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The Victorian Solar Rebate rules changed on 1 July 2026. The biggest change is the household income test, which may affect whether you qualify for solar panel and hot water rebates.
Check Eligibility See Rebate AmountsSince 2018, the Victorian Government's Solar Homes Program has helped households reduce the upfront cost of going solar. The program covers rebates for solar panels, hot water and heat pump systems, with separate streams available for apartments and rental properties.
The program has helped make rooftop solar a common feature across Victorian homes.
The headline change is the household income test. The rebate amounts have not been reduced, but fewer households may now qualify.
New combined household income cap
Applications completed by 5pm on 30 June were assessed under the previous $210,000 cap. Applications lodged after that date fall under the new threshold.
If your household income is below the new threshold, the key eligibility requirements are still important to check before applying.
The July 2026 changes did not reduce the available rebate amounts. They changed which households can qualify.
Up to $1,400 off solar panels, plus an optional interest-free loan for the same amount.
Up to $1,000, increasing to $1,400 for locally made products.
Up to $2,800 per apartment, with the program extended to 30 June 2027.
The income cap is not the only policy change worth knowing about.
Solar Victoria has flagged tighter compliance requirements for retailers and solar panel installers, with a focus on better paperwork and installation standards.
New homes are expected to be all-electric from January 2027 under the future policy direction outlined in the source material.
Ageing gas hot water systems are expected to transition to electric alternatives from March 2027.
If your household income is above the current rebate threshold, you can still install solar without the Victorian rebate.
For many Melbourne homes, solar can remain worthwhile because the biggest benefit increasingly comes from using your own solar generation rather than relying on feed-in tariffs.
A correctly sized solar system can reduce electricity bills, particularly when combined with a battery that allows daytime solar generation to be used during the evening.
As feed-in tariffs continue to change, using more of your own solar electricity can become increasingly important to the overall value of your system.
Whether you're applying for a rebate or installing solar without government support, choosing the right retailer and installer is important.
Your installer handles important parts of the process, including quote lodgement, paperwork and the QR code scan required before work starts.
Electron Solar can help check eligibility upfront and manage the compliance process through to installation.
Quote preparation and lodgement.
Help with application requirements.
QR code and compliance steps.
Professional installation support.
Get your eligibility checked and understand your potential savings before moving ahead.
Confirm your household income and property meet the current requirements.
Discuss your solar requirements and understand the potential rebate and savings.
Your retailer can help with the quote lodgement, QR code and compliance requirements.
Rebate settings can change. If you're close to the income threshold or have been considering solar, now is a good time to check your eligibility and understand what you could save.
Get an Obligation-Free ChatCommon questions about the Victorian Solar Rebate 2026 changes.
Electron Solar can help you understand whether you qualify, what you could save and what the application process involves.
Call Electron Solar Get a Free Quote