By Deanne Jeffers
A NEW report shows that the Shepparton region has become the leader in solar uptake in the state. More than half of all eligible homes in the postcode 3631 area have taken advantage of the Victorian government’s Solar Homes Program, which offers rebates and no-interest loans to help households install solar panels and cut energy bills.
The Solar Homes Program, which was introduced in 2018, has already helped boost household solar use from 14 to 27 percent across Victoria. Under the program, eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest-free loan, and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system, cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.
With more than half of eligible homes in Shepparton taking up the offer, it has become the state’s leading solar city, surpassing even some suburban areas in Melbourne. Other areas with high solar uptake include Cranbourne, Craigieburn, Kalkallo, north and east Bendigo, and the Wodonga area.
The Victorian government’s Solar on Public Buildings Program has also been successful, with more than 200 public buildings now equipped with solar systems installed. The program has helped reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 2,000 tonnes and saved volunteer committees more than $358,000 on their electricity bills.
The Solar Homes Program and the Solar on Public Buildings Program are part of the Victorian government’s efforts to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2045. The programs have also helped create jobs and support the growth of the renewable energy industry in the state.
Acting Premier Jacinta Allan has praised the success of the Solar Homes Program, saying, “We’re helping record numbers of Victorians switch to solar, which is great news both for their energy bills, for jobs and for the environment.”
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has encouraged more households to take advantage of the program, saying, “For anyone still considering installing solar, there has never been a better time to take the next step.”
For more information on the Solar Homes Program and to apply, visit solar.vic.gov.au.
