Another $15.3 Million For Renewables And Energy Efficiency In Victoria

Image: Bru-nO

Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio has unveiled a new package of renewable investments and regional renewable energy roadmaps.

Designed to build on the state’s popular Solar Homes rebate initiative, the new $15.3 million investment package consists of:

• $10.3 million for energy efficiency and affordability improvements for sports clubs and community halls – this include solar panel installations on public buildings on crown land.
• $4 million to fund energy efficiency upgrades for hot water systems and lighting in high-rise public housing  properties across the state.
•  $1 million for assisting communities deliver renewable energy projects; including installing solar panels at child care centres, community buildings or health facilities.

The latter, which was actually announced on Thursday, will occur under round 5 of the New Energy Jobs Fund (NEJF).

Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps Released

The announcement coincided with the release of renewable energy roadmaps for each of Victoria’s five regions, which can be viewed here:

• Barwon South West
• Grampians
• Loddon Mallee
• Gippsland
• Hume

Each roadmap provides region-specific information to business, industry and communities seeking to establish or boost new energy technology development, manufacturing or renewable energy generation.

Solar Homes Update

Minister D’Ambrosio also stated more than 79,000 Victorians have installed subsidised solar panels, batteries and solar hot water systems since the program kicked off in 2018.

“Our investment in renewable energy and solar panels will create jobs and help reduce power bills,” said the Minister. “Solar panels delivering significant savings for Victorians – particularly at the moment, with people staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus.”

Here on SolarQuotes, we saw a significant uptick of interest in solar PV in April, and that has continued on into May.

There are still plenty of VIC subsidies up for grabs – as at early this morning, the Solar Victoria website indicates there are 6,229 rebates for solar panels still available in this round. The subsidy is currently up to a value of $1,888 or 50% of the price of a solar power system – whichever is lowest – and is in addition to the national “solar rebate“. In July, it will drop – but only by $38 to $1,850. Optional no-interest loans are and will still be available, matching the rebate amount.

You can learn more about the Victorian Solar Homes rebate here.