provided.\u00a0 However, clearing this stage does not mean that the applicant will definitely be paid a rebate.<\/p>\n

After installation, and this could be months later given the amount of work some installers have on their books, the applicant needs to submit the required documentation in order to be paid the rebate – and the documentation needs to pass muster.<\/p>\n

Processing time for this aspect is currently noted as 3 – 4 weeks but is “indicative only”. Solar Victoria notes it is experiencing a high volume of applications.\u00a0 Assuming the rebate is approved, it will then take another 2 – 3 weeks for the rebate to be paid.<\/p>\n

Between initially submitting for an eligibility number and actually getting the rebate could be four to five months – or even longer.<\/p>\n

As mentioned, this first tranche of the Solar Homes Package is funded until June the 30th 2019 or for 24,000 solar power<\/a> system installations – whichever comes first.\u00a0It’s not clear (to me anyway) what happens in the case where someone has an eligibility number and doesn’t get a system installed for some months – could they potentially miss out if others pile in with their rebate application beforehand? However, it may be a case of once 24,000 eligibility numbers are issued, no more will follow and perhaps a waiting list implemented in case some with numbers drop off.<\/p>\n

But even if this first stage of the rebate runs out prior to June 30; from July the program will be expanded and offer the rebate plus the option of an interest-free loan that runs over four years. It’s possible eligibility may be backdated to cover folks who missed out prior to the June 30\/24,000 system deadline. Again, just a guess.<\/p>\n

$1.4 Billion+ Scheme<\/h2>\n

All up, funding for the Solar Homes Package consists of:<\/p>\n