Solar panel eligibility increased

Eligibility for the State Government's solar panel rebate will be expanded to new homes under construction in a bid to drive down emissions and save money for residents.
Under the changes, eligible Victorians building homes will be able to apply for a rebate of $1400 as well as access a $1400 interest-free loan to install solar panels during construction.
Solar Homes Minister Lily D'Ambrosio announced the eligibility changes to the Solar Homes Program on Wednesday.
"We know energy prices are putting pressure on households - expanding Solar Homes to new builds will help tens of thousands of Victorians save thousands on electricity costs and help us cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030," she said.
"We're putting power back into the hands of Victorian households – driving down energy costs and boosting supply, creating thousands of jobs and cutting solar installation costs for new builds by hundreds.
The government's $1.3 billion Solar Homes Program began in 2018 and has been been used by more than 195,000 Victorian households.
This financial year, there are 64,000 government rebates available for solar PV systems.
Applicants must use a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and install a product included on the approved products list to qualify for the rebate.
For further information, including eligibility criteria, visit solar.vic.gov.au.